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:

Determine if You Need to Upgrade Your Electric Panel

Step 1.Assess your need for an electric panel upgrade

With strategic planning and smart equipment choices, you may be able to avoid a costly panel upgrade.

Learn how to electrify your home without upsizing your electrical panel.

Some homes may still require a panel upgrade due to safety concerns or capacity limitations. Electrical panels should be evaluated by a licensed electrician before starting home electrification projects. Certain older panels, including Federal Pacific Electric (FPE), Zinsco, Challenger, Pushmatic, GTE-Sylvania, and some Schneider Electric models, may pose fire or shock hazards.

In most cases, a 200-amp panel will be adequate to meet your home's needs. Depending on your home's electrical usage and appliance choices, many fully electric homes may be able to operate with a 100-amp panel.

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), you can install circuit sharing technology; select high efficiency and lower power equipment, for example, a “Level 1” EV charger that uses a standard household outlet, instead of a fast charger; or install an energy management device, such as a smart panel.

If your existing panel is space constrained and has no spare breaker space, you can install a subpanel or use tandem circuit breakers. 

Learn how to electrify your home without upsizing your electrical panel.

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

Step 3.The panel upgrade is deemed unavoidable

If you've determined 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

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

Federal tax credits expired on December 31, 2025. City of Palo Alto Utilities continues to offer residents rebates to help electrify their homes.

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. Learn more about installing solar at your home.

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.

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