Residential Electrical Sub-Panel Installation in San Jose & Nearby
When you’re adding an EV charger, hot tub, heat pump, ADU—or your main panel is simply out of spaces—a sub-panel is a clean, code-correct way to add circuits where you need them. We handle the plan, permits, install, and inspection from start to finish.
Call Dollens Electric (408)929-6100
What a Sub-Panel Does
A sub-panel is a smaller panel fed from your main service. It doesn’t increase your total service amperage, it organizes and distributes power to a part of the home or to equipment that needs dedicated circuits (garage, ADU, workshop, spa, EV, heat pump).
Common reasons to add a sub-panel
Main panel is full—no remaining breaker spaces
You’re adding a garage/ADU or relocating circuits
New loads: EV charger, spa/hot tub, HVAC/heat pump, shop tools
Long wire runs where a local panel reduces clutter and voltage drop
Cleaner labeling and serviceability for future projects
When You Need One (and How We Do It)
Assess – We inspect your service, loads, and future plans.
Design – Right-size feeder, breaker count, indoor vs outdoor (NEMA 3R), working clearances.
Permits – We submit plans, coordinate inspector sign-off.
Install – Clean routing, labeled breakers, tidy terminations.
Verify – Full testing, photo documentation, and walkthrough.
We build to the currently adopted California Electrical Code and Title 24 requirements and keep your space clean while we work.

Projects Completed:
-Electric water heater installation
-Circuit breaker panel upgrade
-Electric dryer wiring and connection
From the initial consultation, it was clear I was working with a true professional. They took the time to explain each project in detail, answered all my questions patiently, and provided transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
What stood out most:
The water heater installation was flawless. They ensured everything was up to code, properly grounded, and functioning perfectly. The attention to safety details gave me complete peace of mind.
The circuit breaker upgrade was handled expertly. They assessed my home's electrical needs, recommended the right capacity, and completed the work efficiently while keeping the disruption to my daily routine minimal.
For the dryer connection, they ran wiring cleanly and professionally, ensuring proper voltage and a safe, reliable connection. Everything was tested thoroughly before they considered the job complete.
Throughout all three projects, they maintained a clean work area, showed up on time, and demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship. I'll definitely be using them for all future electrical needs!
Came back from out of town on a Friday evening to find the garage without power.
Jason from Dollens walked me step by step through all the trouble shooting over the phone to spot the issue and resolve it within minutes.
I am going back to them for all my Electrical nees!
Still my go to electrical contractor. On time, plenty of communication, professional.
Converting from propane to an electric BBQ (firewise change).
Needed a new outlet on a 20 amp circuit that had an old 15 amp style socket. These are the guys I trust to keep us safe.
Update 9/2020 - Upgraded some thermostat wiring for me with a difficult routing. Professional and quick.
Update - Jason and Josh again came through for me. In the midst of a heat wave, they were able to come to the other end of the county and fix an electrical problem at my mother's house. Got the outlets for the portable AC and lift chair back working and made the wiring safer to boot.
Original - Could not ask for better. Jason installed a new 40 amp circuit and an EVo charger for our car. (No more slow 110 charging. Yeah!) While working in our breaker panel he noted a dangerous situation left by a previous contractor who upgraded our air conditioning.
(Side note kind of disappointing the inspector didn't notice that the other contractor put in a bigger breaker on a wire that was too small. Luckily the wire insulation had just started to bubble and it didn't catch fire.)
Within a week they were able to fit us in to replace the faulty circuit as well as rewire our garage lighting to eliminate some creative but scary runs of extension cords and re-purposed outlets. Now I have bright lights and when I look up, I don't see wires draped everywhere.
We connected with Jason of Dollens Electric through our equally excellent general contractor Dan Mackey. (Who by the way had nothing to do with the faulty circuit or the creative garage lighting.)
Lastly a thank you to Jason's son Josh who got to do the crawling under the house.
I had a hard time finding a contractor who wanted to install a power meter for dynamic energy monitoring over an expensive DCC. On my first call with them they recommended an Emporia Pro which is the cheapest option for dynamic load management, so I knew that they had the best for the customer in mind. I decided to go with Wallbox's offering instead; although I picked a less common method for dynamic load management Joshua had no issues wiring everything and it was great to see that he took in my input instead of just telling me I had to install a costly DCC. I also liked that he already had a lot of prior experience installing Wallbox's car charger.
Thank you for an amazing install. Support Local!
I was pleased when they briefly reviewed an installation manual to make sure they remembered exactly how the brand worked. It was obvious Joshua already knew how to make the installation but he doubled checked anyway. (I'm glad I'm not the only person who still refers to a manual.)
Call/use them; you won't be sorry.
Excellent communication and professional!
Highly recommend!
Jason seemed to know the possible cause for the problem when I told him that the parts of the house were losing power gradually, and he was right!! He came out on the same day and fixed the problem (burnt crimp in junction box in the garage) within an hour!! Excellent!
They went above board to make sure every thing was done to perfection !
They give an accurate read on what needs
to be done. They are a safety-first company
that shows up energetic & work...
Sizing & Placement (Quick Guide)
60–100A sub-panels are typical for garages/ADUs; larger projects may use 125A.
Indoor vs Outdoor: Garages and interior spaces use indoor enclosures; exterior walls require weather-rated NEMA 3R with proper labeling.
Working clearances: We’ll confirm code-required access so inspections pass the first time.
Costs & Timelines (What to Expect)
Every home is different, but most sub-panel projects fall into predictable ranges based on ampacity, feeder length, and indoor vs outdoor mounting. If PG&E utility work or service upgrades are needed for your larger plans, we’ll explain timing impacts and keep your permit moving.
(Ask us about combining a sub-panel with EV or heat pump work to unlock incentives—see rebates below.)
Rebates, Credits & Savings
Planning a panel or sub-panel upgrade for an EV, heat pump, or solar system?
You may qualify for federal and local incentives. We’ll help you check eligibility.
Federal Tax Credit (25C)
Up to 30% (max $600) credit when your electrical panel upgrade enables another
25C-eligible project such as a heat pump or heat-pump water heater. Claim with
IRS Form 5695.
San José Clean Energy EcoHome
Local rebates of $1,000–$2,000 for electric service upgrades tied to electrification measures.
We’ll help prepare your paperwork and verification photos.
TECH Clean California + PG&E
State and utility programs offering incentives for electrification and EV-ready wiring.
Up to $700 + in stackable rebates depending on income and project type.
Recalls & Safety Notices We Check
During every panel or sub-panel job, we inspect your existing equipment for known recalls and legacy hazards.
If we find any of these, we’ll document them with photos and explain your safest options.
Schneider Electric Square D QO™ (2020-2022)
Recalled for potential thermal and burn hazards. 1.4 million panels affected.
Challenger GFCI Breakers (1988 Recall)
Certain 15 A and 20 A breakers may fail to trip. Replacement program offered by manufacturer.
Legacy Panels — FPE Stab-Lok & Zinsco/Sylvania
Not under current federal recall but widely documented for overheating and failure issues.
Commonly recommended for proactive replacement during upgrades.
Sub-Panel FAQs
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often. If you don’t see yours, call us at (408) 929-6100.
Have questions? Ready to schedule an inspection? Give us a call. We’re happy to talk through your project and let you know what to expect.
Dollens Electric at
(408)929-6100
We accept most major forms of credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard.
3-year parts warranty and a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship.
Serving: San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, and surrounding areas