Do You Really Need an $8,000 Smart Panel?
CEEA™ vs. Span
Homeowners researching smart energy solutions often look at the Span electrical panel. Span provides circuit-level monitoring and remote breaker control through its app, along with integrations for solar and batteries.[1] The CEEA™ Professional Energy Monitor delivers a comprehensive alternative—circuit-level visibility, targeted device control via CEEA™ Smart Receptacle Plugs, EV charger integration, solar production monitoring, and battery ESS integration—without replacing your existing panel.
Cost & Installation: Whole-Panel Replacement vs. Retrofit
- Span panel hardware: commonly listed around $3,500 before installation.[2]
- Installation scope: a smart panel swap requires a licensed electrician and can involve rewiring or service upgrades, which adds cost and complexity.[2]
- Real-world project totals: many installers and guides put typical installed costs in the mid-to-high four figures, often cited as $6,500–$10,000; some homeowners report totals around or above $8,000 depending on site conditions.[13], [22]
- Service upgrade context: when utility/service upgrades are triggered, related project costs can climb substantially (sometimes cited “upwards of $20,000”), independent of the panel hardware itself.[14]
Note: Actual costs vary by region, code requirements, permit fees, labor, and existing conditions. Always obtain a site-specific quote from a licensed electrician.
What CEEA™ Delivers Without a Panel Swap
The CEEA™ Professional Energy Monitor focuses on high-impact capabilities that fit most homes without major electrical work:
- ✅ Circuit-level monitoring for real-time insights into household loads.
- ✅ CEEA™ Smart Receptacle Plugs for precise, device-level on/off control (e.g., space heaters, dehumidifiers, media gear).
- ✅ EV charger integration with the CEEA™ platform for managed, efficient charging.
- ✅ Solar production monitoring to view PV generation alongside consumption.
- ✅ Battery ESS integration for storage visibility and coordinated energy use.
- ✅ Retrofit installation—works with your existing panel, avoiding full panel replacement in typical scenarios.
- ✅ Lower typical system cost—often under $500–$700 for the monitoring core (plus optional accessories and labor).
Feature Comparison
| Capability | Span Panel | CEEA™ Professional Energy Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit-level monitoring | ✅[1] | ✅ |
| Remote breaker shutoff | ✅ (via app)[1] | ❌ |
| Targeted device control | ❌ | ✅ (CEEA™ Smart Receptacle Plugs) |
| EV charger integration | ✅[2] | ✅ (CEEA™ platform) |
| Solar production monitoring | ✅[2] | ✅ (CEEA™ platform) |
| Battery ESS integration | ✅[2] | ✅ (CEEA™ platform) |
| Installation approach | Replace existing panel | Retrofit with existing panel |
| Typical installed project cost | $6,500–$10,000+ (varies by site)[13], [22] | $500–$700 + options (varies) |
| Best fit | Homes planning full smart-panel upgrade | Homes seeking affordable, complete energy management |
Everyday Use: Precision Control vs. Whole-Circuit Shutoff
While Span enables remote breaker control, many households prioritize practical, device-level management. CEEA™ Smart Receptacle Plugs let you control the specific loads that matter—without interrupting every outlet on a circuit. For EV drivers and solar owners, the CEEA™ platform brings charging, production, and storage visibility into one ecosystem, all while keeping installation and total cost of ownership in check.
Bottom Line
Span delivers an innovative smart-panel experience with breaker-level control and robust integrations.[1], [2] For homeowners who prefer a retrofit path with broad functionality and lower upfront cost, the CEEA™ Professional Energy Monitor offers circuit-level insights, targeted control with CEEA™ Smart Receptacle Plugs, and integrated EV charging, solar monitoring, and battery ESS—all without replacing the whole panel.
