Your electrical panel might not look like much—it’s just a metal box on the wall, usually in the basement. But it does a big job. It sends power to everything in your home, from your lights and outlets to your fridge and furnace.
When a panel gets too old or too small, things can start going wrong. Lights may flicker. Breakers might trip a lot. Sometimes, parts of your home lose power for no clear reason. In worse cases, old panels can even become electrical fires risk.
Homes today use way more electricity than they used to. Between phones, smart TVs, laptops, EV chargers, and home batteries, it’s a lot. If your panel was installed years ago, it might not be built for this kind of load. Most electrical panels have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years, and older ones can become risky over time.
That’s why it’s important to know what kind of panel you have—and if it’s time for an upgrade. A good panel keeps your home safe and ready for things like solar and future tech.
In this post, we’ll break down the best electrical panels for homes in Ottawa, explain when it’s time for a change, and share a few tips if you’re adding solar or thinking about a battery.
Let’s start with how to tell if your panel is ready for today’s power needs.
How to Know if It’s Time to Upgrade
Not sure if your electrical panel is still doing its job? That’s a pretty common question. A lot of folks don’t realize something’s wrong until circuit breakers start tripping or lights start acting up. But there are some clear signs that your panel might be too old or too weak for your home.
Let’s go over a few.
Your breakers trip all the time
If you’re heading to the panel every few days to flip breakers back on, your system might be maxed out. That usually means your panel is having trouble keeping up with your home’s power use.
No space left inside the panel
Want to install solar? Thinking about an EV charger or maybe a backup battery? You’ll need open spots in your panel to hook those up. If it’s already full, it might be time to move up to a bigger one.
Your panel is from the 1970s or 1980s
Back then, houses didn’t use nearly as much electricity. Today’s homes have way more gadgets, bigger appliances, and more things running all at once. Even if the panel still works, it might not be built for that kind of load.
Lights flicker or stuff shuts off
Notice your lights flickering? Or maybe your microwave or dryer turns off for no reason? These could be signs that your panel is struggling to keep everything powered at once.
You smell something weird or burning
A burning smell near your panel is a big warning. It might mean the wires inside are getting too hot. That can lead to fires if it’s not fixed right away.
Home electrical fires cause around 25,000 fires and over $1.3 billion in damage yearly in North America, many linked to old or overloaded panels.
Best Residential Electrical Panels for Ottawa Homes
There are a lot of electrical panels out there. But not all of them are right for every home. If you live in Ottawa and you’re planning to add solar, a battery, or maybe an EV charger, choosing the right panel matters. Some panels are better for new homes, while others work well in older ones that need an upgrade.
Here are a few we often recommend to homeowners in the area.
Siemens Load Centers
Siemens panels are solid and well-built. They’re a favorite among electricians because they’re easy to work with. They also leave space for future upgrades, which is great if you plan to add solar later on. You get reliability and room to grow.
Square D by Schneider Electric
Square D has been around a long time. Their panels are strong, dependable, and built to last. Some newer models even let you check your power use through an app. That’s helpful if you want to see what’s using the most electricity in your home.
Leviton Smart Load Centers
If you like tech and want more control, Leviton is worth a look. Their smart panels let you track your energy usage and turn breakers off right from your phone. It’s a good fit for busy homes or people who travel a lot.
Eaton BR and CH Series
Eaton panels are simple, tough, and affordable. They’re often used in older homes because they’re easy to upgrade later if you need more power. Electricians like them because parts are easy to find, and they’ve been around for years.
ABB Panels
ABB makes panels that are strong and built to handle bigger loads. They’re a smart pick if you have a larger home, a workshop, or plan to run a lot of equipment. These panels are built to keep up with high power use.
GE Panels
GE panels are found in many homes across Ottawa. They do a good job for most day-to-day power needs. While they’re not full of high-tech features, they’re dependable and a safe bet for many families.
Federal Pioneer
You’ll often see Federal Pioneer panels in older homes in Canada. Some of the newer models are still fine, but a few of the old ones have had safety issues. If your home has one, it’s a smart idea to get it checked out.
Each panel listed here has its own strengths. The best one for you depends on your home’s size, how much power you use, and what you plan to add later on.
What Size Electrical Panel Does Your Home Really Need?
Picking the right size electrical panel isn’t something most people think about—until something stops working. But it matters. A panel that’s too small can leave you dealing with power issues, while a panel that’s too big can cost more than it needs to.
Let’s make it simple.
Most Older Homes Still Have 100-Amp Panels
If your home was built years ago, chances are it has a 100-amp panel. That used to be fine. Back then, houses didn’t have big TVs, two fridges, computers, or EV chargers. But today, we use way more power. A 100-amp panel can start to feel tight fast.
You might not notice it until breakers trip often or lights start to flicker. If you’re thinking about adding solar or a battery, that smaller panel can really slow things down.
200 Amps is the New Normal
Most newer homes in Ottawa come with a 200-amp panel. This size gives you more space and more room to grow. It can handle bigger appliances, solar panels, a home battery, and even an EV charger without any trouble.
Even if you don’t use a ton of power right now, it’s smart to give yourself some breathing room for later.
Bigger Homes Might Need Even More
Got a large home? A basement apartment? Maybe you work from home and use a lot of gear? In those cases, you might need a 225-amp panel or even larger. It’s not common, but it’s something we see from time to time. We’ll help you figure that out with a quick check.
How We Help You Choose
At True Beacon Solar, we don’t guess. We take a look at what you’re using now and what you plan to add later—things like solar panels, a battery, or an EV charger. Then we help you pick the panel size that fits.
Should You Choose a Smart Electrical Panel?
Smart panels are starting to show up in more homes. You might’ve heard the term but still be wondering what they actually do—or if you even need one. Fair questions.
Let’s break it down in plain language.
What Is a Smart Panel?
A smart panel is like your regular electrical panel, but it comes with added tech. It connects to an app on your phone so you can check how much power your home is using—right as it’s happening. If a breaker trips while you’re away, you can reset it from your phone without having to rush home.
It gives you control even when you’re not around.
Why Homeowners Like Them
People like smart panels because they help track power use. If your hydro bill jumps one month, you can pull up the app and figure out what’s causing it. Some models even let you turn off certain circuits during peak times to help cut down on costs.
It’s a handy way to stay on top of your energy use.
Who Should Think About Getting One
If you’re planning to install solar, add a battery, or plug in an EV charger, a smart panel can make things smoother. It keeps everything in one place and gives you an easier way to manage it all.
But if you’re just looking for a basic upgrade and don’t need the extras, a regular panel might still do the trick.
Are They Worth the Extra Money?
Smart panels do cost more upfront. But for many people, they’re worth it. If you’re someone who likes keeping track of things, wants more control over energy use, or plans to add more tech later on, it could be a good fit.
How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
Thinking about upgrading your electrical panel? One of the first questions we usually hear is, “How much will it cost?” And honestly, it’s a smart question. No one likes surprise costs, especially when it comes to their home.
Let’s walk through what you can expect to pay.
What Can Make the Price Go Up?
Some upgrades are simple. Others take more time. It really depends on your house and what’s already in place. Here are a few things that can raise the price:
- Your home is older and needs extra wiring work
- The panel is hard to get to (like in a tight basement corner)
- You want to add a smart panel or surge protection
- The main power line from the street needs an upgrade
We always give you a clear quote before any work starts, so you’re not guessing.
Can You Save Money If You’re Getting Solar?
Yes, you can. If you’re adding solar panels, it often makes sense to upgrade your panel at the same time. Since we’re already on-site, we can bundle the work. That means fewer visits, less time waiting, and sometimes, lower costs.
What You Get with a True Beacon Solar Panel Upgrade
When you upgrade with True Beacon Solar, here’s what’s included:
- Work done by a licensed electrician
- A brand-new panel that fits your home’s needs
- New breakers, wiring, and everything else the job requires
- Full safety checks and proper labeling
- Cleanup before we leave, so you’re not left with a mess
What to Expect During a Panel Upgrade With True Beacon Solar
If you’ve never had your electrical panel replaced before, it can sound like a big deal. But the truth is, it’s not as bad as it seems. At True Beacon Solar, we do this kind of work all the time and make it as easy as possible for homeowners.
Here’s how the day usually goes.
Step 1: We Shut Off the Power
First thing we do is turn off the electricity in your home. This is to keep things safe while we work. You won’t have power for a few hours, so it’s smart to charge your phone ahead of time and try not to open the fridge too much.
Step 2: Out with the Old Panel
Next, we take out your old panel. Some are quick and easy to remove. Others, especially older ones with strange wiring, can take a little more time. Either way, we work carefully and get it done right.
Step 3: In Goes the New Panel
Now we install your new panel. We hook up all the wires, add new breakers, and clearly label each one. That way, you’ll know exactly what’s what. If it’s a smart panel, we’ll help get the app set up too, so you can see what’s happening from your phone.
Step 4: Test and Turn the Power Back On
Before we wrap up, we test everything. We flip the breakers, double-check the connections, and make sure the power is flowing like it should. Once it all looks good, we switch your power back on.
Step 5: Clean Up and Quick Tour
We clean up the area, put our tools away, and walk you through the new panel. If you’ve got questions, we’re happy to answer them. We want you to feel confident knowing what’s behind that panel door.
That’s it. No stress. No mess. Just a safer, updated system that’s ready for anything you throw at it.
Why More Ottawa Homeowners Are Choosing True Beacon Solar
There are plenty of companies out there doing electrical work or installing solar. So, why are more people in Ottawa calling True Beacon Solar?
Here’s why we stand out—and how we keep things simple, clear, and done right.
We Started as Electricians
Before solar, we were working full-time in electrical. That means we understand how power flows through your home, not just how to bolt panels to your roof. If something’s off, we spot it early and fix it properly.
We Know Ottawa Homes Inside and Out
Ottawa has a mix of new homes and old ones, each with its own quirks. We’ve worked on tight downtown row houses, 80s suburban homes, and brand-new builds in the suburbs. We know what works and what doesn’t in local setups.
One Team, Start to Finish
When you go with us, you’re not waiting on subcontractors or getting passed from one company to the next. We handle everything in-house: solar installs, battery systems, panel upgrades, all of it. That makes the whole process faster and easier for you.
We’re Straight Shooters
No sales games. No pushy quotes. If your panel is in good shape, we’ll tell you. If something needs fixing, we’ll show you what’s wrong and explain why. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for.
We’re Local and We Actually Care
We live here too. Ottawa is home, and we treat our customers like neighbors. When we show up to work on your house, we respect your space and leave it cleaner than we found it. You’ll always get real people, real answers, and work you can feel good about.
Is Your Electrical Panel Ready for Today’s Power Needs?
We’ll take a look and let you know—no pressure, just honest advice. Whether you’re upgrading, adding solar, or just want peace of mind, we’ve got you covered.
Book a free panel check today by calling 613-701-1028 or emailing nickp@truebeacon.ca.
Let’s make sure your home is ready for whatever comes next.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Check Your Panel?
Your electrical panel might not be something you think about every day, but it plays a big role in how your home works. If it’s too old, too small, or just not built for today’s power needs, it can hold you back. Or worse, it can be a safety risk. Almost 60% of Canadian homes were built before 1980, which means many still have outdated or unsafe electrical panels.
On the flip side, upgrading your panel gives you more power, more peace of mind, and room to grow. Want to add solar or an EV charger? Want your home to keep up with your life? It all starts at the panel.
At True Beacon Solar, we make it easy. We’re electricians, solar experts, and real people who care about doing the job right. We’ll check your panel, explain what we find, and give you honest advice, no pressure.
Book a free panel check with us today. We’ll help you figure out what your home really needs. Simple, safe, and done right.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Residential Electrical Panels Ottawa
1. How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be replaced?
If your panel is older than 30 years, trips breakers often, or shows signs like buzzing, burning smells, or rust, it might be time for a new one. Also, if you’re thinking about adding solar, a battery, or an EV charger, your panel may need an upgrade to keep up.
2. What size electrical panel do I need for my home?
Most homes today need a 200-amp panel to power everything safely. If your home still has a 100-amp panel, it might be okay for now, but it could fall short if you plan to add more appliances or install solar.
3. What is the best brand of residential electrical panel?
Some of the most trusted brands we work with include Siemens, Square D, Eaton, Leviton (for smart panels), GE, and ABB. The best pick depends on what your home needs and what you plan to add in the future.
4. Can I upgrade my panel and install solar at the same time?
Yes, and it’s actually a smart move. Doing both together saves time and can lower your cost. Plus, you’ll only need to pull permits and open up your walls once.
5. What’s the difference between a breaker box and a fuse box?
A breaker box has switches that flip off when too much power is running through. It’s easy to reset, just flip the switch back on. A fuse box, on the other hand, has fuses that blow and need to be replaced. Most newer homes use breaker panels now because they’re safer and quicker to reset.
6. Can my panel handle a smart home setup?
Smart lights, cameras, doorbells, and voice assistants all add to your smart home system, but they also use more electricity. We check your main panel to see if it has enough space and strength to handle the extra energy consumption without risking an overload. It’s better to know before adding new gear.
7. Is my panel safe for newer appliances and gadgets?
Appliances today need more voltage and pull more electrical current than older ones. Big items like your AC unit or even fancy kitchen accessories can push older panels too hard. If you still have fuses or your panel hasn’t been looked at in years, it might not give you the functionality you need.
8. What safety features should my home’s electrical system have?
Installing GFCIs can lower the risk of electric shock by over 80%, especially in homes with older wiring. It should also have arc fault protection to catch wiring problems before they cause fires. And strong copper wiring helps reduce heat and lowers the chance of a short circuit. These upgrades really help keep things safe.
9. Do new panels come with a warranty?
Yes. Most panels come with a warranty from the maker that covers parts for a set number of years. We’ll explain what’s covered and for how long. Plus, the panels we install are picked for their compatibility with things like solar, EV chargers, and smart home systems.
10. Do new panels come with a warranty?
Your panel controls the power supply by sending the right amount of electricity to each part of your home. It breaks the power into circuits, so each area or appliance gets what it needs. Most homes run on 120 or 240 volts, and your panel helps keep that steady and safe. If something pulls too much power, the breaker trips to stop it before damage happens.