What is an EMS and what are its benefits for homes?
An Energy Management System (EMS) helps homeowners monitor and optimise the energy usage of their home. It consists of both hardware and software components that work together to track and manage household energy consumption. By monitoring energy usage and identifying inefficiencies, an EMS enables homeowners to reduce waste and make better-informed decisions about their energy behaviour. Advanced systems can even control devices, such as an EV charger, based on conditions like weather forecasts — for example, delaying charging until more solar energy is expected later in the day.
Why is an EMS important in the energy transition?
More and more people use high-power electric appliances like washing machines, dryers or kettles. Electric vehicles, home batteries and solar panels are also becoming increasingly common. As net metering schemes are being phased out and dynamic energy contracts gain popularity, it pays off more than ever to manage electricity usage smartly. An EMS can help households take full advantage of the shift to an electric home. You don’t want to charge your home battery all day with solar power only to drain it quickly in the evening by charging your EV, especially when grid power is much cheaper at night.
An EMS combines both hardware and software components. Hardware may include smart thermostats, energy monitors, and smart plugs or switches, while the software side often involves a mobile app or web portal to manage the system and monitor energy consumption.
How does an EMS help homeowners save on their energy bills?
An EMS can identify inefficiencies and suggest ways to reduce energy waste. For instance, it can recommend adjusting the thermostat or turning off appliances when not in use. A smart EMS can also actively manage devices and prioritise which systems should use energy and when. That way, it can decide whether to charge a battery or an EV, depending on current conditions.
What is our vision for EMS systems in homes?
Many EMS systems are designed to work with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels. By integrating with renewables, an EMS helps homeowners optimise their energy usage and maximise the return on their solar investment. At Libra Energy, we envision EMS systems evolving into complete energy solutions for homeowners — systems that consider multiple data points and control factors such as:
- Solar panel yields, including forecast-based predictions
- Available battery storage
- EPEX prices
- EV charging behaviour
- Household consumption patterns
- Weather conditions
- Grid capacity
- Phase balancing
- Customer preferences, like temperature or lighting