Schneider Electric has launched a modular, flexible way to add smart panel functionality to standard home electrical systems.

This option, including Square D control relays and the Schneider Energy Monitor, is said to offer homeowners in North America app-based control with easier installation and at a lower cost than current smart panel options.

Installing this could provide millions of homeowners with smart panel benefits, including circuit-level-control to save energy and enhance safety, and system-wide energy monitoring. Whether updating their existing Square D QO Plug-on Neutral electrical panel or installing a new panel, this will allow homeowners to add smart functionality inexpensively only where it’s needed to manage their energy use and reduce their utility bills.

“We are facing new and increasing challenges in powering our homes with resiliency issues from the electrical grid and the rising cost of utility power,” said Pape Ndaw, senior vice president at Schneider Electric. “We are excited to bring to market an easy-to-install solution that empowers homeowners nationwide to address these issues. Unlike some smart panels, this allows homeowners to control only the loads they need to control with the app, making this cost-effective for app-based monitoring and control of home energy usage.”

In 2021, Schneider Electric launched the Square D energy centre for new homes in California seamlessly enabling the convergence of residential distributed energy resources, including utility power, solar power, energy storage and generators. In January, the company introduced Schneider Home, a complete energy management system, including a home battery for clean energy storage, high-power solar inverter, smart electrical panel, electric vehicle charger, and connected electric sockets and light switches, all controlled by the Schneider Home app.

Available at electrical distributors, the Square D control relays are designed to snap directly onto the Square D QO plug-on neutral breakers, while the 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 monitor and control their energy use conveniently from their mobile device.