According to Jeffrey J. Kosowsky :
(Chris Lewis) writes:
If it's within the OP's comfort zone, he may want to ask the electrician
to recompute using aluminum conductors. Cut our parts cost in half.

Any disadvantages of aluminum for Main's wiring vs. copper (other than
snob appeal)?

No. Provided that the service equipment (the main and the sub panels)
are rated for Al - most are. The electrician has to remember to use
the proper de-oxidant grease and proper workmanship, but aside from
that, there is no increased risk.

[Branch circuits in Al are a different story of course. Most jurisdictions
prohibit it.]

Also, is it really true that the biggest parts cost may be the wire as
opposed to the panel, main breaker, grounding rods, meter box, and
miscellaneous connectors?

Well, it depends on how long the feed wire has to be versus how
much other parts you have to buy. A service upgrade _could_
just require _no_ new wire, just a replacement panel (many power
companies are installing 200A (or even 400A) service equipment no
matter how small the main panel is going to be) and some labour
to shift things over.

Or it _could_ require LOTS of 4-0 cable and no panel.

Depends on the circumstances.

In my case, upgrading my garage (from a single 15A circuit to a 100A
subpanel) cost approximately $600 in service wire (Al), and about $400
in panel, breakers and fixtures - over half of the $400 was lighting
fixtures!

Plus $200 for the electrician - a personal friend. The parts were
"at cost".

Plus $100 for getting the trench dug.
--
Chris Lewis, Una confibula non set est
It's not just anyone who gets a Starship Cruiser class named after them.