Smart home devices are everywhere now, from lights and thermostats to doorbells and cameras. But there’s one piece of the puzzle most people overlook: the electrical panel.
If you’ve never heard of a smart electrical panel, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most homeowners don’t think much about the gray metal box in the garage or basement. But as our homes get more complex (think solar panels, EV chargers, and battery backups), that old panel might be holding you back.
So, what exactly is a smart electrical panel? What does it do? And is it worth the upgrade?
Table of Contents
What Is a Smart Electrical Panel?
A smart electrical panel is a modern version of your circuit breaker box.
At its core, it still controls and distributes electricity throughout your home. But unlike the old-school panels, it also connects to your home’s Wi-Fi and gives you live, detailed insights into how your home uses power.
It’s like going from a flip phone to a smartphone, same core function, way more capability.
Smart panels allow you to:
- Monitor energy usage down to the individual circuit
- Get alerts if something goes wrong (like a tripped breaker or surge)
- Remotely turn off specific circuits
- Automate when and how your home uses electricity
- Integrate with solar panels and batteries
Everything is visible and controllable from a mobile app or desktop dashboard.
Why Are Smart Panels Gaining Popularity?
Because electricity is changing.
Most older panels were designed decades ago, for a time before electric vehicles, rooftop solar, or energy storage systems. They weren’t made to handle today’s loads or give homeowners visibility into what’s going on.
Here’s what we’re seeing at Old Town Electric:
- More clients are installing EV chargers
- Battery backups and solar panels are becoming common
- Utility rates are going up, and people want to cut costs
- Smart tech is expected, not optional
Smart panels meet all of those needs. They offer real-time control, smarter energy decisions, and more flexibility as your home evolves.
Key Features to Look For
Not all smart panels are built the same. Some are full replacements. Others are add-ons that connect to your existing panel.
Here’s what to pay attention to when shopping:
1. Circuit-Level Monitoring
You should be able to see exactly how much electricity each circuit is using. This helps you spot waste, troubleshoot high bills, and understand your home’s energy flow.
2. Remote Control
Some systems let you remotely turn off breakers, helpful if you’re managing a vacation rental, second home, or just want peace of mind while away.
3. Smart Alerts and Notifications
You’ll want a panel that can alert you when breakers trip, usage spikes, or unusual patterns appear. Catching issues early can prevent bigger problems later.
4. Solar and Battery Compatibility
Planning to go solar, or already have? Choose a smart panel that integrates with your solar inverter and battery system. That way, you can see when you’re pulling power from the grid vs. your own supply.
5. Mobile App or Web Access
A clean, easy-to-use app makes a big difference. You don’t want to dig through menus or read spreadsheets just to figure out why your bill spiked.
Real Benefits of a Smart Electrical Panel
Here’s what homeowners actually gain when they make the switch:
1. Lower Energy Bills
When you can see what’s draining power, you can act. Maybe your garage fridge is an energy hog. Maybe your dryer runs too long. With data, you can cut waste, without sacrificing comfort.
We’ve had clients trim 10–25% off their monthly bills just by shifting usage to off-peak hours or fixing high-drain appliances.
2. Peace of Mind
Smart panels send alerts the moment something unusual happens. Breaker tripped? You’ll know. Sump pump running too long? You’ll catch it. That kind of real-time info gives you peace, especially if you’re not always home.
3. Future-Proofing Your Home
Energy is evolving fast. Between EVs, solar, and time-of-use billing, having a flexible, tech-ready panel sets you up for the future.
Want to charge your EV only when rates are low? A smart panel can automate it. Want to prioritize power to certain rooms during an outage? Some panels let you decide.
4. Better Load Management
In older homes, demand spikes can cause breakers to trip. Smart panels help you balance the load, delay non-essential circuits, and prevent unnecessary disruptions.
Who Should Consider a Smart Panel?
Smart panels are great for:
- Homeowners installing solar or EV chargers
- People with high energy bills and no idea why
- Tech-savvy households that want full control
- Owners of second homes, Airbnb rentals, or cabins
- New construction or major remodels
If your panel is already old or maxed out, upgrading to smart might be a no-brainer.
Installation Tips: What to Know Before You Buy
Installing a smart electrical panel is a big step. Here’s what we tell clients:
1. Have an Electrician Inspect Your Current Panel
You might need to upgrade your electrical service panel, especially if your home only has 100 amps. Some homes will also need rewiring or permit approvals.
2. Pick the Right Brand for Your Needs
A few top contenders:
- Span – full panel replacement with premium features
- Leviton Load Center – solid mix of monitoring + smart breakers
- Lumin – good option for retrofitting existing panels
- Sense – monitors usage but doesn’t control breakers
Your choice depends on how much control you want and whether you’re replacing your entire panel or just adding on.
3. Budget Accordingly
Smart panels cost more upfront, often between $3,500 and $5,000+ installed, but you’re paying for long-term value, not just another breaker box.
4. Hire a Licensed Electrician
This isn’t a DIY project. You’re dealing with your home’s main power system. Permits, safety inspections, and code compliance matter.
At Old Town Electric, we handle the whole process, including panel selection, permits, installation, and testing.
A Quick Real-World Example
One of our Sacramento clients had just installed rooftop solar and a new EV charger. Their old panel couldn’t keep up.
We replaced it with a Span smart panel. Now, they:
- Charge their EV at night when rates are lowest
- See which appliances spike their bill
- Get alerts if their pool pump runs too long
- Control circuits directly from their phone
They said it’s the first time they actually understand their electric bill, and they’ve saved hundreds of dollars in the first six months.
Are There Any Downsides?
To be fair, yes. Here’s what to consider:
- Upfront cost is higher than a standard panel
- Not all electricians install them (many aren’t familiar yet)
- Wi-Fi connection is required for full functionality
- Some models may not be compatible with older homes or wiring setups
But for many homeowners, the long-term payoff is worth it.
Final Takeaway
A smart electrical panel isn’t just about cool tech. It’s about understanding your home’s power, protecting your investment, and making smarter energy decisions.
If you’re building a new home, upgrading your electrical system, or simply tired of mystery bills and tripped breakers, this is the kind of upgrade that pays for itself over time.
Curious if a smart panel makes sense for your home?
Reach out to Old Town Electric. We’ll take a look at your setup, walk you through your options, and help you decide if now’s the right time to make the switch.
Smart power. Smart decisions. Smart homes. Let’s build it together.
