A SPAN smart panel replaces your conventional breaker box with a panel that monitors and controls circuits through an app, so you can see which circuits use power and choose what stays on during an outage. It is an electrical panel upgrade first: the work needs an electrical permit, an inspection and a licensed electrician, and a standard 200 amp panel upgrade in Los Angeles County typically costs $3,500–$6,500. Smart panel pricing is quoted after an estimate because it depends on the model, the home and what you connect to it, such as an EV charger, solar or a battery. Kilowire pulls and manages the permit for you, and a free estimate is the best way to see whether a smart panel suits your home.
What a Smart Panel Does
A conventional panel only switches circuits on and off by hand or on a fault. A smart panel measures each circuit and lets you switch or schedule them remotely. That helps in three ways: it shows what drives your electric bill, it lets an EV charger or large appliance share a limited service by managing the load, and it lets a battery power only the circuits you choose during an outage.
| Feature | Conventional panel | Smart panel |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit-level monitoring | No | Yes, in an app |
| Remote on/off control | No | Yes |
| Battery backup circuit selection | Needs a separate subpanel | Managed in the panel |
| Load management for EV chargers | Needs added hardware | Built into the system |
| Permit and inspection | Required | Required |
Is It Worth It?
A smart panel suits homes that already have or plan an EV charger, solar or a battery, and homeowners who want circuit-level visibility. If you only need more capacity, a conventional 200 amp upgrade is simpler and costs less; see our panel upgrade guide. If your main goal is EV charging on a tight service, load management may solve it without a new panel. For a battery project, read our net billing tariff and battery guide. The overview of options is on our energy storage and smart panels page, and our panel upgrade service covers conventional replacements.
Installation and Permit
Installation follows the same path as any panel replacement (see permits and inspection coordination): a load calculation, a permit from your city’s building department, a power shutdown during the swap, a city inspection and utility reconnection where required. The permit authority depends on where you live, such as LADBS in the City of Los Angeles or LA County Public Works in unincorporated areas; confirm details on the LADBS website or with your own city. Whoever you hire, verify the license on the CSLB site and ask for proof of manufacturer training for the product. Do not open or modify a panel yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does a SPAN panel need a permit?
A1: Yes. It is a panel replacement, so it needs an electrical permit and a city inspection. We pull and manage the permit for you.
Q2: How much does a smart panel cost?
A2: A standard 200 amp panel upgrade typically costs $3,500–$6,500 in Los Angeles County. Smart panel pricing depends on the model and your home and is confirmed after a free estimate.
Q3: Can a smart panel help me avoid a service upgrade?
A3: Sometimes. By managing loads, it can let an EV charger or heat pump share a limited service, but a load calculation for your home decides.
Q4: Does a smart panel work with a battery?
A4: Yes. It lets you choose which circuits a battery powers during an outage, which is one of its main uses.
Get a Free Estimate
Questions about your home? Call (626) 600-0818 or request a free estimate. A diagnostic visit is $99. We pull and manage the permit for you; depending on your city we file with the right agency.
Prices are for general reference. The price of each project is individual and depends on the building and the scope of work, and is confirmed after an estimate. Permit rules, fees, codes and utility requirements vary by city and change over time. Please confirm the details on the official website of your city's building department and your utility before starting work.
Written by the KiloWire Team. Kilowire Electric is a d/b/a of SKILL SEE SERVICES INC, CSLB License #1110475 (B, C-10), 6018 Washington Ave, Whittier, CA 90601.