SPAN
About the Company
SPAN reinvented the 100-year-old electrical panel and is developing products that enable electrification and simplify the adoption of clean energy including solar, batteries, and electric vehicles. SPAN Panel gives customers circuit-level management, real-time monitoring, and actionable energy insights through the SPAN Home app’s intuitive interface.
With the SPAN Panel, homeowners with batteries are able to extend their battery duration on average by 40% during an outage so that they can get through longer and increasingly frequent outages, uninterrupted. Designed with hardware innovation and purpose-built with intelligent software, the SPAN Panel and the SPAN Drive electric vehicle chargers are an efficient and integrated solution for any home.
SPAN Panel and Drive have won numerous awards, including recognition from Wired as “Wired Recommends” and noted that the SPAN Panel “Brings unprecedented visibility into power consumption—and the ability to control it. Almost essential if you have a backup battery. Those with solar-powered homes will find this app-control electrical panel indispensable.” SPAN was previously named by Fast Company as one of their 2022 “The 10 Most Innovative Energy Companies.”
What Solar + Storage products are available with the SPAN panel?
The SPAN Panel is compatible with all of Powur’s Solar Only and Solar + Storage offerings. You can check SPAN compatibility using the SPAN Compatibility Guide.
the on-grid home load consumption and solar production user experience in the SPAN Home App will be exactly the same for homeowners when SPAN is installed in a non-backup battery configuration.
What equipment is available with the SPAN panel?
The SPAN Panel is available with most of the equipment that Powur offers; however, the SPAN Panel is NOT compatible with Franklin batteries at this time. You can check SPAN compatibility using the SPAN Compatibility Guide.
Product Information
List of Products
SPAN offers three primary products:
- SPAN Panel
- SPAN Drive
- SPAN Home App (free download with panel)
- A smart phone is required to control the SPAN Panel (Android or iPhone)
About the SPAN Panel
The ultimate battery backup experience. Get through longer and increasingly frequent outages, uninterrupted. Maintain flexibility to change backup settings to power any need at any time, from anywhere. Extends average battery duration by 40% during an outage.
The SPAN panel can also be used without battery backup and provides real-time control with consumption data at the circuit level.
What are the features of the SPAN Panel?
- Automatic load shedding based on customizable priorities with Must Have, Nice to Have, and Non-Essential. Manage Backup allows you to back up any circuit in your home (32 circuits/Panel) versus only “critical loads” hardwired at the time-of-install.
- Real-time energy production & consumption data at the circuit-level
- How Much Backup That Gives You provides estimated time remaining (actual time in Days, Hours, Minutes, and not State of Charge) updated in real-time when you change priorities
- Unparalleled intelligence into the energy performance of your home. Access unprecedented energy data in real-time. Receive recommendations to optimize your home for energy efficiency, cost savings, appliance health, fossil-free sources.
- Indoor and outdoor rated (NEMA 3R)
- Award: Wired Recommends 8/10 – “Brings unprecedented visibility into power consumption—and the ability to control it. Almost essential if you have a backup battery.”
Features
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- Visibility into whole home energy from one app: By Source & Generation: solar, battery, grid; By Usage: By circuit, EV
- Near-real-time data in full 1hz resolution (1-second interval
- Feed that puts your energy usage into context anyone can understand)
- Energy Stats compiles your energy usage in an additional layer of detail
- Compatible with 100A – 200A main breaker with 225A bussing
All features are made available through SPAN Home App (free download with panel) with frequent new features available to homeowners through free over-the-air updates to SPAN Panel and SPAN Drive.
Does the SPAN panel replace old service panels?
SPAN panel does NOT replace the old panel, it is added next to the current panel. In California, SPAN is typically a sub-panel (not a main panel) when installed with a renewable energy system.
In other areas of the country, the SPAN panel acts as the “main service panel.”
About the SPAN Drive
Smarter Level 2 charging at the fastest available speed for your home, without an electrical service upgrade. Save up to $20K in avoided costs and 6-9+ months awaiting utility work by avoiding a service upgrade when adding fast charging using your existing electrical service
- SPAN Drive delivers 48 amps (11.52 kW) of power and is compatible with all EVs, including Tesla (J1772 connector).
- Features:
- Dynamic Charging adds fast EV charging to your home without a service upgrade
- Charge on Schedule charges your EV for when the price of electricity is lower and saves homeowners on their electric bills
- Lock Drive ensures unauthorized vehicles cannot be charged
- Indoor and outdoor rated (NEMA 3R)
All features are made available through SPAN Home App (free download with panel) with frequent new features available to homeowners through free over-the-air updates to SPAN Panel and SPAN Drive
The SPAN Panel Warranty
What is the SPAN Panel warranty? Is it covered by Powur Care Warranty?
The SPAN Panel is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, it is not covered by Powur Care. SPAN provides a 10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty and you can find details about the SPAN Panel Warranty here: https://www.span.io/panel-limited-warranty
Avoiding Main Panel Upgrades
How does the SPAN Panel avoid a New Main Panel or Panel Upgrade?
In markets where the main service panel is typically a meter/main combo panel (e.g. CA, AZ, and parts of TX), SPAN can often be used to avoid a main panel upgrade.
For example, when SPAN is installed as a subpanel downstream from an existing 100A, 125A meter/main combo service panel, solar backfeed limitations and EV charger service feed upgrade triggers are eliminated. This solution (referred to as the “SPAN Tie-In”) can be leveraged in many cases, but always consult with the Powur Design Team to make sure the SPAN Tie-in solution is appropriate for your projects.
Can SPAN Panel help avoid a homeowner having to pay for a utility to upgrade transformers in the area?
In some cases yes, specifically when an EV charger triggers the need for a service upgrade. SPAN monitors and manages the EV charger load such that it does not need to be included in load calculations. In most cases, this avoids the need for a service feed upgrade when an EV charger load is connected to a SPAN panel.
How does SPAN handle the 100amp or 150amp main panel upgrade (120% busbar rule in CA)? And how does the 120% rule apply to the SPAN panel?
When SPAN is installed as a subpanel downstream from an existing 100/125A meter/main combo panel and all loads are relocated into SPAN, the configuration (whether with a microgrid interconnection device or not) is NEC compliant per code sections 705.12(B)(3)(2) & 705.12(B)(3)(3).
This solution is referred to as the “SPAN Tie-in” and can be leveraged in many cases to avoid a main panel upgrade and solar backfeed limitations. Please always consult with the Powur Design Team to confirm this solution is applicable to your projects.
Are AHJ’s accepting this as a replacement for sub-panels or a critical load panel?
Yes, AHJs throughout the country have been approving the installation of SPAN panels in various configurations. You never need a critical loads panel with a SPAN, which becomes the virtual load panel, typically providing access to the whole house.
Other Useful Information
Links to additional product information and resources:
- SPAN Panel
- SPAN Drive
- SPAN Home App (free download with panel)
- Homeowner Flyer
- Homeowner Flyer (Print Ready)
All Data Sheets and technical information for all SPAN products can be found in the SPAN Tech Portal.
SPAN DATA SHEET: https://drive.google.com/file/d/177JdIxDURZPJXYSV0nIPhn38rrl5qLY_/view
Rebates and Incentives
The new Residential Clean Energy Credit increases the federal investment tax credit (ITC) to 30%, extends the incentive to the end of 2032, and now includes grid-tied battery storage installed without solar as eligible for this credit. When you add SPAN to Solar or Battery projects, a SPAN Panel purchase may qualify for the Residential Clean Energy Credit tax credit.
25C provides households a 30 percent tax credit for an electrical panel upgrade, capped at $600 per year if it’s upgraded in conjunction with another upgrade covered by 25C (like a heat pump or heat pump water heater). The credit resets each tax year, effectively becoming available again for additional projects. Total 25C tax credits across panel upgrades and all weatherization projects are capped at $1,200 per year.
The SPAN Home App
The SPAN App is the foundation to your SPAN Home. SPAN Home app pairs with the SPAN Panel to give you circuit-level management, real-time monitoring, and actionable energy insights.
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FAQ
Product FAQ
What is SPAN?
The SPAN Panel is a smart electrical panel designed to modernize your home energy system by completely replacing your existing electrical panel, whether new-build or retrofit.
With SPAN you can control and monitor every circuit in your home from your phone, understand how your home is sourcing, storing, and using energy in real-time, and modernize your home without worrying about your existing electrical system.
How much does a SPAN Panel cost for Powur? Does pricing in Solo cover all additional costs for electrical, parts, and labor or are extra costs possible?
SPAN pricing is available via the Solo and Powur Vision pricing tools. The needed labor and additional materials to install SPAN will be included in the SPAN line item as it applies to the project install scenario. We have built in the labor cost to install the SPAN panel and the relocation of loads within 6 feet.
Additional labor adders will need to be added if there are loads located in additional subpanels, if the load relocation is greater than 6 feet, and/or if a main panel upgrade is also required in markets with meter/main combo main.
Whether SPAN is being installed as a subpanel in meter/main combo markets (CA, AZ, some of TX & FL) to avoid an MPU or is being installed as the new main panel in standalone meter markets, the on-site labor is often very similar to doing a standard MPU.
For existing electrical where the SPAN panel scope is perceived to be greater than a standard SPAN installation please include a light, moderate, or complex electrical cost adder (i.e. if more than 6ft of load relocation is required).
Can SPAN Drive be sold on its own?
No, SPAN Drive is sold exclusively as an accessory to SPAN Panel and is not supported as a standalone charger. Drive can be used with any Battery or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (BEV/PHEV) that is compliant with SAE J1772 (including Tesla).
What is the estimated additional install time with SPAN?
As with most electrical changes that come as a result of a solar retrofit, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer.
SPAN and the Powur Operations team have worked together to automatically build in the labor time necessary to accommodate a number of different installation scenarios. When adding SPAN to a proposal, the appropriate labor time will also be added
Does SPAN Panel require additional permitting or inspection needs from the AHJ or Utility?
SPAN requires the same permitting that any other panel work would require. SPAN can be installed as a subpanel (and often is in states with meter/main combo panels like California) and can be installed as a main panel.
Can existing customers get a SPAN Panel installed as a standalone addition? Can homeowners install a SPAN Panel if they don’t have solar?
Powur does not install SPAN Panel as a standalone product at this time. While SPAN Panel is not available from Powur as a standalone product, it can be added to Solar Only and Solar+ Storage projects in the proposal tool.
However, SPAN Panel is available as a retrofit, whether there is an existing solar array on site, or not–just not installed by Powur. Existing Powur customers can purchase and install SPAN Panel as a standalone add-on to their existing solar system.
While Powur does not install SPAN Panel, you can share the SPAN Compatibility Guide with existing Powur customers if they are considering adding a SPAN panel, to ensure their existing solar system is compatible with SPAN.
Will Powur carry the SPAN remote meter kit to pair with Enphase?
Yes, when adding SPAN to an Enphase proposal the Remote Meter Kit will automatically be factored into pricing for the SPAN line item.
Does SPAN qualify for the federal investment tax credit?
Yes, SPAN products do qualify for federal investment tax credits. Please always consult a tax professional when making tax incentive decisions.
Are there any case studies about average usage savings with the SPAN Panel?
A SPAN Panel owner testimonial about energy savings is available here on SPAN’s YouTube channel. Some SPAN owners report that they are saving up to 15% on their energy bills by reducing usage of unnecessary items that they didn’t realize were consuming a lot of power until they installed SPAN Panel.
SPAN will be conducting additional research to understand savings behavior and will be shared with Powur once it’s available.
Does the SPAN panel include a meter?
The SPAN panel does not include a meter. If a new meter/main combo is required with SPAN (oftentimes the existing meter/main combo panel will not need to be upgraded) then we recommend installing a new meter/main combo panel with a smaller footprint to just support the meter itself, that then feeds the SPAN panel.
What is the SPAN Panel warranty? Is it covered by Powur Care Warranty?
In short, SPAN provides a 10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. You can find details about the SPAN Panel Warranty at this link.
Product Compatibility FAQ
Can SPAN be used with Franklin batteries?
No, SPAN is not currently integrated with Franklin and has limited compatibility.
Does the SPAN Drive EV charger work with other types of panels?
No, it only works with the SPAN panel.
Does the SPAN Drive EV charger need an adapter for TESLA?
The SPAN Drive EV charger connection type is SAE J1772. This connection type works with most electric vehicles. An adapter will be required to connect SPAN Drive to a Tesla vehicle. Tesla provides the adapter that is needed.
Does the SPAN Drive EV charger work with other types of panels?
No, it only works with the SPAN panel.
Can we offer SPAN with a Sunnova lease?
SPAN is treated the same as any main panel work as funded by the Sunnova lease. Also, like any panel work, it is not covered by the 25-year warranty provided for the solar system itself. SPAN does include a 10-year warranty, however, which is a step up compared to standard electrical panel warranties that are typically between 3 to 12 months.
Technical FAQ
Is installing a SPAN panel the same as a New Main Panel or Main Panel Upgrade?
The SPAN panel can be a main panel or a subpanel. In meter/main combo main service panel markets (i.e. California, Arizona, etc), SPAN is installed as a subpanel and can actually be used to avoid a main panel upgrade in many cases. In markets, where the meter is standalone, the SPAN panel can act as the main service panel.
In California, SPAN is typically a subpanel (not a main panel) when installed with a renewable energy system. In other areas of the country, the SPAN panel acts as the “main service panel.”
How does SPAN Panel determine individual loads when multiple loads are on one circuit?
When multiple loads are on a single circuit (i.e. a bedroom outlets circuit), SPAN cannot discern between the different appliances plugged into those outlets. The consumption data will provide aggregate usage for all appliances plugged into those outlets.
Within the SPAN Home App, you can list the various items on any circuit, but you will not be able to discreetly control or view consumption data for different appliances landed on the same branch circuit.
If SPAN panel is being used with more than 32 circuits, can it still monitor the bundled circuits above the 32?
If more than 32 circuit slots are required, SPAN provides the option to use a branch breaker or feed-through lugs to feed secondary panels. If using a standard panel downstream from SPAN it is recommended to use the 90A max branch breaker in SPAN to feed that panel. SPAN will be able to monitor and control the downstream panel in an aggregate capacity.
If using a second SPAN panel, it is recommended to use the feed-through lugs in the primary SPAN panel to feed the secondary SPAN panel.
Can SPAN Panel reduce the peak load necessary for a backup battery to support large appliances that require higher amperage like an air conditioner?
SPAN cannot reduce the peak load needed by appliances in an outage. If the installed battery system does not support the surge power rating of certain appliances in an outage situation, those loads can be “locked out” during the commissioning process and will not be available during an outage.
Is internet required for SPAN Panel?
Yes, internet access for the SPAN Panel, hardwired to the network is preferred to WiFi.
During a power failure can SPAN form a microgrid?
The microgrid is formed with the automatic transfer switch connected to the battery. SPAN communicates with the microgrid interconnection device to maximize the backup experience via the SPAN Home Mobile App.
Is the SPAN EV Charger bi-directional?
No, the SPAN Drive EV charge is not yet bi-directional.
Will efficiency savings be estimated in the proposal tool?
Today, if SPAN Panel is included in a solar proposal, the estimated usage reduction will not reveal any additional savings in the proposal. However, in the future, SPAN and Powur will be collaborating to offer additional savings context on solar proposals that include a SPAN Panel.
Does the SPAN Panel allow homeowners to utilize TOU rate planning?
SPAN, when paired with Amazon Alexa, allows for on-grid load planning to accommodate utility TOU savings. Additionally, SPAN Drive can be programmed to charge based on your utility rate plan in an effort to avoid charging your vehicle when it is most expensive.
Can the SPAN Panel operate in extremely hot climates?
The SPAN panel is rated to operate at temperatures ranging from -22 to 122 Degrees F (-30 to 50 Degrees C).
Can SPAN Panel be installed within 3-ft of the gas meter in CA?
Potentially, if the SPAN Tie-in solution allows the existing meter main combo panel to stay in place, it could avoid the need to reinstall the meter more than 3′ from the gas meter. If not, the SPAN Panel must be installed following California safety regulations including requiring a 3’ distance from the gas meter.
Do we need a Meter Spot with SPAN or does it avoid meter spots?
The SPAN panel does not include a meter so a meter spot will not be required as a result of adding SPAN to an installation.
When the SPAN panel is installed as a subpanel to avoid a main panel upgrade in markets with existing meter/main combo panels, yes, oftentimes a meter spot can be avoided because the existing main service panel will not need to be moved or replaced.
Does the OCPD protect the solar system/inverters from grid surges?
The SPAN Panel is rated for 22 kA short circuit current when a main breaker is installed and 10 kA without a main breaker. The main breaker is Square D brand and all specs and performance aspects related to overcurrent protection apply as it would with any other non-SPAN panel.
Find more FAQ here:
SPAN Tech Portal Technical Information (Most information is available without a login, but some information will require a login. Logins can be granted by a Powur admin.)