How Much Does a Panel Upgrade Cost in Wisconsin? (2026)

What Does a Panel Upgrade Cost in Wisconsin?

If your Wisconsin home still runs on a 60-amp or 100-amp electrical panel, you have probably noticed the limitations. Tripped breakers, dimming lights when the dryer kicks on, and the inability to add modern conveniences like EV chargers or hot tubs are all signs that your panel is overdue for an upgrade. But the first question most Racine, Kenosha, and Milwaukee-area homeowners ask is simple: how much will it cost?

The short answer is that a panel upgrade in southeastern Wisconsin typically costs between $1,800 and $5,500, depending on the amperage, condition of your existing wiring, and the scope of work involved. Below, we break down exactly what drives those numbers so you can budget with confidence.

Panel Upgrade Costs by Amperage

The biggest factor in your final price is the amperage of the new panel. Here is what Wisconsin homeowners can expect in 2026:

• 100-amp panel upgrade: $1,800 – $2,800. This is increasingly rare as a destination panel since most modern homes need at least 200 amps, but it may make sense for a small home or detached garage.
• 200-amp panel upgrade: $2,500 – $4,500. This is the most common upgrade for single-family homes in Racine, Kenosha, Burlington, and the surrounding area. A 200-amp panel comfortably supports central air, electric ranges, EV chargers, and home office equipment.
• 400-amp panel or dual 200-amp panels: $4,500 – $8,000+. Larger homes, hobby shops with welders, or properties adding major loads like heated pools or multiple EV chargers may need 400-amp service. This typically involves coordination with We Energies or Alliant Energy for a service entrance upgrade.

What Factors Affect the Price?

Two homes on the same street in Union Grove can receive very different quotes. Here are the most common variables:

Age and Condition of Existing Wiring

If your home was built before 1970, there is a good chance the wiring between the meter and the panel — and possibly the wiring throughout the house — needs attention. Corroded connections, undersized conductors, and outdated grounding all add labor and materials to the job.

Meter Base and Service Entrance

Upgrading from 100 amps to 200 amps almost always requires a new meter base and service entrance cable. Your utility company (We Energies in much of SE Wisconsin) will need to disconnect and reconnect power, and they have specific requirements for the mast, weatherhead, and meter socket. Coordinating this adds a few hundred dollars to the project.

Permit and Inspection Fees

Wisconsin requires an electrical permit for panel upgrades. In Racine County, permit fees for a service upgrade typically run $75 to $150. The City of Kenosha, Village of Mount Pleasant, and other municipalities each set their own fee schedules. A licensed electrician handles the permit application and schedules the required inspection, so you do not need to visit the building department yourself.

Panel Location and Accessibility

A panel in an unfinished basement with clear access is straightforward. A panel buried behind drywall in a finished room, or one that needs to be relocated to meet current code clearance requirements, will cost more. Wisconsin code (based on the 2020 NEC, with local amendments) requires at least 36 inches of clear working space in front of the panel.

Additional Circuits

Many homeowners add new circuits during a panel upgrade — a dedicated line for an EV charger, a home office circuit, or whole-house surge protection. Bundling this work with the panel upgrade is more cost-effective than scheduling a separate visit.

Do I Really Need a Panel Upgrade?

Not every electrical problem requires a new panel. Sometimes a breaker replacement or a dedicated circuit solves the issue. But you almost certainly need an upgrade if:

• Your panel is a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic — these brands have documented safety issues and are frequently flagged by insurance companies.
• You have a fuse box instead of circuit breakers.
• Your home has 60-amp or 100-amp service and you are adding major loads (EV charger, central AC, hot tub, workshop).
• You see signs of overheating: discolored breakers, a warm panel cover, or a burning smell near the panel.
• Your insurance company is requiring an upgrade — this is increasingly common in Wisconsin for older panels.

ROI: Is a Panel Upgrade Worth It?

A panel upgrade is one of the few home improvements that pays for itself in multiple ways. You get increased safety, the ability to add modern electrical loads, and improved home value. Real estate agents in the Racine-Kenosha market report that a modern 200-amp panel is a selling point, while an outdated fuse box or recalled panel brand can delay or derail a sale.

If your insurance company is requiring the upgrade, the math is even simpler: the cost of the upgrade is far less than losing your homeowner's coverage.

What to Expect During the Process

A typical panel upgrade in Wisconsin follows this timeline:

• Day 1: Your electrician pulls the permit, coordinates with the utility company, and schedules the work.
• Installation day: The work itself usually takes 6 to 10 hours. Power will be off for a portion of the day — plan accordingly.
• Inspection: A municipal inspector verifies the work meets Wisconsin electrical code. Your electrician schedules this.
• Utility reconnection: We Energies or your local utility reconnects the meter, and you are up and running at full capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a panel upgrade take?

Most panel upgrades are completed in a single day, typically 6 to 10 hours of on-site work. If the service entrance or meter base also needs replacement, or if there are complications with older wiring, the work may extend into a second day. Your electrician will give you a clear timeline before starting.

Will my power be off all day during the upgrade?

Power will be off for a portion of the day — usually 4 to 8 hours — but not necessarily the entire time. Your electrician can often stage materials and prep work with the power on, then coordinate the outage for the actual changeover. Plan to be without power for at least half the day.

Does a panel upgrade increase my home's value?

Yes. A modern 200-amp panel is expected by buyers and home inspectors. Homes with outdated panels, especially recalled brands like Federal Pacific, often face price reductions or repair credits during the sale process. The upgrade typically recoups 50 to 70 percent of its cost at resale, plus it eliminates a common deal-breaker during inspections.

Ready to upgrade your panel? Call Couillard Electric at (262) 618-2851 for a free estimate. We serve Racine, Kenosha, Burlington, Union Grove, Mount Pleasant, and the surrounding communities.