Schneider Electric is launching a new modular, retrofit, and more affordable solution that adds smart panel functionality to standard home electrical systems.
According to the Boston-based manufacturer of energy management solutions, the new solution, including new Square D Control Relays and the Schneider Energy Monitor, gives homeowners access to nationwide app-based control with easier installation and at a lower cost than current smart panel options.
The company says the installation of the new solution will give “millions of homeowners” the benefits of smart panels, including circuit-level-control to save energy and enhance safety, along with system-wide energy monitoring. This includes either updating the Square D QO Plug-on Neutral electrical panel or installing a new panel, with both allowing homeowners to add smart functionality only where it’s needed to manage energy use and reduce utility bills.
In a statement, Pape Ndaw, senior vice president of the company’s Home & Distribution Hub-North America, says homeowners are facing new challenges in powering homes with resiliency issues from the electric grid and the rising cost of energy.
“We are excited to bring to market an easy-to-install solution that empowers homeowners nationwide to address these issues,” Ndaw says. Unlike some smart panels, this allows homeowners to control only the loads they need to control with the app, making this a cost-effective solution for app-based monitoring and control of home energy usage.”
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Schneider Electric in 2021 launched the Square D Energy Center for new homes in California, enabling the convergence of residential distributed energy resources, including utility power, solar power, energy storage and generators.
In January, Schneider Electric introduced the Schneider Home energy management solution. Schneider Home includes a home battery for clean energy storage, a high-power solar inverter, a smart electrical panel, an electric vehicle charter, and connected electric sockets and light switches, all controlled by the Schneider Home app.
According to Schneider Electric, these solutions can be quickly and easily installed by a licensed electrician. The Square D Control Relays are designed to snap directly onto the Square D QO Plug-on Neutral breakers, while the Schneider Energy Monitor can be added directly into the panel at the same time. Commissioning for both devices can be done quickly through the app, allowing the homeowner to now monitor and control their energy use conveniently from their mobile device.
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