Seattle's older homes — Craftsmans, Tudors, mid-century ramblers — often have 100-amp panels that are already full. We'll tell you honestly whether you need a full upgrade, or whether a $500 load-management device solves it.
A monitoring device throttles your charger for the few minutes your dryer or range is running, letting a 100-amp panel legally and safely support Level 2 charging. Adds $400–$900 to a standard install — often the smartest money in this whole category.
The full solution: new 200-amp panel, clean re-termination of every circuit, and headroom for future loads like a heat pump or induction range. $2,500–$4,500 depending on meter base and service drop condition. We coordinate the shutoff with Seattle City Light.
For detached garages, a sub-panel with trenched conduit is often better than a single long circuit — it powers the charger now and the shop tools later. $1,800–$4,000 depending on trench distance.
Which one do you need? That's what the free load calculation answers. Send us a photo of your panel with the door open and we'll usually tell you the same day.
Site evaluation and load calculation · permit through Seattle DCI or your city · utility coordination for the meter pull and re-set · new Square D, Eaton, or Siemens panel matched to your existing wiring · clean re-termination and labeling of every circuit · meter base replacement when needed · your new EV charger circuit installed in the same visit · final city inspection.
Panel upgrades pair naturally with a charger install — doing both in one project saves a second permit and a second visit. See our Level 2 charger installs and Tesla Wall Connector installs.
Open the panel door and take a photo. If the main breaker says 100 and every slot is full, you're a candidate — but a load calculation makes the real call. Many 100-amp homes qualify for load management instead of an upgrade.
Usually one full day, occasionally two when the utility shutoff has to be scheduled separately. Your power is off for part of the day; we coordinate the timing with you and Seattle City Light.
Yes — it's capacity for a heat pump, induction range, hot tub, ADU, or solar later. Many Seattle homeowners upgrade once and unlock every future electrification project at the same time.
Completely. We schedule the meter pull and re-set with Seattle City Light or PSE and meet them on site.
Text us a photo of your electrical panel and we can usually quote the job without a site visit.
Call (206) 965-9022