A switchgear enclosure is provided. The switchgear enclosure includes a plurality of switchgear panels and a plurality of ducts extending through the switchgear panels. Each switchgear panel includes an exterior housing, a busbar compartment defined within the exterior housing, and an exhaust system. The busbar compartment surrounds a busbar extending through the switchgear panel. The exhaust system includes a vent path structure configured within the exterior housing to at least partially surround the busbar compartment, a first channel defined between the vent path structure and the exterior housing, and a first vent opening formed on the vent path structure. The first vent opening directs arc gases within said busbar compartment to the first channel. The ducts are in fluid communication with the first channels of the switchgear panels to distribute arc gases between the first channels.