SPAN Energy Management in Rohnert Park, CA
Real Answers on Smart Panels
Circuit-level monitoring, real load management, and honest answers on whether a smart panel actually fits your home or business — not just marketing.
What Rohnert Park wants to know before calling:
- Not sure if a smart panel is worth it? A 2025 independent lab study confirmed the core technology genuinely works — we'll walk you through the real numbers, not just marketing.
- Smart load-management technology can let you add an EV charger or heat pump without a full service upgrade — a real, validated way to avoid a bigger project.
- Installing a smart panel like SPAN requires the manufacturer's own installer certification — we'll tell you honestly where that stands for your project and help you get connected with the right path forward either way.
★★★★★
5.0 · 27 Google reviews
20+ years
in the trade
CSLB #1156335
licensed · bonded · insured
Sonoma County
owned & operated
SPAN Energy Management
Why Rohnert Park Chooses Bright Right Electric
- Licensed under CSLB #1156335, with honest answers about what smart panel technology can and can't do for your specific situation.
- A family-owned crew that explains the real requirements instead of overselling a capability.
- Straightforward pricing information you hear before you commit to anything.
SPAN Energy Management
What Is SPAN Energy Management?
SPAN energy management refers to a smart electrical panel system that replaces a traditional panel with one giving circuit-level, real-time monitoring and remote control through a phone app — showing exactly which circuits are drawing power, and allowing automatic load management that can help a home add major new equipment without a full service upgrade. It's worth knowing upfront that installing a SPAN panel specifically requires certification from the manufacturer, separate from a general electrical license — we'll tell you honestly where that stands for your project rather than overstate our role. Bright Right Electric helps homeowners and businesses across Rohnert Park understand whether this technology fits their situation, and coordinates the right path forward. This is one piece of our broader Panel Upgrades work. If you're specifically adding an EV charger, see EV Charger Installation; if backup power during an outage is your priority, see Generator Installation.
SPAN Energy Management
Our Process
We start with your actual goals, not a sales pitch for one specific product.
01
Assess your energy goals & panel situation
We look at what you're actually trying to accomplish — monitoring, EV readiness, backup power, or all three.
02
Explain the real technology honestly
We'll tell you plainly whether smart panel technology fits your situation, based on real, independently validated capability rather than marketing claims.
03
Confirm certification requirements
We'll tell you honestly what's required for your specific project and the right path to get there.
04
Coordinate permits & utility scheduling
Any panel work of this kind requires a permit and utility coordination for the meter.
05
Oversee installation
We manage the process so it's done correctly and to code.
06
Documentation & follow-up
You get a record of what was installed and how to use it.
SPAN Energy Management
How Much Does a Smart Panel Like SPAN Cost?V
Hardware pricing for SPAN's own panels runs $2,550 to $4,100 depending on the specific model, before installation. Installed totals more typically run $5,500 to $10,000 including permit and utility coordination, though the broader range across different projects and regions runs $2,000 to $15,000. A federal tax credit may reduce the net cost for qualifying installations — that's general information, not tax advice, and worth confirming with a tax professional.
Those are honest general ranges, not a locked-in Bright Right Electric quote — the fastest way to get real numbers for your specific situation is a conversation about your goals. Call (707) 791-5552 or request a quote below and we'll tell you plainly what to expect.
SPAN Energy Management
Can a Smart Panel Actually Help Me Avoid a Service Upgrade?
In many cases, yes — and this isn't just a manufacturer's claim. SPAN's built-in load management system, called PowerUp, manages load in real time so a home can add a major new piece of equipment — an EV charger or a heat pump, for example — on existing service without a full utility upgrade. When total load approaches the service limit, the system briefly pauses a lower-priority circuit rather than tripping the whole panel. It's exactly the kind of alternative worth considering alongside a traditional service entrance upgrade or panel replacement — we'll help you weigh both honestly.
SPAN Energy Management
Is This Real, Proven Technology?
Yes — and it's worth separating the manufacturer's marketing from independent verification. A 2025 lab evaluation by CALNEXT, an independent energy-efficiency research program, concluded that residential smart panels are technically capable of the service-upgrade avoidance and load management they claim. SPAN panels specifically hold UL 3141 certification, the smart panel safety standard referenced in the 2026 National Electrical Code for panels with electronic load control.
SPAN Energy Management
What Happens If My Internet Goes Down?
Basic power distribution continues normally — a smart panel isn't dependent on Wi-Fi to keep your lights and outlets working. Only the app-based monitoring and remote-control features rely on connectivity, and some of those functions can fall back to cellular service where available. It's a fair question, and the honest answer is that losing internet is an inconvenience for the smart features, not a safety or power issue.
SPAN Energy Management
What's Included
Smart panel energy management touches a few different areas. Here's what it generally covers.
Circuit-Level Energy Monitoring
Real-time visibility into exactly which circuits are drawing power, viewable through a phone app.
Solar & Battery Integration
Connecting a smart panel to a grid-tied solar inverter or a battery backup system to optimize energy flow.
EV Charger Load Management
Automatic load balancing that can let you add an EV charger without a full service upgrade. See EV Charger Installation for that specific project.
Backup Power Prioritization
Smart panels can help prioritize which circuits stay powered during an outage. See Generator Installation or Whole House Surge Protection for related backup power options.
Panel Replacement
A smart panel installation is a form of panel replacement. See Panel Replacement if you're comparing this against a traditional panel swap.
Certified Installation Coordination
Because SPAN specifically requires manufacturer certification to install, we'll tell you honestly what that means for your project and help you find the right path forward.
SPAN Energy Management
Why Choose Bright Right Electric
Honest about certification requirements.
We tell you plainly what's required rather than overstate our role.
Real technical knowledge.
We explain how this technology actually works, backed by independent validation, not just a sales pitch.
Real cost transparency.
You get honest pricing information before committing to anything.
Permit & utility coordination handled.
Any panel work of this kind requires proper permitting and utility scheduling — we manage that process.
08 ─────── Reviews
What Rohnert Park Customers Are Saying
"This is the most professional company I have ever worked with. I am a difficult person and hard to please (I have really high standards (as a retired science teacher) and I am skeptical of workmen and I'm a perfectionist!). Bright Right is currently working on the 3rd job I have hired them for – everything has gone smoothly, no stress at all!!! They are so friendly and so courteous. Rick and Dustin are an effective team with their two unique personalities – both very upbeat, serious, and kind. They explain everything in detail and answer all my questions (I am hyper-concerned about my property), and they are basically experienced, conscientious electricians you can trust."
— Nora Parker · Google Review
"I recently hired Dustin for some electrical work at my home, and I couldn't be happier with the results. He installed a high-quality bathroom fan, finished installing several outlets around the house, and completed a new electrical panel installation. From start to finish, Dustin was professional, knowledgeable, and clearly takes pride in doing the job right. The new panel installation was the bigger job, and Dustin handled it with real expertise. Everything was organized, labeled, and done to a very high standard, which gave me a lot of confidence in the safety and quality of the work."
— Google Review
"Bright Right did the electrical for our kitchen remodel and we couldn't be happier, we have since then added an EV with them and they were as good as the first time. Highly recommend!"
— Joey Evans · Google Review
"Shout out to Dustin Fildes, the electrician they sent to do the work at my house. You can tell he takes pride in his work. He's a very professional and very friendly. Individual would absolutely recommend Bright Right Electric and specifically Dustin to all my family and friends. Thank you Bright Right"
— Robert Horner, Google Review
Google Business Profile
5.0
Across 27 Google reviews
SPAN Energy Management
Serving Rohnert Park and the Greater North Bay
Bright Right Electric provides commercial and tenant improvement electrical throughout Rohnert Park — offices, retail, and restaurants along the Commerce Boulevard and Redwood Drive corridors, and businesses near Sonoma State University and the University District — and out to Cotati, Penngrove, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sonoma, and Cloverdale. Coverage extends into Marin County (San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Anselmo, Fairfax, and Tiburon) and Napa County, including wineries, tasting rooms, and hospitality projects. If your property isn't listed, call anyway — the answer is usually yes.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a SPAN smart panel cost?
Hardware pricing by model runs $2,550 to $4,100, before installation. Call (707) 791-5552 for a conversation about your specific situation.
How much does it cost to install a smart panel like SPAN?
Installed totals commonly run $5,500 to $10,000 including permit and utility coordination, though the broader range across regions runs $2,000 to $15,000.
Can a smart panel help me avoid a service upgrade?
Yes, in many cases. Smart load management systems can manage load in real time, allowing major new loads like an EV charger to be added on existing service without a full utility upgrade.
Do I need a certified installer for a SPAN panel?
Yes. SPAN requires initial installation and commissioning by a SPAN-authorized installer, a manufacturer certification separate from a general electrical license. Call (707) 791-5552 and we'll tell you honestly what that means for your project.
What happens to a smart panel if the internet goes down?
Basic power distribution continues normally. Only the smart monitoring and remote-control features depend on connectivity, and some functions can fall back to cellular when available.
Is a smart panel like SPAN compatible with solar and battery backup?
Generally, yes. Smart panels typically integrate with grid-tied solar inverters and battery systems, and can enable smart backup power configurations during an outage.
How long does smart panel installation take?
Installation is typically a same-day process — power is usually shut off in the morning and restored the same day once the panel swap and rewiring are complete.
Is a smart panel eligible for a tax credit?
A federal residential clean energy tax credit may reduce the net cost for qualifying installations, though eligibility and amounts should be confirmed with a tax professional.
What's the difference between a smart panel and a traditional electrical panel?
A traditional panel distributes power and trips on overload with no visibility into usage. A smart panel gives circuit-level, real-time monitoring and remote control through an app.
Is smart panel technology actually proven, or is it new and unproven?
A 2025 independent lab evaluation by CALNEXT concluded that residential smart panels are technically capable of the service-upgrade avoidance and load management they claim — real, independent validation beyond manufacturer marketing.
Get in touch
Ready to Get Started?
Call (707) 791-5552 any time, day or night, or fill out the quote form below and we'll get back to you.
Phone
(707) 791-5552
(tap to call)
Address
1150 Holly Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Hours
7am - 5pm & 24 hour emergency services available.
15 ─────── Full service detail
Electrical Panel Upgrades in Rohnert Park
Replacing an undersized or obsolete panel is the most common job we perform in Rohnert Park, and it's the one that unlocks everything else. If your home still runs original 100-amp service, a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, or a Zinsco panel, you're working with equipment engineered for a much smaller electrical load — and, in the case of those two brands, with a documented history of breakers that fail to trip. Upgrading to 200-amp service makes EV charging, battery backup, heat pumps, and modern appliance loads possible without constantly tripping breakers. We size the new service to what your household actually needs, pull the permit, coordinate the PG&E disconnect and reconnect, and meet the inspector for final sign-off.
EV Charger Installation in Sonoma County
Bright Right installs Level 2 home charging sized to your vehicle and, just as importantly, to your panel's actual available capacity. We run the dedicated 240-volt circuit, mount and commission the charger, and handle the permit — installing Tesla Wall Connectors, universal J1772 and NACS units, and hardwired or plug-in setups across Rohnert Park, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa. The detail most homeowners don't hear until it's too late is that many Sonoma County panels can't support a Level 2 charger without a service upgrade first, so we run a load calculation before you buy equipment, not after. We can also pre-wire a second circuit if a second EV is anywhere in your future.
Standby Generators & Backup Power
Public safety power shutoffs are a fact of life in Sonoma County, and so are winter storms that take lines down in the hills. We install whole-house standby generators with automatic transfer switches that pick up the house within seconds of an outage, wire inlets and manual transfer switches for portable generators, and add whole-house surge protection so your equipment isn't damaged when the utility comes back online. We'll also tell you honestly which tier makes sense — not every home in Cotati or Penngrove needs a whole-house unit when a critical-loads panel that keeps the refrigerator, well pump, internet, and a few circuits alive costs a fraction as much.
Solar & Battery Systems
We handle new photovoltaic installation, battery storage, system additions, and remove-and-replace work when a roof needs attention or a system has failed — plus service on existing arrays that aren't producing what they should. If you inherited a solar system with the house and nobody can tell you how it's wired or whether it's still under warranty, we can assess it and give you a clear picture. Battery storage in particular has changed the math for Sonoma County homeowners: between shifting utility rate structures under NEM 3.0 and the frequency of outages, a battery paired with existing solar is often a better investment than adding more panels.
Interior & Exterior Lighting
Recessed and can lighting, full LED retrofits, under-cabinet lighting, dimmer and smart-switch installation, fixture and chandelier hanging, landscape lighting, and security and motion-sensor lighting for homes across Rohnert Park and the University District. On the commercial side we handle lighting retrofits for offices, retail spaces, and warehouses along the Commerce Boulevard corridor, including the fixture and control changes that come with California Title 24 compliance. Lighting is one of the few electrical upgrades where the difference is immediately visible, and it's frequently the cheapest way to make a dated room feel finished.
Electrical Troubleshooting & Repair
Breakers that trip for no obvious reason, circuits that go dead, lights that flicker when the dryer starts, outlets that no longer hold a plug, GFCIs that won't reset, a faint burning smell you can't locate. These are the calls where experience shows. We trace a fault to its real source instead of swapping parts and billing for guesses, which is why our repairs hold and why we get called in behind other contractors who couldn't find the problem. In older Sonoma County homes the cause is often a failing backstab connection, a corroded neutral, a rodent-damaged run in a crawlspace, or a decades-old junction box buried behind drywall.
Custom Homes & New Construction
Full electrical for ground-up residential builds, major remodels, and additions throughout Sonoma, Marin, and Napa County — load calculations and plan review, service and meter setup, rough-in, trim, and final inspection. We work with general contractors, designers, and owner-builders, and we're comfortable on high-end custom projects near Sonoma State University where the lighting design, low-voltage layout, and smart controls all have to be coordinated before a single wire goes in. Getting the details right at rough-in is what keeps a home safe and functional for the next forty years — and it's far cheaper than fixing it after the drywall is up.
Commercial Electrical & Tenant Improvement
Service upgrades, panel and subpanel work, dedicated circuits for equipment, lighting retrofits, EV charging for employee and customer parking, and full tenant-improvement electrical for offices, retail, restaurants, and light industrial space along Redwood Drive and beyond. We understand a commercial job runs on someone else's schedule, so we work around business hours when the scope requires it. From a single dedicated circuit to a complete build-out, you get one licensed contractor coordinating permits, PG&E, and inspection — with clear pricing and a clean, code-compliant result.