Stepwise offers solutions to help homeowners install new appliances, particularly EV chargers, without requiring expensive electric panel upgrades. The primary Stepwise product, the Stepwise Tap, facilitates this by managing energy usage.

The Stepwise Tap manages to avoid electric panel upgrades and manage energy usage by installing inline with a single dedicated branch circuit and managing 'flexible' loads such as EV chargers, hot tubs, and resistive heaters. This prevents panel overloads.

The product provides dynamic control over appliances like EV chargers, going beyond a simple on/off switch. It can vary charging speeds to ensure the home's electric panel capacity remains within safe limits. It also allows for coordinated load management by stacking up to two Taps within a home, enabling the programming of device priority based on customer needs.

Stepwise sells directly to customers, along with engaging in partnerships with utilities and EVSE installation providers.

Stepwise's EV charging "dimmer" solution makes it particularly unique. It offers an intelligent, inline power management system that provides a practical and cost-effective alternative to electric panel upgrades by dynamically controlling high-load appliances and integrating with utility systems. This approach addresses the limitations and high costs associated with traditional electrical infrastructure when adopting new electric technologies.

The company aims to provide a way to "Go Electric without an Electric Panel Upgrade".

Here are the key industry problems that Stepwise's solutions target:

• High cost of upgrades: Adding new appliances like EV chargers, heat pumps, and even water heaters can often necessitate an upgrade to the home's electric panel to handle the increased load. These upgrades can cost thousands of dollars. Stepwise directly addresses this by offering solutions that avoid these costly upgrades.
• Time and complexity of installations: Electric panel upgrades can be time-consuming and complex, requiring permits, inspections, and significant electrical work. Stepwise offers a solution that simplifies the installation process with an install time of under an hour, potentially avoiding delays and complications associated with panel upgrades.
• Labor bottlenecks: Complex electrical installations can contribute to labor bottlenecks in the electrical industry. By offering a simpler installation alternative, Stepwise helps avoid these bottlenecks.
• Preventing grid strain: The increasing electricity demand from EV charging can put a strain on the existing electrical distribution system. Stepwise's technology, which includes demand response capabilities, can help manage charging loads and mitigate this strain by ensuring panel capacity remains within safe limits.
• Maximizing the impact of rebates: Stepwise helps utilities stretch their rebate dollars by enabling more households to install EV chargers without upgrades, thus maximizing the reach and impact of these programs.