SPAN Panel vs. Traditional Panel Upgrade — Which Is Right for Your Home?
Both options replace your existing electrical panel. The difference is what you get after — and what you're planning to do with your home's energy in the next few years.
| Factor | Traditional Panel Upgrade |
SPAN Panel
Smart Panel
|
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Increases electrical capacity. Replaces aging or unsafe panels with a modern standard panel. | Replaces your panel with a smart, connected system — increases capacity AND adds circuit-level intelligence. |
| Circuit visibility | None — standard panels don't monitor individual circuits | Every circuit visible in real time via the SPAN Home app |
| App control | None | Remote circuit control — iOS and Android, from anywhere |
| Solar integration | Compatible — no direct communication with inverter | Native — manages solar production, battery, and loads automatically |
| Battery backup | Compatible — requires separate management system | Built-in — SPAN prioritizes circuits and extends backup duration automatically |
| EV charging | Supports EV charger installation — no smart load management | Native SPAN Drive integration — charging adjusts automatically based on home demand |
| Energy cost data | None — no usage monitoring by circuit | Circuit-by-circuit usage history — see exactly what's driving your electric bill |
| Typical cost | $2,500–$5,000+ installed | Evaluation required — contact CMB Electric for a written quote |
| Permit required | Yes — CMB Electric handles it | Yes — CMB Electric handles it |
| Best for | Homes needing more capacity without smart features. Urgent safety replacements. Budget-driven decisions. | Homes adding solar, battery storage, or EV charging. Homeowners who want real visibility and control over their energy. |
How CMB Electric Helps You Choose
We install both traditional panel upgrades and SPAN Panel. We don't have a financial reason to push one over the other — we have a professional reason to recommend whichever makes more sense for your specific situation.
If your panel is unsafe, outdated, or you simply need more capacity without any plans for solar or battery, a traditional panel upgrade is the right move and we'll tell you so. If you're building a more capable home energy system — solar, battery storage, smart EV charging — SPAN Panel is the more capable foundation and the investment reflects that.
Our evaluation process covers both options. We assess your current panel, your planned loads, and your energy goals — then give you a clear recommendation and a written quote for whichever path makes sense.
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for Your Home?
Schedule an evaluation with CMB Electric. We assess your panel, your planned additions, and your energy goals — then give you a straight recommendation and a written quote for the right solution.