Panel upgrades
Panel upgrades for older San Diego homes
Many San Diego homes still run on panels designed for a different decade of appliances. We assess the load, recommend the right capacity, and bring the service up to current code — with the wall patched and finished, not left torn open.
- 15+ years experience
- Insured
- Panel + stucco patch combo
What a panel upgrade solves
Older panels weren't built for induction ranges, heat pumps, EV chargers, and home offices all running at once. The symptoms are usually the same.
- Recurring breaker trips when the AC, dryer, or EV charger kicks on
- Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic panels flagged by inspectors or insurers
- Not enough capacity to add an EV charger, heat pump, or ADU
- Code-compliance gaps surfacing during a sale or remodel
- Scorching, buzzing, or warm breakers — signs the panel is past its service life
- Open walls after a panel swap that another electrician won't patch
How it works
Our 3-step process.
On-site evaluation and load calc
We inspect the existing panel and service, run a load calculation that accounts for what you have today plus what you want to add (EV, heat pump, ADU), and tell you in plain language what capacity actually makes sense.
Transparent plan and quote
You get a fixed-scope estimate that explains every line — service size, breaker type, permit, inspection, and the stucco or drywall patch. No mystery line items, no upsell on the day of.
Install, inspection, and walkthrough
We schedule the SDG&E disconnect, install the new panel to code, coordinate the inspection, and patch the wall behind it. Then we walk you through every breaker so you know exactly what's on the new service.
Why homeowners pick CaliSpark for panel work
One contractor, start to finish
Most electricians swap the panel and leave the stucco patch to you. Our Panel + Stucco Patch Combo finishes the wall on the same job — no second contractor, no coordination headaches.
Built around what you're adding next
We size the service for the EV charger, heat pump, or ADU you're planning — not just for today's load. The panel you install now should still fit your house in ten years.
Plain-language explanation, every step
We explain what we're doing and why, every step of the way. Load calc, breaker selection, permit, inspection — all in language you can follow.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
A standard residential panel upgrade is typically a one-day job, plus a separate window for the SDG&E disconnect and the inspection. We'll walk you through the schedule before any work begins so you know when the power will be off.
Do you pull permits?
Yes. Panel upgrades require a permit and an inspection in every San Diego County jurisdiction we work in. We handle the permit, schedule the inspection, and meet the inspector on-site.
What is the Panel + Stucco Patch Combo?
When a panel is swapped, the stucco or drywall around it usually has to be cut open. Most electricians leave that hole for you to fix. We finish the wall as part of the same job, so you don't have to find and schedule a separate contractor.
Will my new panel support an EV charger or heat pump?
It depends on your service size and what else is on the panel. That's what the load calculation is for — we'll tell you upfront whether the panel you're considering has the headroom for an EV charger, heat pump, or both.
Are you insured?
Yes. We're an insured, owner-operated electrical contractor with 15+ years of experience serving San Diego County.
Service area
Where we work.
Also serving
- La Jolla
- Carlsbad
- Encinitas
- Del Mar
- Poway
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
HQ in San Diego, CA
Schedule a panel evaluation
We'll inspect your existing service, run a load calc, and give you a fixed-scope quote — including the wall patch — before any work begins. Call (619) 815-2838 or request a free quote.