Electrical panel service upgrades are often required for the following reasons:

Solar Interconnection – Service Upgrade

Electrical Panel Service may be required when a large solar photovoltaic system is interconnected. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that the solar breaker and main service breaker not exceed 120% of the electrical busbar. If the NEC requirement becomes a problem, an electrical panel upgrade is needed to bring the electrical system to code.

Increased Electrical Demand – Service Upgrade

Your original electrical service was sized based off the loads of the original electrical system. Your electrical service should be upgraded for many reasons:

• Are you adding a circuit? If so, the current load capacity of the service should be assessed to make sure that the additional circuit may be overloaded. Common circuits that require a electrical service upgrade are EV Charging Stations, Pools, Hot Tubs, and Welders.
• If you are renovating your home or adding a room, then you may need to upgrade your electrical service. Additional branch circuits will easily increase your overall electric demand.

 

Federal Pacific and Zinsco Panel Upgrade (Fire Hazards)

 

Federal Pacific Electrical Panel – HESOLAR recommends replacing all Federal Pacific electrical panels in your home or business. Federal Pacific Electrical Panels and Breakers are potential fire hazards. The breakers have a fail rate of 60 percent. When your breaker doesn’t trip, electrical current can flow the circuit unregulated and cause overheating, arcing, and electrocution. Unfortunately, Federal Pacific was the most widely installed electrical panel in the Austin, Texas during the 70s and 80s.

Zinsco/Sylvania Electrical Panel – HESOLAR strongly suggests replacing Zinsco electrical panels in your home and business. Besides being old equipment, Zinsco electrical panels and breakers are potential fire hazards. The breakers have a fail rate of 25 percent and have bus connection issues. Zinsco breakers also have arcing issues between the contact plates of the breaker and the electrical bus of the panel. Zinsco was also widely used in the Greater Austin Are during the 70s and 80s.

 

HESOLAR recommends replacing your electrical panel, regardless of the manufacturer, if the electrical equipment is old in age, shows signs of corrosion, or has been damaged by nature or malpractice.