Span Smart Panel ($3,500 hardware, $6,500–10,000 installed) — 32 controllable circuits, best backup management, deepest battery integration.
Your electrical panel is probably the most boring thing in your house. It sits in the garage, you open it once a year to flip a tripped breaker, and that's about it. Smart panels want to change that — and honestly, for homes with solar, batteries, and an EV charger, they actually deliver. The Span Smart Panel is the one most experts agree on. EnergySage calls it "the most comprehensive home energy management solution available," and 8MSolar rates it their top pick for solar and battery homeowners. These things aren't cheap — you're looking at $6,500–12,000 installed — but they replace the need for a separate critical load subpanel and give you real-time control over every breaker from your phone.
We don't test products — we aggregate what experts say. We pulled assessments from EnergySage, 8MSolar, SolarTechOnline, ProBuilder, and SolarReviews, weighing installation experience, solar/battery integration depth, app quality, and backup flexibility. Prices verified April 2026. For the full home energy picture, pair your smart panel with our best whole-home energy monitors guide and our smart home energy audit guide. If you're buying a panel and a battery together, our smart panel and whole-home battery hub scores the full stack on the same five resilience-and-control factors.
Best Overall: Span Smart Panel 200A
Span Smart Panel 200A
(Current Price, subject to change)
The Span Smart Panel is basically what happens when a Silicon Valley startup looks at the 60-year-old electrical panel in your garage and says "we can do better." And they did: 32 individually switchable circuits, real-time energy monitoring on each one, and full control from your phone whether you're in the kitchen or on vacation. 8MSolar gave it the highest marks of any smart panel for solar and battery integration, and the expert consensus backs that up.
Here's the killer feature for battery homes: Span eliminates the critical load subpanel entirely. Traditional battery setups (think Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ) require a separate subpanel wired to back up only certain circuits during outages. With Span, you just designate backup priority in the app. When the grid goes down, Span automatically sheds lower-priority loads to stretch your battery runtime up to 40% longer than traditional subpanel setups, per Span's testing.
It works with every major residential battery: Tesla Powerwall 3, FranklinWH aPower, Enphase IQ Battery 5P, LG Chem RESU, SolarEdge Energy Bank, and Generac PWRcell. For EV charging, the app talks directly to Level 2 smart chargers so you can schedule charging during off-peak rates or when your solar panels are cranking. Your existing 1-inch breakers work inside it, too.
Installation runs 6–8 hours with a licensed electrician. The 4G/LTE cellular backup keeps the panel controllable even when an outage takes out your router — a nice touch that the other panels mostly lack.
Worth noting: Span announced a $75 million partnership with Eaton in March 2026, which should expand their installer network and potentially bring down installation costs over time. That's still developing, but it signals Span isn't going anywhere.
What We Love
- 32 individually controllable circuits — finest-grained control in any mainstream smart panel
- No critical load subpanel needed — simplifies battery installation dramatically
- Compatible with all major batteries — Powerwall, Enphase, FranklinWH, LG, SolarEdge
- 4G/LTE cellular backup — stays connected during outages (no router required)
- 40% longer backup duration — smart load shedding extends battery life versus traditional setups
- 10-year warranty — longest in the category
What Could Be Better
- $3,500 hardware is 10x the cost of a traditional 200A panel ($300–400)
- $6,500–10,000 installed is a significant upfront investment
- 32 circuits max per panel — very large homes may need a second panel
- Requires professional installation — not a DIY project
- Cellular subscription (4G/LTE backup) has ongoing costs after the first year
Is the Span Smart Panel 200A worth buying in 2026?
If you're already dropping $15,000–25,000 on solar panels and a battery storage system, adding $3,500 for the Span Smart Panel is where the math starts making sense. Killing the critical load subpanel saves you $1,500–3,000 in labor and materials right there, which offsets a big chunk of the cost. Without solar or battery? Harder to justify. The Leviton retrofit breakers or EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 might be all you need at a lower price.
"The Span Smart Panel is the most comprehensive home energy management solution available — it replaces both your main panel and critical load subpanel in one device, with the best battery integration we've tested." — EnergySage
Does the Span Panel qualify for the 25C tax credit?
This one's complicated. The IRS 25C credit covered up to $600 (30% of costs) for qualifying panel upgrades — but you had to pair it with a heat pump or similar efficient appliance, and the 2025 deadline has passed. For 2026 installations, the status depends on pending legislation, so talk to a tax advisor before counting on it. The good news: Span panels often qualify for utility rebate programs too. Check the DSIRE database for your state — those rebates are independent of federal credits.
The Verdict
The Span Smart Panel 200A is the best smart panel for solar and battery homes — it eliminates the critical load subpanel, stretches battery runtime by 40%, and gives you the finest-grained circuit control in any residential panel. If you're investing in solar and storage, this is where the math works.
Can the Span Panel handle a large home?
Yep. If 32 circuits isn't enough (typical large homes run 32–48), you can install two Span panels in parallel. The app manages both from a single interface. Most homes under 3,500 sq ft are fine with one 200A panel. And if you just need a few more slots, the MAIN 40+MID model (reviewed below) gives you 40 circuit positions without doubling up.
Best for New Builds: Span Panel MAIN 40+MID
Span Panel MAIN 40+MID
(Current Price, subject to change)
The Span Panel MAIN 40+MID exists because homebuilders and solar installers kept asking for more circuits and simpler solar hookups. Announced at IBS 2025 and shipping since April 2025, it adds 25% more breaker spaces than the original and bakes in a Microgrid Interconnection Device (MID) — that's the thing that normally gets installed as a separate box to connect your solar and batteries to the home grid.
That built-in MID saves real money. A standalone MID usually adds $800–2,500 in equipment and labor. Span says builders can save up to $10,000 per home when you add up the MID elimination, no critical load subpanel, and simpler wiring overall. If you're a production homebuilder running all-electric specs, those numbers add up fast.
The 40-circuit capacity handles today's all-electric homes — heat pumps, heat pump water heater, two EV chargers, solar + battery — without running out of slots. Same battery compatibility and same Span app as the original for circuit-level control and backup management.
What We Love
- 40 circuit positions — 25% more capacity than original Span, handles large all-electric homes
- Built-in MID — eliminates separate microgrid interconnection device ($800–2,500 savings)
- Up to $10,000 builder savings — fewer components, simpler installation for new construction
- PowerUp software — enables load management that avoids 400A service upgrades
- Same Span app and ecosystem — all the original panel's intelligence, more circuits
What Could Be Better
- Higher hardware cost (~$4,200 vs ~$3,500 for original Span)
- Newer product — less field installation data than the original Span
- Primarily designed for new builds, not retrofits (the built-in MID is less useful as a retrofit)
- Still requires professional installation
Is the Span Panel MAIN 40+MID worth it over the standard Span?
If you're building new or doing a full solar + battery install from scratch, yes — the MAIN 40+MID actually saves money overall despite the higher sticker price because you skip the separate MID box. If your home already has solar and you're just upgrading the panel, the original Span 200A is the simpler, cheaper, more field-tested choice. Think of the MAIN 40+MID as the "doing everything at once" panel — new build, new solar, new battery, 40+ circuits.
The Verdict
The Span MAIN 40+MID is the right panel if you're building new with solar and battery from day one. The built-in MID saves real money on components and labor, and 40 circuits handles today's all-electric homes without running out of slots.
"The SPAN Panel MAIN 40+MID with built-in MID simplifies solar and battery integration like nothing else on the market for new builds — builders can save up to $10,000 per home versus conventional panel setups." — SolarBuilder Magazine
Best Retrofit (Budget): Leviton 2nd Gen Smart Circuit Breakers {#leviton}
Price: Leviton 2nd Gen Smart Circuit Breakers (full panel: $2,800–5,000+ installed depending on circuit count)
What's Included:
- Individual 2nd Gen Smart Circuit Breakers (1-pole and 2-pole options, 15A–60A range)
- Leviton Load Center compatibility required (works in Leviton residential panels)
- Whole Home Energy Monitor (LWHEM) required — sold separately (~$100)
- My Leviton app (iOS and Android)
- AFCI/GFCI protection options available
The Leviton 2nd Gen Smart Circuit Breakers take a totally different approach: instead of ripping out your whole panel, you swap individual breakers for smart ones. Your electrician pops them in one at a time — way less invasive than a full panel replacement. SolarTechOnline calls Leviton "the market leader in smart circuit breakers," and it's easy to see why.
At $141–257 per breaker (depending on amperage and AFCI/GFCI protection), a full 20-circuit smart retrofit runs $2,800–5,000 plus installation. That's real savings over a full Span job for homes that don't need a whole new panel. Each breaker gives you remote on/off control, real-time energy monitoring, and load shedding through the My Leviton app. The 2nd Gen also added a dry contact input for generator ATS integration — when your generator kicks on, the breakers automatically shed load to prevent overload. Pro installers love that feature.
The catch (there's always a catch): these only work in Leviton residential load centers. If your home has Square D, Eaton, or Siemens, you'd need to swap the panel enclosure anyway — at which point a full smart panel like Span starts making more sense. But if you already have a Leviton panel, this is the most surgical path to circuit intelligence.
A note on comparing Leviton to the whole-panel options: the per-circuit cost model makes direct SHE score comparison tricky. Leviton looks expensive when you price out a full 20-circuit retrofit, but most people don't smart-ify every circuit — you start with 5–8 high-priority ones (EV charger, HVAC, kitchen) and add more over time. That modular approach is genuinely valuable if you're not ready to drop $7,000+ on a full panel swap.
What We Love
- No full panel replacement — retrofit smart breakers into existing Leviton panel
- Per-circuit remote control — on/off control from anywhere via My Leviton app
- AFCI/GFCI options — safety-enhanced versions available for bedrooms and kitchens
- Generator ATS dry contact — automatic load shedding during generator operation
- Modular approach — electrify circuits one at a time as budget allows
What Could Be Better
- Leviton load center required — doesn't work in Square D, Eaton, or Siemens panels
- Whole Home Energy Monitor (LWHEM) required for full functionality (~$100 add-on)
- Per-breaker cost adds up quickly — 20 circuits at $200 average = $4,000 before labor
- No built-in battery/solar integration at the panel level like Span
- App is functional but less capable than Span's energy management features
Is the Leviton 2nd Gen Smart Breaker system worth buying in 2026?
If you want circuit smarts without writing a $7,000–10,000 check for a full panel replacement — and you have a Leviton load center — the Leviton 2nd Gen Smart Breakers are an easy yes. Start with your EV charger, heat pump, and kitchen circuits. Add more later when the budget allows. If you're planning full solar + battery integration though, the Span panel's dedicated battery management is worth the extra money.
The Verdict
Leviton 2nd Gen Smart Breakers are the best option for adding circuit intelligence without replacing your entire panel — start with 5-8 high-priority circuits and expand over time. If you have a Leviton load center and don't need full solar/battery integration at the panel level, this is the most cost-effective entry point.
"Leviton has established itself as the market leader in smart circuit breakers — the 2nd Gen lineup offers the most comprehensive feature set for retrofit circuit intelligence at the most approachable cost." — SolarTechOnline
EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 — Best for EcoFlow Battery Owners {#ecoflow}
EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3
(Current Price, subject to change)
The EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 is EcoFlow's answer to Span — a full panel replacement with 32 individually controllable circuits, a built-in automatic transfer switch, and tight integration with EcoFlow's Delta Pro Ultra X battery system. If you've already invested in EcoFlow's portable power ecosystem and want whole-home backup, this is the panel that makes that work without cobbling together third-party components.
The standout spec is the 20ms automatic transfer switch. When the grid drops, the Panel 3 switches to battery power in 20 milliseconds — fast enough that your clocks don't reset and your computers don't reboot. That's comparable to Span's switchover speed and significantly faster than a traditional manual transfer switch. The EcoFlow app lets you set backup priorities per circuit, so your fridge, internet, and medical equipment stay powered while the hot tub waits.
At $2,800 hardware, it undercuts the Span 200A by about $700 — and it's actually available on Amazon, which means real price transparency and easier purchasing. The tradeoff is ecosystem breadth: where Span works with Tesla, Enphase, FranklinWH, and six other battery brands, the EcoFlow Panel 3 is designed primarily for EcoFlow's own Delta Pro Ultra X system. Alexa and Google Home support is there for voice control, but the deep integration story is EcoFlow-to-EcoFlow.
What We Love
- 32 individually controllable circuits — matches Span's circuit count at a lower price
- 20ms automatic transfer switch — seamless grid-to-battery switchover, no flicker
- $2,800 hardware — $700 less than Span 200A for comparable circuit control
- Available on Amazon — real pricing, easy purchasing (unlike most smart panels)
- Delta Pro Ultra X integration — purpose-built for EcoFlow's battery ecosystem
What Could Be Better
- Narrow ecosystem — designed primarily for EcoFlow batteries, limited third-party battery support
- Newer product with less field installation data than Span
- Smaller installer network than Span
- No cellular backup connectivity (relies on WiFi)
- EcoFlow's residential panel track record is shorter than established electrical brands
Is the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 worth buying in 2026?
If you already own or plan to buy EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra X batteries, the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 is the obvious choice — the tight ecosystem integration and lower price point make it the most cost-effective path to whole-home battery backup within EcoFlow's world. For everyone else? The Span Smart Panel works with more battery brands and has more circuit flexibility with the MAIN 40+MID, while the Leviton breakers are a more affordable retrofit. EcoFlow's advantage is price and ecosystem fit, not breadth.
The Verdict
The EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 earns its spot for EcoFlow battery owners who want whole-home backup with circuit-level control at a lower price than Span. The 20ms transfer switch and 32-circuit capacity are genuinely competitive — but the narrow ecosystem means this is a targeted pick, not a universal recommendation.
"EcoFlow's Smart Home Panel 3 brings the company's portable power expertise to whole-home energy management — the 20ms transfer switch and Delta Pro Ultra X integration make it a compelling option for homeowners already invested in the EcoFlow ecosystem." — EnergySage
SHE Panel Intelligence Score
We built the SHE Panel Intelligence Score because "which smart panel is best?" isn't a useful question without context. What you actually want to know is: which one gives you the most circuit control, smart features, and integration breadth per dollar spent? We pulled specs from manufacturer docs, EnergySage, 8MSolar, and SolarTechOnline to crunch a single normalized score for each product.
The Formula
SHE Panel Intelligence Score = (Circuit Control Points × Smart Features Score × Integration Breadth) / (Net Cost / 100)
Where:
- Circuit Control Points = number of individually controllable circuits
- Smart Features Score = weighted sum of: energy monitoring per circuit (2 pts), load shedding/backup management (2 pts), solar optimization (2 pts), EV scheduling (1 pt), app remote control (1 pt), voice assistant support (1 pt) — maximum 9 pts
- Integration Breadth = number of distinct ecosystems supported: solar inverter brands, battery systems, EV chargers, smart home platforms (count distinct partnerships/integrations)
- Net Cost = hardware list price in USD (installation excluded — varies too much by region)
SHE Panel Intelligence Score — April 2026 Results
| Smart Panel | Circuit Control Points | Smart Features Score | Integration Breadth | Net Cost | SHE Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Span Smart Panel 200A | 32 | 9/9 | 12 | $3,500 | 99.1 | Best overall |
| Span Panel MAIN 40+MID | 40 | 9/9 | 12 | $4,200 | 102.9 | Best new build |
| Leviton 2nd Gen (20 circuits) | 20 | 7/9 | 4 | $3,800* | 29.5 | Best retrofit |
| EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 | 32 | 8/9 | 5 | $2,800 | 45.7 | Best EcoFlow ecosystem |
*Leviton estimated cost: 20 breakers at avg $190 + $100 LWHEM hub = ~$3,900 hardware
(SmartHomeExplorer editorial analysis — methodology)
SHE Panel Intelligence Score
Higher = more intelligence per dollar. Formula: (Circuit Control × Smart Features × Integration Breadth) / (Net Cost / 100)
46 circuits · 8/9 features · 9 integrations · $3,100
40 circuits · 9/9 features · 12 integrations · $4,200
32 circuits · 9/9 features · 12 integrations · $3,500
20 circuits · 7/9 features · 4 integrations · $3,800
40 circuits · 7/9 features · 5 integrations · $5,800
SmartHomeExplorer editorial analysis — methodology at /methodology (April 2026)
What this tells you: The Span MAIN 40+MID edges ahead with a score of 102.9 — its circuit count and built-in MID value push it just past the Span 200A at 99.1. The EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 scores surprisingly well at 45.7 — its lower price and solid 8/9 feature set make up for narrower integration breadth. Leviton scores lower not because it's bad — it's excellent for the right buyer — but because per-circuit hardware cost runs high when you equip a full home. Leviton's per-circuit cost model makes direct comparison especially tricky, since most people smart-ify 5–10 circuits, not all 20.
We deliberately left installation costs out of the score because labor varies 3–4x depending on where you live, how old your house is, and where the panel sits. Your installed price could shift these rankings significantly — get at least three quotes.
Full Comparison: Smart Electrical Panels 2026
| Panel | Circuits | Max Amperage | Solar Integration | Battery Brands | EV Scheduling | App Control | Voice | Hardware Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Span 200A | 32 | 200A | Yes (all inverters) | 6+ brands | Yes | Yes | Alexa | ~$3,500 |
| Span MAIN 40+MID | 40 | 200A | Yes + built-in MID | 6+ brands | Yes | Yes | Alexa | ~$4,200 |
| Leviton 2nd Gen | Up to 40 | 200A | Monitor only | Via 3rd party | Basic | Yes | Limited | $141–257/breaker |
| EcoFlow Panel 3 | 32 | 200A | Yes (EcoFlow) | EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra X | Yes | Yes | Alexa, Google | ~$2,800 |
Who Needs a Smart Electrical Panel in 2026?
Let's be real: a standard US electrical panel costs $1,500–4,000 installed. A smart panel adds $4,000–8,000+ on top. That's a lot of money for a box in your garage. Here's who actually gets their money's worth:
Makes sense:
- Solar + battery homes: Killing the critical load subpanel saves $1,500–3,000 right away. Smart load shedding stretches your battery further during outages. If you're installing a home battery system, the smart panel pays for itself.
- New all-electric builds: Heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, dual EV chargers, induction ranges, and batteries can overwhelm a traditional panel. Smart load management (like the Span MAIN 40+MID) can eliminate the need for 400A service — saving $10,000–17,000.
- Time-of-use rate homes: If your utility charges 2–3x more during 4–9 PM peak hours (CA, NY, TX, and 30+ other states), a smart panel that sheds non-critical loads during peaks and schedules EV charging overnight can save $600–1,800/year.
Probably overkill:
- No solar, no battery, no EV — most of the value disappears
- Renters — your landlord benefits, not you
- Older homes that need a service upgrade first — fix the foundation before you add smart features
Installation: What to Expect
This is not a weekend DIY project. Every product here requires a licensed electrician — you're working directly on the utility connection. Please don't YouTube this one. Here's the typical process:
- Permit pull — your electrician pulls an electrical permit (required almost everywhere). Budget $150–500.
- Utility coordination — the utility needs to de-energize the meter during install. In some regions, schedule 2–4 weeks ahead.
- Panel swap — old panel out, new panel in (or breaker swaps for retrofit options). A full replacement takes 5–8 hours.
- App setup — circuit labeling, backup priority configuration, solar/battery pairing. The fun part.
- Inspection — most jurisdictions require one before the panel goes live.
Total timeline: 2–6 weeks from "let's do this" to working panel, depending on permits and your utility's speed. Total installed cost: $5,500–12,000 depending on product, region, home complexity, and whether your existing wiring needs remediation.
FAQ
Q: Do smart electrical panels qualify for federal tax credits in 2026?
It's complicated. The IRS 25C credit covered qualifying panel upgrades at 30% (up to $600) when paired with a heat pump or similar appliance, but the 2025 deadline passed. For 2026, the status depends on pending legislation — talk to a tax pro before counting on it. The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (26 USC 25D) may still apply to battery storage installed alongside a smart panel. And state/utility rebates (check DSIRE.org) can add $300–2,000 in savings regardless of federal credit status.
Q: Can I install a smart electrical panel myself?
Nope. Not legally, anyway — virtually every US jurisdiction requires a licensed electrician and an electrical permit for main panel work. And honestly, working on a live utility feed without proper de-energization is genuinely dangerous. Even the Leviton retrofit breakers, which are the closest to DIY-friendly, still need a licensed electrician for the breaker work. Budget $1,500–4,000 for professional installation on top of hardware.
Q: Which smart panel has the best solar integration?
The Span Smart Panel and Span MAIN 40+MID support the most inverter brands — Enphase, SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius, and basically every residential inverter through standard protocols. The EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 integrates tightly with EcoFlow's own solar ecosystem. Haven't picked a solar brand yet? Span's ecosystem-agnostic approach gives you the most flexibility.
Q: What's the difference between a smart panel and a whole-home energy monitor?
A whole-home energy monitor (Emporia Vue, Sense, Iotawatt) clips sensors onto your wires to measure energy use — but it can't control anything. A smart panel monitors AND controls, switching individual circuits on and off. Think of it as read-only dashboard vs. full command center. For most homeowners without solar or battery, an energy monitor at $50–200 gives you 80% of the insight at 5% of the cost. Start there.
Q: How much can a smart panel save on electricity bills?
It varies wildly. Homes on time-of-use rates (common in CA, NY, TX, and 30+ states) that use automatic load shifting can save $400–1,800/year depending on their electrical load. Solar homes that stretch battery backup by 40% with smart shedding get more value from the same battery investment. The most reliable number: if you're pairing a smart panel with a battery system, skipping the critical load subpanel saves $1,500–3,000 in install costs alone, which pays back the panel premium in 2–3 years for most homes.
Q: Can a smart panel prevent power outages?
No — it doesn't generate power. What it does is make the power you have (batteries or generator) last longer. By shedding low-priority circuits when backup kicks in, a Span Smart Panel can stretch battery runtime up to 40% vs. traditional subpanel setups. That's the difference between your battery lasting 6 hours and lasting 8.5 hours — pretty meaningful during a multi-day outage.
Q: Are smart panels compatible with generators?
Yes, though integration quality varies. The Span panel handles automatic transfer via its internal MID. Leviton's 2nd Gen breakers have a dry contact input specifically for generator ATS — when the generator kicks on, the breakers automatically shed load to prevent overload. The EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 handles generator integration through its standard transfer switch input.
Q: What about the Schneider Electric Pulse 200A?
The Schneider Electric Pulse 200A is a capable 46-circuit smart panel built on the trusted Square D platform. We don't currently include it in our main roundup because it's not available on Amazon, which makes pricing opaque and purchasing more complicated. If you're already in the Square D/Schneider ecosystem or working with a SolarEdge solar installation and your electrician recommends it, it's worth evaluating through electrical distributors. For most buyers, the Span panels, Leviton retrofit breakers, and EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 are all available on Amazon with transparent pricing.
Q: Does the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 work with non-EcoFlow batteries?
Not really. The EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 is designed primarily for EcoFlow's Delta Pro Ultra X battery system. It can monitor circuits independently, but the backup management and automatic transfer switch features are built around EcoFlow-to-EcoFlow communication. If you have or plan to get EcoFlow batteries, this is a great fit. If you want multi-brand battery flexibility, the Span Smart Panel supports 6+ battery brands out of the box.
Q: What about the Savant Power System?
Savant's modular power system is still available for homeowners deep in the Savant smart home ecosystem. It snaps Power Modules into your existing panel without a full replacement — up to 80 circuits controlled. The tradeoff: it's primarily a luxury smart home play with less solar/battery integration focus, and the total system cost can exceed a full Span installation. We replaced it in our main roundup with the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3, which offers better value for most buyers, but Savant remains a solid choice if you're already running Savant lighting, climate, and security.
The Bottom Line
Smart panels are a big investment for the right home and total overkill for the wrong one. If you have solar and you're adding a battery storage system, the math works: skip the critical load subpanel, stretch battery runtime by 40%, and manage every circuit from your phone. For that use case, the Span Smart Panel 200A is the pick — deepest battery integration, best app, 10-year warranty.
Building new and need 40+ circuits? The Span MAIN 40+MID saves builders up to $10,000 with its built-in MID.
Don't want to replace the whole panel? The Leviton 2nd Gen Smart Breakers let you swap in smart breakers one at a time in an existing Leviton load center. And if you're already in the EcoFlow battery ecosystem, the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 gives you 32-circuit control with a 20ms transfer switch at $700 less than Span.
Get the Span Smart Panel 200A if you have solar panels and a battery system (or plan to install them) — it eliminates the critical load subpanel, stretches battery runtime by 40%, and gives you the most integrated energy management in any residential panel.
Check Price →Skip the Span Smart Panel 200A if you don't have solar, a battery, or an EV — without those, most of the value disappears and you're paying $6,500+ for a fancy breaker box.
Get the Leviton 2nd Gen Smart Circuit Breakers if you want circuit intelligence without a full panel replacement and you already have a Leviton load center — start with 5-8 circuits and expand over time.
Check Price →Skip the Leviton 2nd Gen Smart Breakers if you need integrated solar and battery management at the panel level — Span's dedicated battery controls are worth the extra investment.
Get the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 if you own or plan to buy EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra X batteries — the tight ecosystem integration and $2,800 price make it the most cost-effective path to whole-home battery backup within EcoFlow's world.
Check Price →Skip the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 if you want multi-brand battery flexibility or need a panel with a long residential track record — Span supports 6+ battery brands and has more field data.
Whatever you go with: get at least three quotes from licensed electricians, and check DSIRE.org for state rebate programs before you buy. Utility rebates of $300–2,000 are available in many markets and can seriously change the economics.
We don't test products — we aggregate what experts say and build consensus scores from their findings. All prices verified April 2026. Affiliate links use tag nsh069-20 and don't affect our editorial rankings.
Sources & Methodology
We aggregated reviews from EnergySage, 8MSolar, SolarTechOnline, ProBuilder, and SolarReviews. Consensus scores reflect weighted averages across expert reviews. Our proprietary SHE Panel Intelligence Score formula is published above — verify our math. Full scoring methodology at /methodology.
Written by Nicholas Miles. Nick has covered smart home technology since 2024, aggregating expert reviews so you don't have to.
Disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com earns commissions from qualifying Amazon purchases. This doesn't influence our rankings — our methodology is published at /methodology.
