Electrical Panel Upgrades for EV Charging in San Jose
Many San Jose homes — especially those built before the 1990s — have 100-amp electrical panels that are already close to capacity before an EV charger is added. If your panel can't support a new 240V circuit, a panel upgrade gets your home ready for EV charging safely and to code, and often makes room for future additions like a heat pump or induction range as well.
Signs You May Need a Panel Upgrade
Your panel is rated 100 amps or less
Your panel still uses fuses instead of breakers
Breakers trip when multiple large appliances run at once
You already run central AC, an electric range, and other high-draw appliances
A load calculation shows no room for a new EV charging circuit
We Confirm Before We Upgrade
We don't sell panel upgrades by default. Every project starts with a real load calculation based on your home's actual electrical usage — if there's room for a dedicated EV circuit on your existing panel, we'll say so. If not, we'll explain your options, including a full panel upgrade or a load-management device that can share existing capacity instead of requiring new capacity.
What a Panel Upgrade Involves
Permit application with the City of San Jose
Coordination with PG&E if a service upgrade is also needed
Installation of a new panel (typically 200 amps)
Rewiring of existing circuits into the new panel
Final inspection and utility sign-off
Older Homes Need Extra Care
Homes built before the 1990s sometimes have aluminum wiring, undersized service entrances, or outdated grounding that need to be addressed alongside the panel itself. We inspect the full system before recommending an upgrade path, so you're not caught off guard by additional work once the panel is opened up.
Rebate Programs Covering Panel Upgrades
Some income-qualified programs, including PG&E's Residential Charging Solutions Rebate Plus tier, put money toward panel upgrade costs when paired with EV charger installation. We'll check current eligibility with you as part of your free quote.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?
The only reliable way is a load calculation, which we perform for free as part of every quote. Panel amperage alone doesn't tell the full story — what matters is how much capacity is actually available after your existing appliances are accounted for.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in a single day, though permitting and PG&E coordination can add time before the installation date.
Is there a cheaper alternative to a full panel upgrade?
Sometimes. Load-management devices can allow an EV charger to safely share power with existing circuits without requiring a full panel upgrade. We'll tell you honestly if this is an option for your home.
Will my power be shut off during the upgrade?
Yes, briefly. PG&E or our crew will need to disconnect power while the new panel is installed and connected. We schedule this for a time that works for you and let you know roughly how long to expect the outage.
Get In Touch
Email:
Address
San Jose, CA
Assistance Hours
Mon – Sat 9:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday – CLOSED
Phone Number: 408-512-2575
