SPAN

Market position

SPAN describes itself as a leading innovator in home electrification technology and has been recognized by Fast Company (2022 most innovative energy companies) and Forbes (top five U.S. startup employers, 2023). Latitude Media characterizes the residential smart panel market as relatively small and stagnating as rooftop solar installations and EV purchases slow, which it links to SPAN's move into utility-facing infrastructure; the company's stated target is utilities at the intersection of load growth and decarbonization, particularly in states such as California.

SPAN positions the panel as a retrofit of the century-old electrical panel, combining circuit-level metering, dynamic circuit control and load management (PowerUp) in one device. Distinguishing claims from company material include UL 1741 PCS certification as a Power Control System, NEMA 3R indoor/outdoor rating, dynamic rather than install-time selection of backed-up circuits, and integrations with multiple battery, solar and appliance vendors (Tesla, Enphase, SolarEdge, FranklinWH, Mitsubishi Electric, Kenmore). Its investor-facing pitch to utilities is cost avoidance: managing load at the meter instead of building new distribution infrastructure.

Technology

The SPAN Panel provides circuit-level metering and remote switching, an internet-connected gateway using ethernet and Wi-Fi with cellular failover, and continued operation on last-known settings plus grid monitoring and off-grid transition when connectivity is lost. PowerUp is a smart energy management system that dynamically curtails selected circuits to keep incoming power below the home's service rating. SPAN Edge applies similar control at the meter for utility distribution-grid management. The company has said it is investing in engineering talent for system modeling and controls, forecasting, DER integration, grid services and machine learning, and in a microgrid test facility able to emulate on-grid and off-grid scenarios.

Go-to-market

SPAN reaches homeowners indirectly through a network of authorized installers — electricians, HVAC installers, solar installers and builders — who complete an online enrollment and training process via SPAN's Tech Portal, and directly through its website's installer-match flow and an electrification savings/rebate calculator. Partnerships extend distribution: appliance brands such as Kenmore, solar and storage providers such as Sunrun, Mitsubishi Electric for HVAC, and Landis+Gyr for reaching North American utility customers with SPAN Edge.

U.S. homeowners adding solar, battery storage, EV chargers, heat pumps or other major electric appliances, including those undertaking renovations or new construction; trade professionals (electricians, HVAC and solar installers, builders) who specify and install the products; and electric utilities seeking to manage distribution-grid load growth.

Geography

Headquarters are in the San Francisco area, with a research and development facility being developed nearby as of 2023. Products are sold only in the United States; as of April 2023 SPAN products had been installed in 47 U.S. states and were available in all 50. The company is expanding a development team in Bangalore, India.

History

SPAN began selling the SPAN Panel in 2020 and the SPAN Drive EV charger in 2022. The company reported nearly 600% revenue growth in 2022 and had grown to over 220 employees by April 2023, when it announced a $96.5 million Series B2 led by Wellington Management that brought total funding to $231 million. It was named one of Fast Company's 10 Most Innovative Energy Companies in 2022 and one of Forbes' top five best startup employers in the U.S. as of 2023. During 2025 SPAN expanded into the utility market, launching SPAN Edge in March 2025 out of a 2024 partnership with Landis+Gyr and participating in a PG&E virtual power plant pilot. In January–February 2026 press reports and an SEC filing indicated SPAN was raising a Series C of roughly $176 million (reported by Axios as close to $200 million).

Risks & controversies

Reported risks include a residential market described as small and stagnating amid slowing rooftop solar and EV adoption, and an unsettled business model for the utility segment; results of the PG&E virtual power plant pilot had not been publicly disclosed as of February 2026. Product-level dependencies include the need for an internet connection for app control and monitoring (with cellular backup that SPAN says should not be relied on as primary connectivity) and the requirement that installation be performed by a SPAN-authorized licensed electrician to avoid voiding the warranty. Series C figures come from press reports and an SEC filing rather than a company announcement.