Heat pumps and your electrical panel
A heat pump doesn't always mean a new panel.
Most homes can go all-electric on the panel they have. Where a bigger one is needed, the rebate programs disagree on how big, and PG&E has steps of its own. Here's how to tell which case is yours.
Start here
Do you need a bigger panel?
Answer these before anyone prices a panel upgrade into your heat pump.
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Is your main panel 100 amps?
If yes
Ask whether that's already enough
Silicon Valley Clean Energy reports that over 90% of homes can fully electrify on 100 amps without a larger panel or a utility service upgrade.
If no
Have an electrician look first
A smaller panel is where an upgrade gets likely, and where PG&E's PanelBoost was aimed.
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Are you choosing the heat pump now?
If yes
Choose one that's light on the panel
The equipment decides the load, so settle the panel and the heat pump together.
Ducted or ductlessIf no
Keep the option open
Get the panel read before the equipment is picked, not after.
-
Do you rent, or live in a condo?
If yes
PanelBoost isn't open to you
PG&E leaves out apartments, condos and homes where the landlord pays the electric bill.
If no
PanelBoost may be
Join its waitlist by emailing panelboost@pge.com.
Most homes have room already
Silicon Valley Clean Energy's advice to builders is to keep the load down from the start: specify variable speed heat pump systems with 120V air handlers and the maker's own communicating (2-wire) thermostat.
San Jose Clean Energy adds that circuit pauser and splitter devices can help avoid an electrical panel upgrade altogether.
Source: Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Electrification Best Panel Practices. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
Source: San Jose Clean Energy, EcoHome Equipment Specifications (updated 7/1/2026). Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
The rebates disagree on panel size
Each program draws its line in a different place, so the right size depends on whose rebate you're counting on.
| Program | Its panel rule |
|---|---|
| San Jose Clean Energy | Its panel rebate needs an upgrade to at least 200 amps |
| Silicon Valley Clean Energy | Won't pay toward upsizing a main panel above 100 amps |
| WestLight Energy | The main panel must be 200 amps or less after the upgrade |
Source: San Jose Clean Energy, EcoHome Equipment Specifications (updated 7/1/2026). Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
Source: Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Appliance Specifications (April 2026). Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
Source: WestLight Energy (formerly Peninsula Clean Energy), Home Upgrade Rebates Terms and Conditions (updated May 18, 2026). Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
PG&E's part
Any new load addition needs an evaluation and an application through PG&E's Your Projects portal. For a single-family home PG&E may ask for an advance of up to $5,000 for that assessment, refunded or credited toward any balance owed.
PanelBoost, PG&E's panel program, has a waitlist. The need for the upgrade must be verified by a licensed electrician.
Source: PG&E, Electrical Panel Upgrade Roadmap. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
Source: PG&E, PanelBoost. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
Bring a photo of the panel
A clear picture of the main breaker and the panel's label tells us most of what we need before we talk equipment.
Tell us what it's doing. We'll take it from there.
Call and describe the problem: the noise, the smell, the room that never warms up. Or book a visit online.
