Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs in Nassau & Suffolk Counties: A Complete Guide
We’re BiCounty Electric, your trusted Long Island partner since 1958. When homeowners in Nassau County and Suffolk County ask us about the cost of a new electric panel, they want insight, clarity, and honesty—straight from people who’ve seen it all. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through everything: why upgrading matters, what goes into the price, and how we tailor each job to your needs. Our goal? Help you make an informed decision—with a human touch, not a sales pitch.
What Is an Electrical Panel Upgrade, and Why Do You Need It
An electrical panel upgrade replaces your home’s central power distribution unit. It handles all incoming circuits—from lights and outlets to appliances and HVAC. Homes built before the 2000s may still be using outdated 60A or 100A panels, which struggle to keep up with today’s needs. By upgrading, you gain:
- Safety improvements: modern breakers, updated wiring, reduced fire risk
- Capacity for high-demand devices: EVs, home theaters, AC systems
- Greater reliability and code compliance in Nassau County and Suffolk County
We’ve witnessed countless close calls—old panels that looked fine until they weren’t. An upgrade isn’t just convenient; it’s smart stewardship of your home.
Estimating the Cost of a New Electric Panel—What Goes Into It
When we talk about the cost of a new electric panel, we consider:
- Panel amperage (100A, 150A, 200A): higher amps = higher cost
- Panel brand and type (main lug vs. main breaker)
- Labor costs—permitting, electricians’ time, testing, cleanup
- Additional components: surge protectors, grounding, meter socket upgrades
- Regional pricing in Nassau County vs Suffolk County
- Accessibility of the panel (basement, garage, meter bank)
- Electrical code updates are required during the swap
Typically, a full replacement runs between $1,800 and $4,500. A simple swap on a 100A panel may start around $1,800, while a full 200A upgrade with extensive rewiring can reach $4,500 or more.
Real-World Price Examples in Nassau & Suffolk
| Scenario | Location | Panel Size | Price Range |
| Basic 100A panel replacement | Nassau County | 100A | $1,800–$2,500 |
| 150A upgrade, minor rewiring | Suffolk County | 150A | $2,500–$3,200 |
| 200A upgrade w/ whole-house surge protector | Nassau/Suffolk | 200A | $3,800–$4,500 |
These are typical ranges we see throughout Long Island, reflecting variations in labor costs, permit fees, and job complexity.
Factors That Increase or Reduce Your Cost
Increased costs may come from:
- Service fee for permits in high-demand towns
- Addressing code violations (e.g., knob-and-tube wiring)
- Re-routing aluminum branches or old wiring
- Installing safety features like surge protection or arc-fault breakers
Cost-saving factors could include
- Easy access to the existing panel
- Minimal rewiring required
- Flexible scheduling (avoiding rush permit fees)
- Competitive pricing from a local expert like us
How BiCounty Electric Delivers Value
We’re not just electricians—we’re part of the Long Island community:
- Local roots: a family-owned company serving Nassau & Suffolk since 1958
- Licensed & insured: always up to code, always safe
- Skilled professionals: our electricians pursue ongoing training on new technologies
- Customer-first mindset: timely, clean, communicative—just ask Fe V. or Marianne S.
- Free estimates for upgrades, renovations, or new work
We’re proud of our reputation, rooted in trust, repeat business, and referrals across Long Island.
Homeowner Tips for Smooth Panel Replacement
- Schedule an initial walkthrough and estimate before worrying about price
- Ask for a detailed quote—ask what’s included (permits, breakers, cleanup)
- Plan the upgrade during off-peak seasons to avoid scheduling delays
- Inspect with your insurance provider to confirm coverage post-upgrade
- Keep invoices and permit copies safely for potential home resale
5 FAQs About the Cost of a New Electric Panel
Q1: What factors most affect the cost of a new electric panel?
A1: Panel amperage, labor, permit costs, accessibility, and code compliance are the main drivers, especially in Nassau & Suffolk County, where permit fees vary.
Q2: How long does an upgrade take?
A2: Simple jobs (100–150 A) often take 1 day. More involved upgrades (200 A + rewiring) can stretch to 1–2 days.
Q3: Can I just add a subpanel instead of replacing the main panel?
A3: In some cases, yes—but if your main panel is outdated or undersized, upgrading is smarter long-term.
Q4: Will upgrading my panel raise my property value?
A4: Absolutely—home inspectors and buyers appreciate modern electrical systems, and it can reduce insurance costs too.
Q5: Do you offer free estimates for panel upgrades?
A5: Yes! We provide no-obligation estimates for electrical panel upgrade work throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County.
Ready to Upgrade?
If you’ve been thinking about the cost of a new electric panel, trust BiCounty Electric to walk you through every step—estimate, installation, cleanup, and follow-up. Whether you’re in Manhasset, Huntington, or anywhere across Long Island, we’re here with honest advice, quality service, and the local expertise only 65+ years of service can bring.
Need Electrical Service? CALL US!
We offer free estimates for all upgrades, renovations, and new work—from residential to commercial and everything in between. Reach out today, and let’s power your home safely into the future with confidence.