Calgary homeowners are increasingly upgrading their homes to support new technologies, from solar panels to electric vehicles. But many houses were built decades ago, long before these demands were part of everyday life, leaving electrical systems that need modernizing. For contractors working in this space, the job is not just about wiring and panels—it’s about helping homeowners safely adapt their homes for the future. We spoke with Paul Hannania, owner of Panel Upgrade Experts, about growing up in the electrical trade, building a business focused on residential upgrades, and why clear communication and quality workmanship are key to earning homeowners’ trust.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Panel Upgrade Experts. We are a Calgary-based residential electrical contractor specializing in solar installations, electrical panel upgrades, and EV charging infrastructure.
Most of our work focuses on helping homeowners modernize their electrical systems so they can safely support new technologies like solar panels, electric vehicles, and higher electrical loads.
What made you want to do this work?
I’m a second-generation electrician. I apprenticed under my father and grew up around the trade, so electrical work was always part of my life.
I chose residential because I enjoy working directly with homeowners and seeing the impact of the work immediately. Electrical panels and solar systems are some of the most visible parts of a home’s electrical infrastructure, and it gives us the opportunity to show the quality of our workmanship.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I wanted to bring a higher level of professionalism and customer experience to residential electrical work.
A lot of homeowners have had frustrating experiences with contractors. Our focus is on clear communication, clean installations, and doing the work properly the first time. Electrical systems are critical infrastructure in a home, and they deserve that level of care.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Most of our clients are homeowners in Calgary and the surrounding area who are looking to improve their home’s electrical capacity, install solar, or prepare their homes for technologies like EV charging.
Many of the homes we work on were built decades ago and were never designed for today’s electrical demands.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
At Panel Upgrade Experts, most projects begin with an assessment of the existing electrical system and the homeowner’s goals. We provide residential electrical services, including solar installations, electrical panel upgrades, and EV charger installations.
Every home is different, so most projects begin with an assessment of the existing electrical system and the homeowner’s goals. From there, we design and install the appropriate solution, whether that’s upgrading a service panel, installing solar, or preparing a home for future electrification.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Panel Upgrade Experts is based in southwest Calgary, but our projects take us all over the city and surrounding communities, including Okotoks, Cochrane, Chestermere, and Rocky View County.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Who is actually doing the work on my home?
That’s an important question. In our case, all of our installations are done in-house by qualified electricians. We don’t subcontract the core electrical work. That allows us to maintain consistent quality and ensures the installation is completed to the standards we expect.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is seeing the finished project and knowing the homeowner now has a safer and more capable electrical system. Whether it’s a new solar installation or a service upgrade, those improvements will benefit the home for decades.
The worst part is probably crawling through tight attic spaces or working outside during Calgary winters. Electrical work definitely has its share of challenging environments.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
The classic joke is that electricians don’t know how to use a broom.
Our customers usually say the opposite. One of the things we take pride in is leaving the work area cleaner than we found it. Respecting the customer’s home is a big part of how we operate.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Lukas Hardwood Flooring. Lukas is incredibly dedicated to his craft and takes a lot of pride in the quality of his work. Like us, he works directly with homeowners and focuses on doing things properly rather than cutting corners. It’s always great to see local tradespeople who care about the details and stand behind their work.
