Can Older Homes Accommodate Solar?
The age of a home is rarely a barrier to solar installation. The majority of homes built before 2000 can be successfully equipped with modern solar systems. However, older homes sometimes require attention to their electrical infrastructure — specifically the main service panel — before solar interconnection can be completed to code.
The Role of the Main Service Panel
The main service panel (also called the breaker box or electrical panel) is the hub through which utility power enters your home and is distributed to individual circuits. A panel must have both sufficient amperage capacity and available breaker space to accommodate solar equipment safely. In older homes, these conditions are not always present.
Indicators That a Panel Upgrade May Be Required
A professional electrical assessment during the solar consultation process will determine definitively whether a panel upgrade is necessary. Common conditions that indicate an upgrade may be needed include:
- Panel rated at 100 amperes or less: Many homes built before 1990 were equipped with 100-amp or smaller service panels. Modern solar installations, particularly those including battery storage, may require a 200-amp service.
- No available breaker space: Solar systems require dedicated breaker positions for solar disconnect and battery circuits. A full panel with no open slots must be upgraded or supplemented with a subpanel.
- Outdated panel technology: Panels manufactured prior to the 1980s may not be compatible with modern solar equipment and may present code compliance concerns independent of solar installation.
What a Main Service Panel Upgrade Involves
A panel upgrade replaces the existing main electrical panel with a new 200-amp unit. All existing circuits are transferred to the new panel, solar interconnection hardware is installed, and the completed work is inspected by the local authority having jurisdiction. The process typically requires one to two days of licensed electrician labor. All necessary permits are obtained and managed by Solergy as part of the project.
Cost and Financing
Main service panel upgrades in Texas typically range from $5,000 to $8,000 installed, inclusive of all materials, labor, and permits. This cost can be incorporated into a solar financing arrangement when applicable, distributing the expense over the loan term alongside the solar system cost.
The Value of Upgraded Electrical Infrastructure
Beyond enabling solar interconnection, a main service panel upgrade improves the overall electrical capacity and safety of the home, supporting the addition of other high-draw equipment — including EV chargers, additional HVAC units, or whole-home battery storage — for decades to come. It is a durable improvement to the home's core infrastructure with value that extends well beyond the solar project itself.