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What a Panel Upgrade Includes
A panel upgrade is more than just replacing the box on your wall. Here's what's involved when WaveRider Electric & Automation handles the job:
Load calculation. Before we touch anything, we calculate your home's actual electrical load. This includes existing circuits plus any planned additions like EV chargers, generators, or home automation systems. The goal is to size your new panel correctly so you're not doing this again in five years.
Panel selection. Not all panels are created equal. We install quality panels from trusted manufacturers, sized appropriately for your home. Most residential upgrades in our area go to 200-amp service, which provides plenty of capacity for modern electrical demands.
Permit and utility coordination. Panel upgrades require permits and utility coordination. We handle the paperwork, schedule the inspection, and work with Duke Energy to ensure your service is disconnected and reconnected safely.
Clean, code-compliant installation. Every panel we install is labeled clearly, wired neatly, and meets or exceeds the National Electrical Code. We take pride in work that looks as good as it functions. When the inspector opens the panel, they see exactly what they expect—no surprises.
Safety upgrades. While we're in the panel, we often recommend adding whole-house surge protection, GFCI and AFCI breakers where required, and proper grounding. These upgrades protect your home from lightning strikes, power surges, and electrical faults that are common in coastal North Carolina.
Service Areas for Panel Upgrades
WaveRider Electric & Automation provides panel upgrade services throughout coastal North Carolina and into South Carolina. Our primary service areas include:
Brunswick Islands Beaches
Oak Island
Caswell Beach
Holden Beach
Ocean Isle Beach
Sunset Beach
Supply
Bald Head Island
Southport & Surrounding
Bolivia (Headquarters)
Southport
St. James
Wilmington Metro
Wilmington
Leland
Electrical Panel Upgrades
Last summer, a homeowner in Holden Beach called after their AC stopped working during a heat wave. The problem wasn't the air conditioner. It was a 30-year-old electrical panel that couldn't handle the load anymore. The breakers were hot to the touch, the bus bar showed signs of arcing and corrosion from the salt air, and half the circuits weren't even labeled. That panel had been quietly struggling for years, and nobody knew until it failed at the worst possible time.
If your home was built before 2000, there's a good chance your electrical panel wasn't designed for the way we use electricity today. EV chargers, tankless water heaters, home offices with multiple computers, smart home systems—these loads add up fast. A panel upgrade isn't just about adding more breakers. It's about making sure your home's electrical backbone can safely handle everything you plug into it, now and for the next 20 years.
At WaveRider Electric & Automation in Bolivia, NC, panel upgrades are one of the most common projects we take on. I'm Jason Wagner, owner and operator, and I've been working on electrical systems for over 25 years. With a background in electrical engineering and hands-on experience across residential, commercial, and industrial settings, I approach every panel upgrade with a system-level mindset. That means looking at the whole picture—not just swapping out a box.
Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade
How do you know if your panel is due for an upgrade? Here are some of the most common warning signs we see in homes across Brunswick and New Hanover counties:
Breakers that trip frequently. If you're resetting the same breaker every week, that circuit is overloaded. Adding a new breaker or doubling up isn't a fix—it's a band-aid that can create bigger problems.
Warm or hot breakers. A breaker that feels warm to the touch is working harder than it should. This can indicate loose connections, overloading, or a failing breaker. In coastal homes where salt air accelerates corrosion, this happens more often than you'd expect.
Flickering lights when appliances turn on. When your lights dim every time the AC kicks in or the microwave runs, your panel is telling you it's struggling to distribute power evenly.
A full panel with no room for new circuits. Planning to add an EV charger, hot tub, or workshop? If your panel is already maxed out, you'll need an upgrade before any new installation.
Outdated or recalled panels. Some older panels, including certain Federal Pacific and Zinsco models, have known safety issues. If your home has one of these, replacement isn't optional—it's a safety priority.
Corrosion or visible damage. In coastal areas like Oak Island, Holden Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, salt air can corrode panel components over time. If you see rust, discoloration, or signs of water intrusion, it's time for an inspection.
Why Coastal Homes Need Special Attention
Electrical systems in coastal North Carolina face challenges that inland homes don't. Salt air corrodes connections and components. Humidity accelerates wear on insulation and contacts. Summer storms bring lightning strikes and power surges that can damage equipment. Hurricane season means extended outages and the potential for water intrusion.
When we upgrade a panel in Southport, Sunset Beach, or Carolina Beach, we account for these factors. That means using corrosion-resistant hardware, ensuring proper weatherproofing, and recommending surge protection as standard practice. We also make sure your panel is ready to support a backup generator if you decide to add one later—because in this part of the state, generator readiness isn't a luxury, it's common sense.
We also have extended service areas including:
Pleasure Island & Wrightsville
Wrightsville Beach
Figure Eight Island
Landfall
Carolina Beach
Kure Beach
South Brunswick & Border
Calabash
North Myrtle Beach
Briarcliffe Acres
Whether you own a primary residence, a vacation home, or manage rental properties, we understand the specific needs of coastal electrical systems and deliver solutions that hold up to the environment.