Electrical Panel Upgrade to 125amp for 5Kw install?

[foo1bar]

I would say "yes" on your answer. Both jobs cost less labor then re-do the current panel.
Then, why to replace the current sub-panel? Just install a new sub-panel... You have plenty places to put a new equipment in.

Why replace it?
Because it's a zinsco panel.

http://inspectapedia.com/electric/Zinsco_Electric_Box_Notification.php

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22Zinsco+electrical+equipment+%22+hazard

Is it better to keep things separate as there is no problem for the current panel? Separate the house from other new things.

IMO it doesn't matter whether the solar (and/or a new EV) goes into a panel shared with rest of the building or a separate panel.
As long as it is up to code, having 2 panels or 1 is not important IMO.
But since the subpanel should be replaced (because it's zinsco), this is probably a good time to do the replacement.

[solar_newbie]

LOL with your link. I would agree for the upgrade. The quote of $2600 is not high. My friend upgrade from 100A -> 125A costs $3000.

[Kleinero]

Electrical Panel Upgrade to 125amp for 5Kw install

I need a recommendation for an electrician to replace my electrical panel. Checked Tremmel and they only work on one kind, so need another recommendation.

[foo1bar]

I need a recommendation for an electrician to replace my electrical panel. Checked Tremmel and they only work on one kind, so need another recommendation.

Ask a RE agent in the area.
Or ask someone who has done some remodeling who their electrician was.

I could tell you who I've gotten a bid from - but unless you're near San Jose, CA, that's not going to help you much.
(Maybe you should add where you are and/or start your own thread)

[acamato]

Figure out your elect load to size your panel needs. I doubt most residential 200A panels do see a load close to 200A.

You are looking are replacing your subpanel. It could be any rating. It will still be fed from a 90A breaker in the main panel. I would install a 200A panel and leave the 90A breaker in. Down the road you could upgrade the service to 125, 150 or 200A if needed.

Assuming your solar will backfeed your into your subpanel, your elect usage from the power co will be reduced, so your main (90A) breaker will see less of a load than it currently is seeing.



I currently have 150A service. I have an elect stove, hot tub, pool, central ac. I have never had an issue with the main breaker tripping.

I did replace my panel but didn't upgrade the service. I installed a Square D 225A panel and installed a 150A breaker.

The reason I replaced mine was because I couldn't find a bus bar rating on the panel and a new panel would ensure I met the 125% bus bar load calc in the NEC. Also, I wanted more space. (old panel was full had a bunch of double breakers and one quad).

[bcroe]

It sounds like, there is a market for 300A bus bars that can swap out 225A bus bars. Bruce Roe

[inetdog]

It sounds like, there is a market for 300A bus bars that can swap out 225A bus bars. Bruce Roe

I would think so, but:
Unfortunately they either would not fit or would not accept the same breakers. Especially the main. (You cannot make them thicker, so they have to be deeper or wider.)
And the volume would be too low to make the production economical. Yet....