Understanding Smart Electrical Panels

Smart electrical panels are revolutionizing how homeowners manage their energy consumption and backup power systems. These innovative devices offer unprecedented control and insight into a home’s electrical usage, allowing for more efficient power management and cost savings. In the video above, This Old House experts Heath Eastman and Ross Trethewey demonstrate the capabilities of smart electrical panels to host Kevin O’Connor.

What Are Smart Electrical Panels?

Smart electrical panels are advanced versions of traditional electrical panels that incorporate technology to monitor, control, and optimize a home’s power usage. Unlike conventional panels that have remained largely unchanged for decades, smart panels provide real-time data, remote control capabilities, and increased efficiency.

Key Features of Smart Electrical Panels

Smart electrical panels offer several advantages over traditional panels:

• Automated load management
• Customizable energy usage schedules
• Enhanced safety features such as arc fault detection
• Integration with solar and battery backup systems
• Real-time energy monitoring
• Remote circuit control via smartphone apps

How Smart Panels Differ From Traditional Panels

While traditional panels simply distribute power throughout the home, smart panels add a layer of intelligence and control. They allow homeowners to see exactly how much energy each circuit is using and provide the ability to turn circuits on or off remotely via cellphone. This level of control has been missing from conventional systems, making smart panels a game-changer in home energy management.

Smart Electrical Panel Functionality

Smart electrical panels offer numerous functionalities and benefits for homeowners, particularly those with or considering solar panels or backup power systems.

Optimized Energy Consumption

By providing detailed insights into energy usage, smart panels allow homeowners to identify high-consumption appliances and adjust their usage patterns. This can lead to significant energy savings and lower utility bills. For example, knowing when high-energy appliances are running allows for better planning and usage during off-peak hours. This data is typically accessible through a smartphone app, allowing homeowners to track their energy usage from anywhere.

Smart Home Integration and Remote Circuit Control

Many smart electrical panels integrate with other smart home devices, such as thermostats, lighting systems, and home security. For example, you can set lights and appliances to turn off automatically when you leave the house.

You can also turn circuits on or off using their smartphones. For instance, you can turn off a forgotten appliance from your office or ensure that critical systems are running during a vacation or power outage.

Enhanced Backup Power Management

Smart panels excel at load management. They can automatically manage loads based on predefined priorities and prioritize essential circuits during power outages to ensure critical systems remain operational while conserving backup power. This is beneficial in regions prone to frequent outages or where continuous power is needed, such as for medical equipment. During an outage, you may prioritize the refrigerator and heating system over non-essential lighting and entertainment systems.

Integration With Renewable Energy Systems

Smart panels work seamlessly with solar panels and battery storage systems. They can help maximize the use of solar energy and optimize battery charging and discharging cycles based on energy production and consumption patterns. They provide homeowners with insights into how much energy is being generated versus consumed.

Improved Safety and Maintenance

Smart panels often come with enhanced safety features such as arc fault detection, which helps prevent electrical fires. They also have self-diagnostic capabilities, which allow for easier maintenance and early detection of potential issues. By alerting homeowners to problems before they escalate, smart panels can contribute to a safer living environment.

Smart Panel Compatibility and Installation

For homes with existing electrical systems, retrofit smart panels can be installed alongside the traditional panel. These units, such as the one demonstrated by Eastman and Trethewey, can control up to 12 circuits and can be expanded modularly to cover more circuits if needed. Retrofitting is a cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to upgrade their systems without extensive rewiring.

Integrated smart panels are available for new installations or complete panel upgrades. These units, like the one shown in the video, combine all the smart features with traditional panel functionality in a single, sleek unit. Integrated solutions are ideal for new constructions or major renovations.

Installation Process

The installation process varies depending on the type of smart panel and your existing electrical setup. Retrofit panels can often be installed without major modifications to the existing system. Integrated solutions may require more extensive work but offer a cleaner, all-in-one solution. Consult a qualified electrician to determine the best approach for your home’s electrical needs.

Smart Panel Cost Considerations

While smart electrical panels offer many benefits, they come at a higher initial cost compared to traditional panels. Retrofit smart panel solutions, like the one shown in the video, typically cost around $2,000 to install, according to Eastman. Integrated smart panels, which replace the entire electrical panel, usually cost more.

Despite the higher upfront cost, smart panels can lead to long-term savings through improved energy management and integration with renewable energy systems. They can help optimize energy consumption, reduce utility bills, and maximize the efficiency of solar and battery systems. Over time, the potential savings can make the initial investment worthwhile.

Return on Investment

The return on investment for smart panels can take the form of lower energy bills, improved efficiency, and potential incentives or rebates for integrating renewable energy systems. We recommend you research available incentives in your area, as they can offset some of the initial installation costs.

Choosing the Right Smart Panel

There are several smart panel manufacturers on the market. Before making a decision, research different brands and compare their features, reliability, and customer support. Read reviews and consider consulting professionals who have experience with these systems.

Where To Find It?

Heath and Ross explain what smart electrical panels are and how they work by demonstrating how they track and manage a home’s electricity consumption.

Smart load management allows the homeowner to see how much energy is being used in real-time on a circuit-by-circuit basis and control the loads, both manually and automatically.

Panels looked at were provided by Lumin and Span.