SPAN Panels

No, but the value proposition is strongest with solar and/or battery backup. For grid-only homes, SPAN provides energy monitoring and remote circuit control. You can see exactly which circuits use the most energy and control them from anywhere. However, the $4,000-$6,000 premium over a traditional panel is harder to justify without solar or battery integration. If you're planning to add solar or an EV in the next few years, SPAN is worth considering now.

The SPAN Panel itself costs approximately $3,500-$5,000. Professional installation adds $2,000-$5,000 depending on complexity. Total project cost is typically $6,500-$9,000 before incentives. The 30% federal clean energy tax credit can provide up to $600 back. State and utility incentives may be available in some areas. ROI is typically 3-5 years if you actively use the energy management features.

If you have battery backup, SPAN's intelligent load management extends battery life by up to 40% compared to traditional critical load panels. You can see real-time battery runtime estimates on the app and adjust which circuits receive power on-the-fly. SPAN automatically switches between grid, solar, and battery power as conditions change. Without batteries, SPAN functions like a traditional panel during outages.

SPAN requires a SPAN-certified installer for initial setup to maintain warranty coverage. First Choice Electric is SPAN-certified. After the initial commissioning, any licensed electrician can add or modify circuits—SPAN uses standard 1-inch residential breakers from Eaton and Square D. This makes future service and expansion straightforward.

For most homes, yes. The average U.S. home has 20-30 circuits. If your current panel has more than 32 circuits, or you anticipate significant expansion, discuss this during your consultation. Some larger homes may need to combine low-priority circuits or consider if SPAN's features justify the circuit limitation. SPAN also makes a 48-circuit version for larger installations.

SPAN offers the SPAN Drive, a 48A (11.52 kW) EV charger that integrates seamlessly with the panel. It can automatically prioritize solar power for EV charging, schedule charging during off-peak rates, and coordinate with home batteries to prevent overload. The SPAN Drive has a 3-year warranty. If you already have an EV charger, SPAN can monitor and control its circuit like any other.