How do Savant and SPAN compare?
The Savant column comes from Savant's pages and the SPAN column from span.io. We are a Savant dealer, so read it with that in mind, and check SPAN's current specs with a SPAN installer.
| Savant Power | SPAN | |
|---|---|---|
| How it installs | Modules added to your existing panel | Replaces your existing panel |
| Panel brands | All major brands, such as Schneider, Eaton, ABB, GE and Siemens | SPAN panel only |
| Circuits controlled | Any circuit you add a module to, from one up | 16 to 48 controllable circuits |
| Module ratings | 20 A at 120 V, 30 A and 60 A at 240 V | Control built into the panel |
| Load management | Any circuit with a module | Mainly EV charger loads, per SPAN |
| Batteries listed | Savant Power Storage, Powerwall 2, Powerwall+, Powerwall 3, FranklinWH, Enphase | Powerwall 3, FranklinWH aPower |
| Smart home tie-in | Savant lighting, climate and scenes | SPAN app |
How does installation differ?
A SPAN install is a panel replacement. The electrician removes the old panel and installs the SPAN panel in its place, which means a permit, a planned shutoff and moving every circuit.
A Savant install adds modules to the panel that is already there. The electrician mounts a module on each circuit you want to measure or control. Savant says modules can be installed, named and paired before the home network is even in place, which helps on renovations. If the panel is full or in poor shape, the electrician may still recommend a new panel or a second one, and the modules go in that.
Which one shows more about energy use?
Both show use by circuit. SPAN measures every circuit in its panel because every circuit runs through it. Savant measures the circuits that have a module, and Savant says its monitoring is revenue grade, so it can put a dollar figure on each circuit. If you want every circuit measured with Savant, you put a module on every circuit. Many owners start with the big loads and add more later. See energy monitoring by circuit.
Which should you choose?
SPAN makes sense if the panel is old, full or due for replacement, and you want one new box that does everything.
Savant makes sense if the panel is in good shape, if you want to manage a handful of big loads such as an EV charger, a heat pump and a dryer, if you want Savant's own battery, or if the house has Savant control already. It also makes sense if you own a Powerwall and want circuit control on top of it. Read Savant vs Tesla Powerwall for that pairing.
