The Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your Electrical Box with the Utility
When it comes to upgrading your home’s electrical system, there’s a lot to consider. As a homeowner, one of the pivotal steps might be swapping out the electrical box on the side of your house with the utility company. This can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be if you partner with a professional solar panel installer and electrician.
At Supreme Solar & Electric, we understand how vital a properly functioning electrical system is to both your property and quality of life. As a leading Fresno Solar Company serving both Fresno and Palm Desert, California, we offer a range of services including solar panel installation, solar service calls, and, of course, upgrading electrical boxes.
Here, we break down the entire process of swapping out your electrical box so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Acquiring the Necessary Permits
First things first: Before starting any electrical work, we need to acquire a permit from the city or county. This permit informs the local authorities of the kind of upgrade you’re planning to do. It could be an increase in the size of the electrical panel, or it might involve increasing the number of breakers that fit in the panel. Acquiring the permit ensures that your upgrade is legal and up to code.
Step 2: Submitting the Meter Spot Application to the Utility Company
After getting the city or county permit, we submit an application to your utility company for what is known as a ‘meter spot’. In this step, the utility company will either approve the existing location for your electrical box or suggest a new location. The good news is that they typically allow us to upgrade the box at its current location.
Step 3: Scheduling the Power Disconnect
Once the meter spot is approved, we move to the utility company’s scheduling department. They help us coordinate the optimal time to disconnect your power. Usually, the disconnection is set for 08:00 a.m., giving our team ample time to complete the upgrade.
Step 4: The Day of the Upgrade
On the day of the upgrade, the utility company will disconnect your power at the agreed-upon time. Our expert team will then begin the task of swapping out your electrical box. Our solar panel installers are skilled and trained to ensure a seamless and secure installation.
The actual upgrade process includes removing the old electrical panel and installing a new one that fits your electrical needs. This might involve increasing the electrical panel size or increasing the number of breakers, depending on what was detailed in the permit.
Step 5: Inspection
After we’ve completed the upgrade, an inspector from the city or county will come to your property to ensure everything is up to code. This is a crucial step because any discrepancies could require modifications. However, when you work with a reliable solar panel company like Supreme Solar & Electric, you can rest assured that we adhere to the highest industry standards.
Step 6: Reconnection of Power
The final step is having the utility company come back in the afternoon to reconnect your power. All told, the process usually takes about five hours, depending on the utility and city or county schedules.
Why Choose Supreme Solar & Electric?
When it comes to electrical upgrades and solar panel installation, Supreme Solar & Electric has been a trusted name for years. Our team ensures a hassle-free process from start to finish:
- Expertise: As a Fresno Solar Company, our solar panel installers are highly skilled and trained to manage all kinds of electrical and solar projects.
- Timely Solar Service Calls: Whether it’s for solar panel installation or a scheduled upgrade, we pride ourselves on punctuality and efficiency.
- Quality Service: Our customers are our top priority. We ensure all installations and upgrades meet or exceed local and state regulations.
- Transparency: We keep you informed at every step, from acquiring permits to scheduling with the utility company.
In summary, upgrading your electrical box is a task that requires planning, expertise, and strict adherence to legal protocols. If you are looking to upgrade your electrical system or are considering a solar panel installation in Fresno or Palm Desert, California, look no further than Supreme Solar & Electric for a smooth, professional experience. Feel free to contact us for any questions or to schedule a solar service call. We are here to make your electrical and solar dreams a reality.
