Specialty Electric upgrades and replaces electrical panels in homes across San Diego County. Whether you need a bigger panel depends on a load calculation: what your home uses now plus what you want to add, such as an EV charger, a heat pump or an ADU. Sometimes the existing service has room and sometimes it doesn't. When the job needs a permit, we pull it, and every quote is free.
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What we do
We replace old electrical panels and upgrade panels for homes that need more capacity. Every job is quoted before we start, and the quote is free.
Do you need a bigger panel?
Not always. A load calculation compares what your home already draws with what you want to add. If the existing service has room, a new circuit may be all you need.
SDG&E says many customers can add electric appliances or EV charging without a full panel or service upgrade, and lists options such as load management, smart technology that controls when energy is used, and meter socket adapters for some new loads like EV chargers. If you are planning an ADU, read our guide to ADU electrical requirements in California.
Permits and SDG&E
In the City of San Diego, replacing existing wiring or electrical equipment needs an Electrical Permit, and the City issues it only to a licensed contractor or the property owner. Specialty Electric holds California C-10 license #1113915, and when your job needs a permit, we pull it.
If the service line from SDG&E to your home has to be upsized, that is a request to SDG&E, made through its My Project Center, where you can follow the status and timeline.
What to expect
- Permits
- When your job needs a permit, we pull it.
- Time on site
- It depends on the job. The panel work itself is usually done in a day. If SDG&E has to upsize the service line to your home, that part runs on SDG&E's schedule.
- Price
- Every job is quoted before we start. The price depends on how difficult the labor is, how long it takes, and the cost of materials.
- Guarantee
- We guarantee our labor for life. Period.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a panel upgrade cost in San Diego?
Every job is quoted before we start, and the quote is free, so we don't publish a flat price. Three things set it: how difficult the labor is, how long the job takes, and the cost of the panel and materials. Whether SDG&E has to upsize your service also changes the scope. Call or use the form below for a quote.
How do I know if my panel is too small?
A load calculation tells you. It adds up what your home already uses and what you want to add, such as an EV charger, a heat pump, an electric range or an ADU, and compares that with your panel and service. Many homes have room; some need a bigger panel or service.
Do I need a permit to replace an electrical panel in San Diego?
In the City of San Diego, yes: replacing existing wiring or electrical equipment needs an Electrical Permit, issued only to a licensed contractor or the property owner. When your job needs a permit, we pull it.
Can I add an EV charger without upgrading my panel?
Often, yes. SDG&E says many customers can add EV charging without a full panel or service upgrade, using options such as load management or a meter socket adapter for some chargers. Whether that works depends on your home's load, so ask us to look at your panel when we quote.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
The panel work itself is usually done in a day. The full timeline depends on the job: the permit and inspection, and, if your service line has to be upsized, SDG&E's schedule for its part. We give you the expected time with the quote.