Step 1
Evaluate the existing system
We review panel condition, service rating, available spaces, installed loads and the equipment the property needs to support.
Electrical Services
Electrical Panel Upgrades & Replacement
An electrical panel is the heart of a home or building’s electrical system. We evaluate aging, obsolete or undersized panels and provide honest recommendations for upgrades or replacement, sized correctly for your current and future electrical needs.
A panel upgrade or replacement should be based on the condition of the existing equipment, the electrical load it serves and the property’s present and planned needs. Sunshine Electric evaluates those factors together before recommending a scope of work.
Capacity & Condition
A Panel Upgrade Starts With an Evaluation
The equipment’s condition, the property’s electrical load and planned additions determine whether panel replacement, a service upgrade or a more limited correction is appropriate. Sunshine Electric explains the distinction before work begins.
Signs You May Need Electrical Panel Upgrades & Replacement
- The panel is aging, damaged, obsolete or lacks room for planned circuits
- Breakers trip repeatedly or there are signs of overheating or deterioration
- A renovation, addition or major appliance changes the electrical load
- An EV charger or other new equipment may require more capacity
- An insurer or inspection has identified electrical equipment that needs evaluation
These signs do not diagnose a specific condition on their own. A licensed electrician can evaluate the property and recommend the appropriate next step.
What to Expect
Step 2
Plan the correct scope
A panel replacement changes distribution equipment; a service upgrade increases service capacity. Some projects involve one, while others may require both.
Step 3
Coordinate requirements
When permits, utility coordination or inspections apply, those requirements are incorporated into project planning.
Step 4
Install and identify circuits
Professional installation includes the new equipment, required connections and a clear circuit directory, followed by applicable inspection and verification.
What Customers Should Know
Capacity is based on load requirements
A larger number on a panel is not automatically the right solution. Existing and planned electrical loads should be evaluated to determine appropriate capacity.
Panel replacement and service upgrades are related but different
Replacing outdated panel equipment does not always change the incoming service capacity. A service upgrade addresses available capacity and may include additional components and utility coordination.
Planning for an EV charger
Charger specifications, available panel capacity and the home’s other loads should be reviewed together. The result may be a dedicated circuit, load-management approach or capacity upgrade depending on the property.
Permits and inspections
Panel and service work commonly requires permits and inspection. The exact process depends on the property’s jurisdiction and project scope.
When a Panel May Need Professional Evaluation
- Aging or obsolete electrical equipment
- Repeated breaker problems or breakers that won’t reset
- Insufficient electrical capacity for current or planned use
- Renovations or additions
- EV charger installation requiring additional capacity
- Electrical service upgrades
- Insurance-related electrical requirements
Experience With Older Equipment
Some homes and businesses in Palm Beach and Martin Counties still have older electrical panels, including equipment manufactured by brands such as Federal Pacific, Challenger and Zinsco/Sylvania. Age and service history — not brand name alone — determine whether a panel warrants professional evaluation.
We evaluate the actual condition of your equipment and provide an honest, code-conscious recommendation. We don’t declare every panel from a given manufacturer unsafe — we assess it and explain what we find.
Warranty Protection
Qualifying panel upgrades and installations are backed by our 3-year workmanship warranty; repair work is backed by our 1-year workmanship warranty. Warranty terms apply to our workmanship and do not imply that every manufacturer component automatically carries an extended manufacturer warranty.
Common Questions About Electrical Panel Upgrades & Replacement
How do I know whether I need a panel replacement or a service upgrade?
A panel may need replacement because of condition, age, compatibility or space. A service upgrade is considered when available capacity is insufficient. An on-site evaluation distinguishes between the two.
Is a 200 amp panel upgrade right for every home?
No. The appropriate service size depends on calculated load, existing service components, planned equipment and applicable requirements. Capacity should be selected from those facts rather than a one-size-fits-all assumption.
Can a panel upgrade prepare my home for an EV charger?
It can when additional capacity is actually needed, but the charger and the home’s existing loads must be evaluated first. Some homes already have suitable capacity, while others need a different solution.
How long does panel replacement take?
Timing varies with the equipment, project scope, permitting, inspection and any utility coordination. Sunshine Electric explains the expected sequence after evaluating the property.
Should an older panel be replaced based only on its brand?
No. Brand and service history can inform an evaluation, but actual condition, compatibility, loading and project needs should determine the recommendation.
Service Throughout Palm Beach & Martin Counties
Sunshine Electric provides electrical panel upgrades & replacement in legitimate communities throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County. Visit our electrical service areas page for community details and local planning context.
