Overview
The video explains the functionality, benefits, and integration capabilities of the Span smart electrical panel, emphasizing how it provides detailed energy monitoring and control for homeowners, particularly in the context of solar, battery storage, and energy efficiency.
What is a Smart Electrical Panel?
- A smart panel is an internet-connected, software-controlled circuit breaker panel with current sensors and relays on each circuit.
- The current sensor measures electricity usage per circuit in real-time and over time.
- The relay allows software-based control to turn circuits on or off as programmed.
Key Benefits and Use Cases
- Provides visibility into which home circuits and appliances use the most energy.
- Enables users to remotely or automatically disconnect appliances via an app to conserve energy or extend battery life.
- Supports cost savings by scheduling or controlling loads to align with lower utility rates during off-peak hours.
- Helps avoid expensive utility service upgrades by managing electrical loads, potentially saving thousands of dollars.
Product Features and Options
- The new Span panel line offers models with 16, 32, and up to 48 breaker spaces to accommodate various home sizes.
- Larger panels address the needs of bigger homes with higher electrical demand.
- Remote operation and dynamic control of appliances such as EV chargers and HVAC systems are supported.
Integrations and Partnerships
- Span integrates with products like the Tesla Powerwall and the Span Drive EV charger for seamless energy management.
- Upcoming software enables EVs to charge exclusively from excess solar generation.
- Integrations with partners like Mitsubishi allow dynamic throttling of heat pumps and other devices for load management.
Energy Management and Backup Power
- Span enables whole-home energy management by integrating solar, batteries, EV chargers, and HVAC.
- In grid outage scenarios, Span can automatically shed low-priority loads to maximize battery backup time (increasing average battery life by up to 40%).
- The panel can pre-cool or pre-heat homes based on predictive load management.
Installation and Availability
- Installs similarly to traditional electrical panels, making it accessible for upgrades.
- The 48-space panel is expected in the first half of next year; 16-space models will follow in the second half.
Decisions
- Expand product line: Span will offer panels from 16 to 48 circuit spaces to suit different home requirements.
- Release schedule: 48-space Span panel will be available in the first half of next year; 16-space in the second half.
Action Items
- TBD – Marketing Team: Announce release dates and availability for new Span panel sizes.
- TBD – Product Team: Launch software update for solar-only EV charging functionality.
- TBD – Partnerships Team: Finalize and announce additional device integration partnerships for dynamic load control.