Last updated on January 9th, 2024 at 08:54 pm
Installing a solar power system — or any electrical system — can come with some frustrations. Batteries may often only power a few “critical loads”, the inverter’s app may not offer you much insight into your home’s power consumption, and you may end up saving less money than you were hoping.
But there’s a simple solution to all those problems: installing a Span Smart Home electrical panel.
This electrical panel and the accompanying mobile app will give you much more insight into your home’s power consumption. You will be able to find out which rooms and appliances use up most of your energy.
The app also lets you prioritize which circuits will stay on if you switch to battery power during a power outage. We have so many great things to say about the Span system!
Let’s dive into what you can expect if you get a Span electrical panel, including the cost of installation.
Should I Get a Span Electrical Panel?
A Span electrical panel is a great choice if you are looking to gain more control over your electricity usage. You can see which circuits are using the most energy, gain insight so you can lower your energy bills, and set your own circuit priorities.
When you combine a home battery with a Span Smart Home electrical panel, you don’t have to worry so much about weather-related power outages. You get to enjoy backup energy and also choose which circuits will stay on as the battery gets lower. That means you don’t have to worry about losing power for a fridge full of food or losing your internet access just because they were on the wrong circuit.
With a Span electrical panel, you have more control over every circuit in your home. You can categorize circuits as must have, nice to have, or not essential so your electrical system matches your priorities.
What to Expect When You Get a Span Electrical Panel
Span electrical panels can either blend into indoor spaces or last outdoors, so you can have them installed pretty much wherever you need. A licensed electrician will install the panel for you.
Typically the Span installation process starts with taking photos of your current electrical gear and discussing the installation process with a representative, often over video chat. Before you can schedule an installation, there may also be a site visit to your home to see whether it is in good shape for installing a new electrical panel. The installation itself will likely take at least a few hours, depending on the size of your home and how straightforward your electrical system is.
Once your new electrical panel is installed, it should be very easy to start using your new system. You will be able to access insights into every circuit, including its current power draw. If your home generates power (such as from solar panels), you can see where any extra power is going (such as back to the grid).
One of the strengths of Span is the app it comes with, which gives you a great deal of control over your electricity. You can choose to power your bedroom, fridge, or home office space as needed right from your phone at any time.
The Cost of a Span Electrical Panel
The cost of installing a Span electrical panel is typically about the same as replacing a traditional electrical panel: roughly $3,200 for the panel and glass door front plus another $3,500 for labor, breakers, and miscellaneous wiring needed to complete the installation. The cost will vary depending on where you live and which electrician you choose for the installation process.
After installation, you may be able to recoup your costs through greater energy savings. Since Span shows you where your energy is going, you can see what changes you need to make to lower your energy bills. You may find that a lot of your energy is being sucked up by something you barely use, or that your outdoor lights are staying on a lot longer than they should.
If you would like a quote on installing a Span panel in your home, and you live in the Seattle or Walla Walla area, you can contact the Switch Electric team. We would be happy to help you determine if a Span smart electrical panel makes sense for your household.