Most homeowners don’t think much about their electrical panel until it becomes a source of frustration. Maybe the breakers trip when you try to use the microwave and the toaster at the same time. Maybe you’re ready to install solar, an EV charger, or backup power, only to find out your current panel can’t handle it. Or maybe your panel is decades old, and you’re starting to wonder if it’s even safe.
At Integra Electrical, we’ve seen all of these situations. We’ve worked on older homes with standard breaker panels and newer homes with smart panels, and we know the strengths and weaknesses of both.
Before the end of this article, you will know:
- What are smart panels (pros and cons)
- What are standard panels (pros and cons)
- How to decide which type is the better fit for your needs
Smart Panels
A smart electrical panel is a modern upgrade to your home’s breaker box that lets you see exactly how much energy each circuit is using in real time. It can track, control, and even shut off appliances from an app on your phone, helping you save money, spot problems early, and keep your home safer.
Pros of Smart Panels
- See what’s happening in real time – Many smart panels let you track your home’s energy use right from an app on your phone. You can see which appliances are using the most power and adjust to save money.
- Get alerts before problems grow – Some smart panels send notifications if a circuit is overloaded or if something unusual happens, helping you catch issues early.
- Ready for solar, batteries, and EV chargers – If you’re planning to add renewable energy or backup power, a smart panel makes the process smoother and more efficient.
- Future-proof your home – As technology changes, a smart panel helps your electrical system stay flexible and ready for upgrades down the road.
Cons of Smart Panels
Of course, smart panels aren’t all sunshine and Wi-Fi. They come with some downsides worth knowing.
- The price tag stings a bit – Smart panels cost more up front. Most smart panels cost between $2,000 and $4,500 installed, depending on the size of your home and any extra upgrades needed. Even though they can save you money in the long run, that initial bill can feel like buying concert tickets before you remember you also have to pay for parking, snacks, and maybe earplugs.
- They rely on technology – Features like monitoring and alerts work through apps and Wi-Fi. If your internet cuts out (or you’re the kind of person who never remembers their login password), those smart features feel a lot less “smart.”
- More complex to troubleshoot – If something goes wrong, it’s not as simple as flipping a breaker back on. Sometimes it takes a pro to sort out whether the issue is with the panel itself, the software, or the settings.
Standard Panels
A standard electrical panel (often called a breaker box) is the hub that distributes electricity throughout your home and shuts off power if circuits get overloaded. It’s the backbone of your electrical system, but unlike a smart panel, it doesn’t track usage or give you insights; it just delivers and protects.
Pros of Standard Panels
Sometimes the classic way still does the job. Standard panels have been powering homes for decades, and there’s a reason they’re still around.
- They cost less – When you’re already paying for a remodel, a vacation, or that soccer registration that somehow doubled in price this year, saving money on your panel feels like a win.
- Simple and reliable – Standard panels are straightforward. No apps, no updates, no “error loading” screen. Flip the breaker, and it either works or it doesn’t.
- Easy to service – Every electrician knows their way around a standard panel, and parts are widely available. You won’t be waiting weeks for something to ship.
- Plenty for basic needs – If your home isn’t running solar, an EV, or a backup battery, a standard panel will handle daily life just fine.
Cons of Standard Panels
While standard panels get the job done, they do come with limits, especially as homes keep getting more power-hungry.
- No heads-up when something’s wrong – Standard panels don’t send alerts or warnings. If a circuit’s overloaded, you’ll find out the old-fashioned way: everything shuts off right when you’re blending a smoothie.
- Not built for modern add-ons – Adding solar, a backup battery, or an EV charger often means the panel needs an upgrade. It’s like trying to plug a smartphone into a flip phone; it just doesn’t line up.
- They can feel outdated – A standard panel is like that old truck that always starts, but has roll-down windows and a tape deck. Dependable? Yes. Built for the future? Not really. Outdated panels can pose safety risks.
How to Tell Which One Is Right for You
Choosing between a smart panel and a standard panel isn’t about which one is “better”; it’s about which one fits your home and your plans.
A smart panel makes sense if… you’re planning to add solar, an EV charger, or backup batteries; you want to keep tabs on your energy use; or you like the idea of controlling things from your phone. It’s also a good choice if you know you’ll be in your home long-term and want to future-proof it.
A standard panel makes sense if… you’re on a budget, your home doesn’t need advanced features, or you just want something simple and dependable without the bells and whistles. Think of it like choosing a sturdy flip phone instead of the latest smartphone; it won’t text you alerts, but it’ll do the basics every time.
Your Next Steps
If you’re weighing a smart panel against a standard one, the best place to start is with your own home and lifestyle. Ask yourself:
- Are you planning upgrades like solar, backup batteries, or an EV charger?
- Do you want the ability to monitor and control your home’s energy use?
- Or do you simply need a dependable panel that won’t stretch your budget?
Once you know your priorities, the next move is simple: download our free Price Guide. It breaks down the typical costs of electrical upgrades in Iowa homes, including panels, so you can plan with confidence before making any decisions.
FAQs
Do smart panels really save money?
They can. By showing you which appliances use the most energy, smart panels help you spot waste and adjust. Some homeowners see lower bills, especially when paired with solar or time-of-use rates.
Can I upgrade my standard panel later?
Yes. Many people start with a standard panel and switch to a smart panel when they add things like solar, an EV charger, or backup power.
How long does it take to install a new panel?
Most panel installations are done in a day. More complex projects, like adding solar or rewiring, may take longer.
Is a smart panel worth it if I’m moving soon?
If you plan to sell in the near future, a standard panel might make more sense. But in the right market, a smart panel can add appeal to buyers who care about energy efficiency.
Topics:
