Smart electrical panels with solar and batteries

A smart panel monitors and controls each circuit, usually through a phone app. You can see what each appliance uses, turn circuits off remotely and set priorities for what stays on when power is limited. SPAN describes its panels as offering circuit-level energy monitoring and control with built-in energy management software.

In an outage, the panel can switch off big loads such as an electric dryer, EV charger or pool pump and keep essentials running, so the battery lasts longer. SPAN claims its panel can extend Tesla Powerwall 3 backup by up to 40%, a manufacturer figure that depends on how you set priorities.

The practical result is that one battery can cover more of the house than a fixed backup panel allows, because you choose circuits on the fly. See whole-home vs. essentials backup.

Often. Adding an EV charger, heat pump or induction range can push a home past its service rating. A ComEd study of electric upgrade costs found smart panels can keep homes under capacity by switching some circuits off while others run. The 2023 National Electrical Code lets an energy management system's setpoint be used when sizing a service, where your town has adopted that edition.

Compare quotes: EnergySage puts a standard 200-amp panel replacement at $1,000 to $3,000, and a utility service upgrade can cost more. See solar, EVs and heat pumps and home EV charging with solar.

Battery makers increasingly build some load control into their own equipment, so a separate smart panel isn't always needed.

SPAN lists compatibility with Tesla Powerwall 2 and 3, SolarEdge Home Hub and FranklinWH aPower 1 and 2 (with a current aGate). Enphase batteries are more limited: SPAN says only its MAIN 32 works with them, with a remote meter kit, and its other panels aren't compatible. SPAN can also be installed downstream of a generator transfer switch. See Powerwall 3 vs. Enphase vs. FranklinWH.

• Worth a look if you're adding a battery and want more of the house backed up, adding an EV charger or heat pump on a tight service, or replacing an old panel anyway.
• Probably not if a basic backup panel already covers what you need, or your panel has plenty of room.

We found no ComEd or Ameren rebate for smart panels, so the full cost is yours. Ask installers to price the same backup with and without one. See what a home battery costs in Illinois.

1. 1

   Does my battery need one?

   Ask what load control the battery system already includes.

2. 2

   Will it avoid a service upgrade?

   Ask for the load calculation with and without it.

3. 3

   Is it compatible with my equipment?

   Check the battery, inverter and any generator against the maker's list.

4. 4

   Who installs and permits it?

   A smart panel is electrical work that needs a licensed electrician and a permit from your town.

Check any quote with our solar quote checker.