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 $700–$1,500 for the monitoring core (plus optional accessories and labor).

Feature Comparison

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.