If you’re a homeowner considering an upgrade to your electrical panel, you may have come across the SPAN panel. This smart electrical panel is gaining popularity for its ability to give homeowners more control over their home’s energy use, particularly if they have solar panels, battery backup systems, or electric vehicles. But before making the investment, you probably want to know: How much does a SPAN panel cost?

How Much Does a SPAN Panel Cost?

As an electrician, I’ve had a lot of homeowners ask me about SPAN panels, and the truth is that the cost can vary depending on several factors. Let’s break it down so you can get a clear idea of what to expect.

The Base Cost of a SPAN Panel

The SPAN panel itself typically costs around $3,000 to $4,000 for the unit alone. There are two sizes of SPAN panels – 30 circuits and 48 circuits. This price includes the smart panel with its built-in monitoring and control features but does not include installation. The cost can fluctuate slightly based on supply chain factors and where you purchase it.

While this price may seem steep compared to a traditional electrical panel (which usually costs between $800 and $2,000), SPAN panels offer advanced energy management capabilities that standard panels do not. They allow you to monitor and control individual circuits from an app, making them a great choice for homes with solar, battery storage, or electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

Installation Costs

Installation costs can vary widely depending on several factors, but in general, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,500 for professional installation and breakers (but not including the cost of the panel itself). Here’s why the price range can be so broad:

1. Existing Electrical System

If your home already has a relatively new electrical system and sufficient service capacity, installation may be straightforward. However, if your panel upgrade requires service upgrades—such as replacing an old 100-amp panel with a 200-amp panel—the cost will increase.

2. Location of the Panel

If the new SPAN panel is being installed in the same location as your existing panel, labor costs will be lower. However, if the new panel needs to be relocated or significant rewiring is required, labor and materials costs will increase.

3. Permits and Inspections

In some areas, electrical panel upgrades may require permits and inspections, which add to the overall cost. Depending on your location, permits can range from $300 to $500.

4. Additional Equipment or Accessories

If you’re integrating the SPAN panel with a solar system, a battery backup, or an EV charger, additional components may be needed. These extras could include automatic transfer switches, additional wiring, or subpanels, which would add to the overall cost.

Total Estimated Cost

When you add up the panel and installation costs, a SPAN panel upgrade will typically cost between $6,500 and $9,000. If additional electrical work is needed—such as upgrading service lines or integrating with a complex home energy system—the total cost could be higher.

Is a SPAN Panel Worth the Investment?

For homeowners looking to modernize their home’s electrical system and gain more control over energy use, a SPAN panel can be a great investment. Here are some of the benefits:

• Energy Monitoring & Control – You can track and manage your home’s energy use in real-time through the SPAN app.
• Better Solar & Battery Integration – If you have solar panels or a home battery system, SPAN allows for smarter energy distribution.
• Smart Load Shedding – In a power outage, SPAN helps you prioritize essential circuits, extending battery backup life.
• Future-Proofing Your Home – As more homes move toward electrification with EV chargers and battery storage, having a smart panel ensures you’re ready for the future.

That said, if you’re not planning on adding solar or battery backup, or if you don’t need circuit-level control of your home’s power usage, a traditional panel upgrade may be a more cost-effective choice.

Final Thoughts

The SPAN panel is an exciting piece of technology that gives homeowners greater control over their electrical system. While it does come with a higher price tag than a standard panel, the long-term benefits—especially for those with solar panels, battery backup, or EVs—can make it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re considering upgrading to a SPAN panel, I recommend consulting with a licensed electrician to get a detailed cost estimate based on your specific home setup. They can help you determine whether the upgrade makes sense for your needs and ensure a smooth installation process.

Have questions about SPAN panels or electrical upgrades? Feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help homeowners make informed decisions about their electrical systems.