Off-Grid Living with Smart Electrical Panel Installation
When most people think about the future of home energy, they picture rooftop solar panels or EV chargers. But true electrification goes deeper — and it all starts with a smart electrical panel installation.
This spring, My Electric Home brought that future to life through a Denver Grant funded mini-home project designed to prove what’s possible. What started as a simple build quickly evolved into a hands-on, off-grid demonstration for students, educators, and homeowners alike. It showcased how clean energy tech, smart design, and real-world education can come together to power meaningful change.
A Mini-Home Built for a Major Impact
The vision began with a tiny house purchased by Jack Policar. Compact in size, but massive in purpose. The home was transformed into an off-grid but fully functioning, tech-driven micro home that could power itself using nothing but sun and smart systems.
Our team at My Electric Home installed a full suite of cutting-edge energy solutions on the property, including:
A SPAN smart electrical panel to monitor and control the home’s energy in real time
A Tesla Powerwall 3 for battery storage
An EV charger powered by the solar array
A step-up transformer to balance energy output
An induction cooktop and mini-split HVAC system (installed by our partner Mountain West Heat Pumps)
A non-operational but real heat pump water heater to demonstrate ultra-efficient heating
These weren’t mock-ups. These were fully integrated, functioning systems showing exactly how an off-grid lifestyle is not just possible but practical.
What Makes a Smart Electrical Panel So Smart?
Unlike a standard breaker box that simply distributes electricity, a smart electrical panel installation gives homeowners total visibility and control. With SPAN Smart Panels, you can:
See what’s drawing power in real time
Prioritize essential circuits during outages
Monitor how solar and battery power are used
Remotely shut off or turn on circuit breakers from your phone
It’s the command center of a modern electric home, and it's the backbone of energy independence. In fact, smart panel integration can significantly reduce energy waste, lower utility bills, and make homes more responsive to grid demands — a win for both homeowners and the environment. This setup represents the kind of electrification system we design every day whether it’s a full off-grid build like this, or a targeted upgrade like an EV charger installation in Denver for homeowners looking to drive electric.
Educating the Next Generation
This project wasn’t just about installing smart tech — it was about creating real-world learning opportunities. For students at local trade schools, the mini-home was more than a demonstration. It was a doorway into the future of electrified living.
Earlier this year, students from Pickens Technical College toured the completed home and got hands-on with the same smart systems we install in real homes, including the SPAN panel, Tesla Powerwall, solar array, and EV charger. The biggest surprise? Watching the Powerwall seamlessly power the home during a simulated outage — proving that off-grid living isn’t theory. It’s happening now.
Meanwhile, students from Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) will take the baton forward by building their own version of the mini-home, thanks to a generous donation from Habitat for Humanity. My Electric Home is contributing a SPAN smart panel for their student-led build, allowing future electricians, HVAC techs, and energy pros to apply what they’re learning on a fully electrified project from day one.
We're also continuing to showcase the demo home at CCIC, reinforcing the value of solar, battery storage, heat pumps, and smart panels — the building blocks of the all-electric homes these students will help bring to life.
Habitat for Humanity + Hands-On Learning
This partnership goes beyond building homes. CCIC students are stepping into roles that reflect where the industry is headed. From the SPAN panel to solar and high-efficiency systems, they’re learning to wire smarter, more sustainable homes that serve real communities. It’s a powerful investment in education, access, and the next generation of Colorado’s clean energy workforce.
From Showcase to Blueprint
The mini-home may have started as a student project, but its impact reaches far beyond the classroom. What began as an educational tool has evolved into a scalable model for resilient, electrified housing.
We’re now exploring how this off-grid setup can support real-world needs — from families displaced by wildfires to communities facing rising energy costs and housing insecurity. With flexible system designs and nearly net-zero energy operation, these homes can be adapted to different climates, budgets, and building goals.
The technology is proven. The design is replicable. And with every smart electrical panel installation we complete, we’re building more than homes — we’re building the future of energy.
Let’s Build What’s Next — Together
At My Electric Home, we offer no-cost site visits to help map out your path toward electrification, customized to your property and budget. From powering off-grid homes to supporting student builds, we’re not just imagining the electric future, we’re helping build it. Whether you’re a homeowner, an educator, or a community leader, creating a smarter, more energy-efficient future starts the same way — with a conversation. No matter the path, we’ll help you take the first step with confidence.
Explore your options today and start moving toward a smarter, cleaner, energy-independent future.
