Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. A 40-year-old 100A Zinsco or Federal Pacific panel isn't just a code problem — it's a real fire risk, and it can't safely support a Generac standby generator, a Level 2 EV charger, a heat pump conversion, or a home addition. Peak Power Systems handles complete electrical panel upgrades: 200A and 400A service, generator-ready main breaker interlocks, subpanels, and full main service replacement.
Every panel upgrade is performed by our C-10 licensed team under a Sacramento County or city permit, with coordinated PG&E service reconnection and a full final inspection. We handle the utility outage window, the meter pull, the interconnection, and the inspector visit — you handle nothing.
Problems We Solve
The specific power reliability challenges Sacramento Foothills homeowners face — and exactly how we address them.
Outdated 100A panels
Original construction from before 1985 often has 100A service that can't safely support modern loads or a Generac install.
Zinsco or Federal Pacific hazards
These panels are known fire hazards. Insurance companies increasingly refuse coverage on homes that still have them.
No room for generator breakers
A properly installed Generac needs dedicated space in your panel for the transfer switch feed. Old panels are often maxed out.
EV charger installations
Level 2 EV chargers pull 40-80A. Older panels don't have the capacity or breaker space to support them safely.
Heat pump conversions
Electric heat pumps and induction cooking add 60-100A of load. A panel upgrade often has to happen first.
Home additions
New square footage means new circuits. A 100A or 125A panel usually can't accommodate an addition without upgrade.
Benefits
Safe, modern equipment
Modern Square D, Siemens, or Eaton panels with arc-fault and ground-fault protection where code requires.
Generator-ready
Every upgrade includes space, capacity, and grounding for a future Generac install if you're not doing both at once.
EV and heat pump capacity
200A or 400A service gives you room for a Level 2 EV charger, heat pump, induction range, and pool equipment.
Permitted and inspected
Full county or city permit, PG&E coordination, and final electrical inspection. Insurance loves this.
Turnkey coordination
We schedule the PG&E outage window, pull the meter, complete the upgrade, and get you back online — typically same-day.
Financing available
Panel upgrades qualify for Synchrony Project Card financing at 9.99% APR for up to 132 months.
Our Process
Free Assessment
On-site inspection of your panel, service entrance, meter, and load calculation for the upgrade size.
Permits & PG&E
We pull county permits and schedule a PG&E service outage window (typically 4-6 hours).
Panel Replacement
Meter pull, old panel removal, new panel install, grounding upgrade, breaker labeling, and reconnection — typically same-day.
Inspection & Restore
County final inspection, PG&E service reconnection, and Mobile Link setup if we're installing a Generac at the same time.
Why Homeowners Choose Peak Power Systems
- Authorized Generac Dealer and Generac PowerPro certified installer
- California C-10 Electrical Contractor License #789456, held since 1986
- $2M general liability plus full workers' comp — every crew member is a W-2 employee
- 1,200+ Generac installations completed across the Sacramento Foothills
- Fixed-price proposals with line-item detail — no change-order surprises
- 24/7 emergency service for existing maintenance customers
- 5-year Generac manufacturer warranty registered on every install
200A vs. 400A service
200A service is the modern standard for a Sacramento-area home under about 4,000 sq ft with typical loads — HVAC, kitchen, laundry, and a Level 2 EV charger. 400A service (usually delivered as a 400A meter with two 200A panels) is required for larger executive homes with dual HVAC systems, pools, workshops, or ADUs. We size the upgrade based on a real load calculation, not just the panel size on the label.
Generator-ready panel upgrades
If you're planning a Generac install now or in the future, your panel upgrade needs to include a dedicated slot for the transfer switch feed, a grounding electrode system that meets NEC 250, and — for whole-home ATS installs — a service-entrance configuration that accommodates the transfer switch mounting. We build all of this into every panel upgrade proposal at no extra cost when you're planning a generator.
Zinsco and Federal Pacific hazards
If your panel is a Zinsco, Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, or Challenger, we recommend replacing it regardless of any other upgrades. These panels have a documented failure rate — breakers that don't trip on overload, arcing at the bus, and internal fires. Sacramento Foothills insurers increasingly deny renewal on homes with these panels, and California's newer defensible-space and fire-hardening rules make replacement close to mandatory.