A qualified electrical contractor usually charges between $800 and $1,200 to upgrade an existing panel to 100 amps. This will only occur in older homes, like in Philadelphia for example, because the current minimum requirement is 100 amps. If a new panel is needed, it will cost between $1,500 and $2,500.An upgrade to 200 amps typically costs from $1,300-$3,000, and an upgrade to 400 amps can cost up to $4,000. Many people believe their circuit breaker or electrical panel is faulty because they experience a tripped breaker.Often, this is not the case.f a new panel is needed, it will cost between $1,500 and $2,500. An upgrade to 200 amps typically costs from $1,300-$3,000, and an upgrade to 400 amps can cost up to $4,000.