Electric Panel Upgrade

Permits, Requirements, and Fees

A building permit is required for most electrical projects. On this page you will find application forms, fee schedules and information, as well as additional information you may need to submit prior to obtaining a building permit or starting work.

City building permits are handled by the Development Services Department.

Building permit information can be found on our Building Permits webpage.

When an electric panel is upgraded, the new panel’s location must comply with City electric-service requirements. These requirements include but are not limited to the following (from the section on Metering and Service Equipment, Metering Locations):

Electric panel meter socket must be installed between 48 inches and 75 inches above final grade.
Electric panel may not be installed above or next to gas meter. The edge of the panel must be located no less than 36 inches from the gas riser piping and regulator.
Electric panel must be installed at a minimum clearance of 8 inches from a window or any obstruction.

When working with an electrician on a panel upgrade project, select an electric panel configuration that will accommodate your needs in the future as well as today. For example, if your electric service from the utility is currently above ground, be sure that your new electric panel is compatible with possible future undergrounding of your electric service.

Whether your electric service is overhead or underground, circumstances may occur in which an electric panel upgrade results in additional services such as modifying overhead service connections or underground electrical conduits and wiring. This work requires Utilities Engineering site visits and fees. Be sure to consider these fees prior to paying other fees in case costs become prohibitive and your plans to proceed with electrical upgrade projects change. A summary of Utilities Engineering fees can be found in the Electric Service Connection Rate Schedule E-15(PDF, 109KB).

For assistance with understanding which projects require Utilities Engineering services and any associated fees, please contact Utilities Engineering directly:

Phone: (650) 566-4500
Email: utilities.engineering@cityofpaloalto.org

Determine if You Need to Upgrade Your Electric Panel

Step 1.Assess your need for an electric panel upgrade

With strategic planning and savvy equipment choices, you may be able to avoid a costly panel upgrade, which can be a long and complicated process.

There are some situations where a panel upgrade cannot be avoided, including addressing safety concerns or capacity limitations of older panels.

In most cases, a 200-amp panel will be adequate to meet your home's needs. In some cases, a 100-amp panel can serve a fully electric home.

Step 2.Consider alternatives to upgrading your panel

Electric panel upgrades can be time-intensive and costly, we strongly encourage you to consider alternatives.

If your panel capacity is too low (in Amps)

Consider:

Installing circuit sharing technology
Looking for low amperage equipment, e.g. a Level 1 EV charger uses a standard household outlet with average amp rating of 12 amps, while a Level 2 EV charger requires a 240V circuit and can potentially uses up to 60 amps
Installing a smart panel

If your existing panel is space constrained and has no spare breaker space

Install a subpanel
Install tandem circuit breakers

If you have a Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania panel that was installed during or before the 1970s, you should replace your panel, since they are known fire hazards. Similarly, if your panel shows signs of rust or other damages, a panel replacement is likely necessary.

Estimate the size of your homes' panel needs with this Watt Diet Calculator.

Step 3.The panel upgrade is deemed unavoidable

If you've determine that you need an electric panel upgrade, it is recommended that you engage the services of a licensed electrician with experience in Palo Alto to confirm the upgrade is needed and to perform the electrical work. Soliciting bids from multiple contractors can help provide you with options to get the expertise and quality that you need.

To move forward with an electric panel upgrade, you and your electrician must follow the directions outlined on the New Connection or Upgrades to Utilities page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my project require an electric panel upgrade?

Whether or not your project requires an electric panel upgrade depends on the amount of current (measured in amps) that your existing electric panel can handle, as well as the amps that will be required by your new appliance(s). The majority of older (built before 2000) homes in Palo Alto have 100 amp electric panels. These 100 amp panels are usually fine when it comes to handling the baseline electrical requirements of the home – existing lighting and appliances – which typically require about 60 to 80 amps when operating together. Many times, strategic and creative approaches can be used to reduce the need for a panel upgrade.

Is the cost of an electric panel upgrade eligible for a federal tax credit? 

When combined with an efficiency or solar project, the cost of an electric panel upgrade may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Consult with your tax advisor.

If I’m installing solar, do I need a panel upgrade?

You are not required to upgrade your electric panel when installing rooftop solar. However, it may be that your existing electric panel does not have enough available breakers required by a solar installation, and adding solar may be a good opportunity to upgrade your electric-service panel to accommodate future electricity needs. Some solar installers include the cost of an electric panel upgrade in the solar project cost, and panel upgrades that are part of a solar installation may be eligible for federal tax credits.

What is the basis for the codes and standards for electric panel placement? 

When an electric panel is upgraded, it must meet all City codes and standards related to electric panels. The City of Palo Alto uses the National Electrical Code (NEC) as the basis for all city electrical codes. The NEC is part of the National Fire Codes series published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a private trade association. These codes are typically adopted by states and municipalities in an effort to standardize the enforcement of safe electrical practices.