As more renewable energy sources come online, installing smart electric panels in homes benefits both utility customers and utilities.
Smart panels are controlled via a smart phone app, providing homeowners with control over how electricity is used around the house. These devices allow for management of power flow in connected devices including solar panels, batteries, electric vehicle chargers, and power-consuming appliances within the home.
Vermont’s Green Mountain Power is spending $500,000 on a new pilot program to test the technology that it believes will help transform the grid. The utility has already installed thousands of Tesla Powerwall batteries in homes that are providing stored energy when demand peaks, saving Green Mountain $3 million in 2020.
Smart panels are expected to save even more by boosting the efficiency of electric distribution. With customers adopting more solar panels, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and battery storage, more efficient electricity distribution is a must for utilities.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2016
New LEED 2009 projects will have to meet increased minimum energy performance
New requirements went into effect April 8.
Wood | Apr 8, 2016
New LEED Pilot ACP designed to help eliminate irresponsibly sourced materials
Illegal wood is primary target to restrict illicit material in the supply chain.
Lighting | Apr 5, 2016
Lighting requirements for high-rise dwellings proposed for energy standard
The requirements would effectively eliminate incandescent and halogen bulbs.
Steel Buildings | Apr 4, 2016
AISI publishes Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide, 2016 Edition
Updates 2007 edition; includes five comprehensive design examples.
Data Centers | Apr 1, 2016
ASHRAE releases publication on the impact of IT equipment on data center design
The book offers advice for designing structures in the fast-changing data center industry.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2016
Occupant egress simulations that impact codes fall short, researchers say
Building evacuations in emergencies are too dangerous as a result.
School Construction | Mar 28, 2016
National report on school buildings reports $46 billion annual funding shortfall
Millions of students said to be learning in obsolete facilities.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2016
ASHRAE grants fund human thermal comfort database project
Aim is to help better understand thermal comfort in residential and commercial buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2016
OSHA finalizes new silica dust regulations
Construction industry has until June 2017 to comply.
Wood | Mar 23, 2016
APA updates Engineered Wood Construction Guide
Provides recommendations on engineered wood construction systems.