Sub-Panel Installation & Repair in San Jose — Clean, Code-Compliant, Warranty-Backed
When you’re out of breaker space — or adding an EV charger, ADU, shop, or kitchen — a sub-panel is the smart, cost-effective way to expand safely. We handle load calculations, permits, neat installation, and inspection so you can power upgrades without headaches.
Service call (diagnostics & firm quote)
Licensed, insured, and local
Lifetime workmanship warranty • 3-year parts
Permits & inspection handled
Priority scheduling (no “same-day” gimmicks)
📞 Call (408) 929-6100
When a Sub-Panel Makes Sense
You’re out of breaker spaces but your main service is otherwise healthy
You’re adding high-draw loads (EV charger, induction range, hot tub, workshop tools)
You want a clean circuit layout for a remodel or detached garage/ADU
You’d like to avoid a full service upgrade — or stage upgrades over time
What We Do (Our Process)
Site visit & safety check (trip hazards, clearances, grounding/bonding)
Load calculation and panel placement plan (garage, shop, ADU, or interior back-to-back where code allows)
Permit submission with clear scope & one-line diagram
Neat installation: conduits aligned, labeling legible, AFCI/GFCI where required
Inspection and homeowner walk-through (panel map + photos for your records)
We follow the current California Electrical Code and local amendments; no shortcuts, no messy runs.
Get a Free Estimate
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...
Why Dollens Electric
Family-run, local, and obsessed with clean work
Lifetime workmanship + 3-year parts warranty
We pull permits, meet the inspector, and label everything so future work is easy
Popular Sub-Panel Use-Cases
Detached garage / ADU: power, lighting, mini-split, washer/dryer
EV-ready home: sub-panel positions your Level 2 charger close to the vehicle
Kitchen remodel: dedicated circuits for induction, MW, DW, disposal, and more
What to Expect on Your First Visit
- A 15–30 minute walk-through and safety check
- Load calc and routing plan with photos
- Written, line-item quote before any work begins
“Dollens Electric upgraded our panel in Sunnyvale so we could go solar. They handled the permit, did clean work, and passed inspection without a hitch. Jason and his crew are the real deal.”
– Monica F., Sunnyvale homeowner

Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do I need a permit for a sub-panel in Santa Clara County?
Yes. We handle the permit and meet the inspector so everything passes cleanly.
Q2. What size sub-panel do I need?
Most homes choose 60A–100A depending on new loads and distance. We size it after a load calc.
Q3. Can a sub-panel replace a full panel upgrade?
Often, yes — if your main service has capacity. If not, we’ll quote both options.
Q4. How long does it take?
Most projects are half-day to one full day on-site once the permit is issued.
Q5. Will you label circuits?
Absolutely. Every sub-panel leaves with a clear, accurate directory and photos.
Get Ready for the Gas Appliance Ban in Santa Clara County
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has passed new rules that affect nearly every homeowner in Santa Clara County:
❌ Gas Water Heaters will be banned starting 2027
❌ Gas Furnaces will be banned starting 2029
These changes are part of California’s push toward cleaner, all-electric homes—and they have real electrical implications.
Related Electrical Services You May Need
Thinking about a full upgrade? Learn more about our Electrical Panel Upgrades in San Jose.
Planning to install an EV charger at home? See our EV Charger Installation Services.
Living in an older home? We specialize in Knob & Tube Rewiring.
Remodeling your kitchen? Check out how we handle Electrical Upgrades for Kitchen Renovations.
Call (408) 929-6100
Book Service Online Now »
We accept most major forms of credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard.
Serving
San Jose | Santa Clara | Cupertino | Sunnyvale | Campbell | Los Gatos | Saratoga | Mountain View | Morgan Hill | Gilroy | Los Altos | Surrounding South Bay Areas
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