Span Smart Panel
Updated: Nov 25
A Span Smart Panel is designed to integrate home energy upgrades like storage, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging. If you're planning to install home batteries, having a Span panel will help you size your storage system correctly.
Arch Rao, former head of engineering at Tesla Energy, is the CEO of a company called Span, which he founded in 2018. His company produces one product: a smart electrical panel that brings intelligence to the power generation and consumption of your entire home.
Electrical panels haven’t changed fundamentally since the 1960s, when circuit breakers began replacing fuses. They are “dumb” tech because they are really designed purely for safety. If a circuit is overloaded, it’s the breaker’s job to shut it down. But there’s a ton of information in the power flowing back and forth through those wires, and Span gives consumers the ability to capture—and control—all of it.
How long does the installation process take?
The installation of the SPAN panel typically takes between three to eight hours, which is the standard duration for most electrical panel replacement projects.
Can multiple panels be installed on the property?
Yes, it is possible to install more than one SPAN panel on your property. Multiple panels may be needed if your home requires more than 200 amps, if you need more than 32 circuits, or if your residential property has more than one living space.
What electric vehicle chargers are compatible with the SPAN panel?
The SPAN panel is compatible with various electric vehicle chargers available in the market, including the SPAN Drive electric vehicle charger. Additionally, it is designed to work with other electric vehicle chargers on the market. Hence, you have numerous options for charging your electric vehicle using the SPAN panel, ensuring compatibility with any electric vehicle manufactured in the U.S.
What are the compatibility requirements for using solar-related features with the SPAN panel?
To utilize the solar-related features of the SPAN panel, compatibility is established with various home batteries such as the LG Chem RESU, SolarEdge Energy Bank with SolarEdge Energy Hub Backup Interface, and Tesla Powerwall and Powerwall+ with Backup Gateway 1, Backup Gateway 2, or Backup Switch. If you desire to incorporate a standby generator into your setup, it is only possible when using a Tesla Powerwall system. However, it is important to note that the backup generator functionality is facilitated through the Tesla Powerwall, either by an automatic transfer switch or manual transfer switch, and not via the SPAN panel itself. Moreover, the SPAN panel is designed to work harmoniously with the SPAN Drive electric vehicle charger, as well as other electric vehicle chargers available in the market, offering convenient charging solutions for electric vehicles. The SPAN Drive is compatible with any electric vehicle manufactured in the U.S.
What equipment is compatible with the SPAN electrical panel?
The SPAN electrical panel is compatible with several home batteries, including the LG Chem RESU, SolarEdge Energy Bank (when used with SolarEdge Energy Hub Backup Interface), and Tesla Powerwall and Powerwall + (when used with Backup Gateway 1, Backup Gateway 2, or Backup Switch). It is important to note that the SPAN panel can be used with a standby generator only if a Tesla Powerwall system is installed at home. In such cases, the backup generator functionality is provided by the Tesla Powerwall system through an automatic transfer switch or manual transfer switch, not by the SPAN panel itself. Additionally, the SPAN panel is designed to work seamlessly with the SPAN Drive electric vehicle charger, as well as other electric vehicle chargers available on the market, to facilitate the charging of electric vehicles. The SPAN Drive is compatible with all electric vehicles manufactured in the U.S.
Where is the SPAN panel available for purchase and installation?
SPAN panels are available for purchase and installation in the United States. Specifically, the company has a robust network of certified installers in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. These states should have no trouble finding a licensed electrician with SPAN certification to install the breaker panel on their property. However, for residents of other states, it may take up to two weeks for SPAN to connect them with an installer. It's important to note that the availability of the SPAN panel is limited to the United States only.
How much does the SPAN panel cost?
The cost of the SPAN electrical panel is $4,500, excluding installation, shipping costs, and taxes. In comparison, a traditional electrical panel without any smart features typically ranges from $850 to $2,500. The higher price of the SPAN panel is justified by its advanced capabilities that are not available with a traditional panel. With the SPAN panel, you can enjoy numerous cutting-edge features that provide insights and control over your solar panels, solar battery, and electric vehicle charging. It is important to note that the SPAN panel comes with a 10-year warranty, and its lifespan is expected to be between 25 and 40 years. Consequently, this upgrade is a one-time investment for most households, as the panel will not require frequent replacement.
Which home batteries are compatible with the SPAN panel?
The SPAN panel is compatible with several home batteries, including the LG Chem RESU, SolarEdge Energy Bank with SolarEdge Energy Hub Backup Interface, and Tesla Powerwall and Powerwall + with Backup Gateway 1, Backup Gateway 2, or Backup Switch.
What if the customer is in a state without a certified installer?
If you live in states other than California, Arizona, Texas, or Florida, it may take up to two weeks for SPAN to connect you with an installer.
Is there a network of certified installers available?
Yes, the company has a well-established network of certified installers in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida.
How is the SPAN panel installed and who can install it?
How long does the installation process take?
The installation of the SPAN panel typically takes between three to eight hours, which is the standard duration for most electrical panel replacement projects.
Can multiple panels be installed on the property?
Yes, it is possible to install more than one SPAN panel on your property. Multiple panels may be needed if your home requires more than 200 amps, if you need more than 32 circuits, or if your residential property has more than one living space.
Inside the panel the usual columns of plastic breaker switches fill the space, and each circuit can still be turned on or off manually. The real intelligence is in the Span mobile app.
How does smart energy monitoring work with the SPAN app?
Introducing the SPAN app, the smart energy monitoring solution that enhances your control over your home's power consumption. Within the panel, you'll find the familiar plastic breaker switches, allowing you to manually turn circuits on or off. But the true power lies within the Span mobile app, providing you with advanced insights and control.
Upon opening the app, you'll be greeted by the primary screen, where you can instantly track the source of your power - whether it's solar, battery, or grid - and where it's being distributed - to your home, back to the battery, or back to the grid. This real-time visualization allows you to stay informed about your energy usage at a glance.
But the SPAN app offers much more than just an overview. With a few taps, you can dive deeper into each circuit, discovering their current power draw and analyzing their energy consumption over time. This comprehensive information empowers you to optimize your energy usage and make informed decisions about your electrical appliances.
Beyond monitoring, the SPAN app grants you unparalleled control over your battery utilization. You have the ability to categorize each circuit among three priority levels, ensuring that critical appliances receive power during outages or when you're relying solely on your battery storage.
The SPAN app not only revolutionizes how you monitor and control your energy consumption but also offers the convenience of remote management. Even when you're away from home, you can effortlessly manage your SPAN panel, adjusting circuits and optimizing energy usage from wherever you may be.
To further enhance your experience, the SPAN panel seamlessly integrates with Amazon Alexa, enabling you to effortlessly control your energy usage through voice commands.
With the SPAN app, smart energy monitoring becomes intuitive and effective, providing you with the tools to make informed decisions, optimize energy consumption, and have complete control over your home's power usage.<
Introducing the SPAN app, the smart energy monitoring solution that enhances your control over your home's power consumption. Within the panel, you'll find the familiar plastic breaker switches, allowing you to manually turn circuits on or off. But the true power lies within the Span mobile app, providing you with advanced insights and control.
Upon opening the app, you'll be greeted by the primary screen, where you can instantly track the source of your power - whether it's solar, battery, or grid - and where it's being distributed - to your home, back to the battery, or back to the grid. This real-time visualization allows you to stay informed about your energy usage at a glance.
But the SPAN app offers much more than just an overview. With a few taps, you can dive deeper into each circuit, discovering their current power draw and analyzing their energy consumption over time. This comprehensive information empowers you to optimize your energy usage and make informed decisions about your electrical appliances.
Beyond monitoring, the SPAN app grants you unparalleled control over your battery utilization. You have the ability to categorize each circuit among three priority levels, ensuring that critical appliances receive power during outages or when you're relying solely on your battery storage.
The SPAN app not only revolutionizes how you monitor and control your energy consumption but also offers the convenience of remote management. Even when you're away from home, you can effortlessly manage your SPAN panel, adjusting circuits and optimizing energy usage from wherever you may be.
To further enhance your experience, the SPAN panel seamlessly integrates with Amazon Alexa, enabling you to effortlessly control your energy usage through voice commands.
With the SPAN app, smart energy monitoring becomes intuitive and effective, providing you with the tools to make informed decisions, optimize energy consumption, and have complete control over your home's power usage.<The primary screen within the app shows where power is coming from (solar, battery, or grid), and where it’s going (to the home, back to the battery, or back to the grid), all in real time. From there, it’s easy to drill down and get insights into (almost) every circuit, detailing each circuit’s current power draw and, over time, how much power each circuit is eating up.
How does the SPAN panel prioritize power during a power outage?
What happens to equipment with Not Essential priority during a power outage?
Equipment with Not Essential priority will not receive power during a blackout.
What happens to equipment with Nice to Have priority during a power outage?
Equipment with Nice to Have priority will receive power from the battery until the battery reaches 50% capacity during a power outage.
What happens to equipment with Must Have priority during a power outage?
Equipment with Must Have priority will be powered by the battery until it is fully drained during a power outage.
Which appliances should be placed under the Must Have category?
Appliances that must be continuously left on, such as refrigerators, lights, air conditioning systems, or pumps, should be placed under the Must Have category.
What are the priority options available for appliances or devices inside the home?
The priority options available for appliances or devices inside the home are Must Have, Nice to Have, and Not Essential.
What electric vehicle chargers are compatible with the SPAN panel?
The SPAN panel is compatible with various electric vehicle chargers available in the market, including the SPAN Drive electric vehicle charger. Additionally, it is designed to work with other electric vehicle chargers on the market. Hence, you have numerous options for charging your electric vehicle using the SPAN panel, ensuring compatibility with any electric vehicle manufactured in the U.S.
Which home batteries are compatible with the SPAN panel?
The SPAN panel is compatible with several home batteries, including the LG Chem RESU, SolarEdge Energy Bank with SolarEdge Energy Hub Backup Interface, and Tesla Powerwall and Powerwall + with Backup Gateway 1, Backup Gateway 2, or Backup Switch.
What are the compatibility requirements for using solar-related features with the SPAN panel?
To utilize the solar-related features of the SPAN panel, compatibility is established with various home batteries such as the LG Chem RESU, SolarEdge Energy Bank with SolarEdge Energy Hub Backup Interface, and Tesla Powerwall and Powerwall+ with Backup Gateway 1, Backup Gateway 2, or Backup Switch. If you desire to incorporate a standby generator into your setup, it is only possible when using a Tesla Powerwall system. However, it is important to note that the backup generator functionality is facilitated through the Tesla Powerwall, either by an automatic transfer switch or manual transfer switch, and not via the SPAN panel itself. Moreover, the SPAN panel is designed to work harmoniously with the SPAN Drive electric vehicle charger, as well as other electric vehicle chargers available in the market, offering convenient charging solutions for electric vehicles. The SPAN Drive is compatible with any electric vehicle manufactured in the U.S.
What equipment is compatible with the SPAN electrical panel?
The SPAN electrical panel is compatible with several home batteries, including the LG Chem RESU, SolarEdge Energy Bank (when used with SolarEdge Energy Hub Backup Interface), and Tesla Powerwall and Powerwall + (when used with Backup Gateway 1, Backup Gateway 2, or Backup Switch). It is important to note that the SPAN panel can be used with a standby generator only if a Tesla Powerwall system is installed at home. In such cases, the backup generator functionality is provided by the Tesla Powerwall system through an automatic transfer switch or manual transfer switch, not by the SPAN panel itself. Additionally, the SPAN panel is designed to work seamlessly with the SPAN Drive electric vehicle charger, as well as other electric vehicle chargers available on the market, to facilitate the charging of electric vehicles. The SPAN Drive is compatible with all electric vehicles manufactured in the U.S.
Where is the SPAN panel available for purchase and installation?
SPAN panels are available for purchase and installation in the United States. Specifically, the company has a robust network of certified installers in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. These states should have no trouble finding a licensed electrician with SPAN certification to install the breaker panel on their property. However, for residents of other states, it may take up to two weeks for SPAN to connect them with an installer. It's important to note that the availability of the SPAN panel is limited to the United States only.
If you are considering a solar-battery combo for your home, you’ll probably find Span surprisingly hard to live without.