Energy monitoring and exchange

It is a new technology, based on two cornerstones: The smart grid, that joins the electrical network to exchange information in order to automate and optimize the electrical system. And the smart meters, that is, smart meters that allow precise measurements at a distance. But let’s go over the various aspects of this new technology in more detail. Smart meter and smart grid When it comes to smart metering, the advantages are many: Lower costs for readings and contract management operations (activation, change of operator and so on) since they can be carried out remotely Higher frequency of readings and controls that are carried out without the need of an operatorGreater user awareness that turns into greater energy efficiency and wise use of resources, since the consumer is aware of his consumption, knows how much he consumes and how much he impacts on the environment Better network management through easier localization of losses. For energy and gas, facilitated market competition Greater attitude to savings A crucial element is the smart meter, which allows precise measurement of consumption of: Electricity Gas Water The smart meters are inserted in the smart grid and use the transmission of data to remotely send the measurements made. The smart meters, in fact, detect the amount of energy in and out, optimizing data collection and communication to users.   The smart meter The smart meter is an intelligent meter that records in memory the amount of energy used weekly and daily. Once the data is stored, the smart meter transmits it via PLC waves (amount of data and information sent via power grid waves) or via radio frequencies. Distribution companies receive the data and, after checking it, forward it to sales companies who can in turn use it to establish bills and offers. In a nutshell, smart meters automatically detect consumption and transmit it to the sales companies (via the distribution companies). The latter in turn use them to monitor the market and develop offers.   Smart meter between Italy and Europe Surprisingly, Italy was the first country in Europe to install smart meters and a smart grid. As early as 2001, energy distribution companies introduced Generation I smart meters and offered them to their customers. Anticipating many European countries, in 2007 the ARERA resolution imposed the mandatory deployment, which was completed in 2011. In comparison, only Sweden has done better (keeping in mind the due differences) creating an effective network in the period 2003-2009. To give an idea of deployment in Europe: Spain completed its network between 2011 and 2018 Austria started in 2012 and plans to finish it by 2022 The United Kingdom completed its network between 2012 and 2020 France has completed its work between 2015 and 2021 Poland started in 2012 European Directive 2012/27 launched guidelines for a more efficient energy grid, spurring European-wide deployment, albeit with its own challenges.   Offers and market The spread of smart meters has made it easier to read consumption, with widespread usage data and a reworking of offers. This has led to the creation of different types of offers. In general, offers are structured: By time slot: they divide the day into several time slots (monorary, biorary, F0 and so on) offering customization based on the time spent in the home; At variable prices: focused on flexibility and designed for an informed consumer, able to predict and plan their consumption to take advantage of the best prices; Reduced rates: based on discounted rates for certain time sequences such as weekends or nights. There are further variations in Europe: from prepaid offers in the UK to the protected market for hourly rates as in Spain.   Smart Meter Benefits Next-generation smart meters represent a significant improvement over their older counterparts. In fact, they provide: Higher performance Longer device lifetime Better integration of the property into the smart grid In addition, there are a number of implications related to the operation of 2.0 meters and the associated grid: Flexible pricing: The daily collection and communication of data more and more frequently guarantee flexible pricing up to 6 price ranges. Each customer will therefore be able to customize his supply on the basis of his consumption profile; Stable and efficient grid: The smart grid is becoming more and more extensive, intricate and efficient. This means that an increasingly precise management is created that is able to manage consumption peaks and better distribute the quantities of energy; Bills in line with consumption: The continuous measurement and transmission of data, mean that the bills are based on actual consumption, rather than estimates and adjustments prone to errors; Remote intervention: The intervention of the technician will no longer be necessary, as control and repair operations can be carried out remotely. Continuous consumption monitoring and precise supply management: 2.0 meters offer day-to-day monitoring and an interface with third-party companies that allow detailed analysis of consumption. The precision of the detection and transmission allows in turn an easier management of the supply in case of move, volture or other.    

How a monitoring system works Monitoring systems are technological tools integrated within the energy system that allow users to control the energy flow of their building. These include technology tools for monitoring photovoltaic systems, which: are based on IoT technology; have a hardware component and a software component. Thanks to some sensors placed near the plant, these tools collect information of various kinds, which: are transmitted over the network via the Cloud; are made visible to users in real time or at defined time intervals, through digital platforms and dedicated App: the information is therefore visible by the user on PC, tablet and smartphone. Within the digital platforms and Apps are visible the aggregated data concerning the production and consumption of energy from the photovoltaic system the related statistics the actual operation of the plant. Why it is important to monitor the photovoltaic system Photovoltaic systems produce energy from renewable sources and can be the main source of energy in a residential or industrial building. For this reason it is important to associate them with monitoring systems that control their operation, to verify that there are no failures or malfunctions, but above all to allow to have a fast assistance from your installer, even remotely, and a precise knowledge of how and when you consume as an energy user. The monitoring can, therefore, focus on different information regarding the performance of the photovoltaic system problems such as failures and malfunctions, the level of energy production and consumption of the plant. Knowing this information it is possible to contribute to the maintenance or increase of the efficiency of the plant and implement a continuous maintenance of the system.   Monitoring systems in Energy Communities Monitoring a photovoltaic plant is even more important if the plant is an energy source that is part of an Energy Community, whose main purpose is to share the energy produced locally within the community in an optimal way: to do this, monitoring systems are essential (Energy communities: if not now, then when? | Regalgrid). In this situation, the most interesting information concerns: the energy production and consumption levels of community members the eventual surplus energy and the consequent need to share it the need to store or release energy within the storage systems connected to the photovoltaic system the operation of the photovoltaic system and other systems connected to it (e.g. storage systems, heat pumps). Thanks to the information of the monitoring systems it is possible to understand how to manage and distribute in an optimal way the energy that circulates inside the energy community and therefore to reduce the energy wastes (Energy saving with photovoltaic system | Regalgrid): not wasting energy we obtain economic and environmental benefits.   Automated energy balancing Through the use of monitoring systems, the user acquires experience in order to be able to carry out corrective actions of various types to reduce energy expenditure, including: energy efficiency interventions, recontractualization of energy supplies. Some technological tools are then able to perform corrective actions and balancing of the electrical system independently and in real time. Among these tools is the SNOCU, produced by Regalgrid Europe, which in an automated manner: controls and manages the energy produced and consumed by the photovoltaic system. For example, it can implement energy flow optimization logics in order to maximize self-consumption (individual and/or collective). monitors and manages the loads of the different components of the system connected to it. For example, it can order the accumulation of energy in case of excess production, or the release of the same in case the storage system is full and a member of the community needs the energy. These functions become even more relevant within Energy Communities: in them there are several users who need to use the self-produced energy in an optimal way from an energy efficiency point of view. This is possible by connecting a SNOCU to each electrical system to monitor and manage the loads of each. Finally, the SNOCU is easily controlled remotely via Regalgrid’s dedicated App, both for user and installer.  

Self-consumption and net metering are frequently discussed in the energy market. In fact, these are the two main modes currently used for consumption of energy produced by a photovoltaic system. What do these terms mean? Which of the two is more advantageous? And above all, with the current changes in the energy market, are these still the only solutions available? What should you do? As always, the wisest answer is: “it depends”. For a better understanding we need to consider each individual step. Having installed a photovoltaic system, you need to decide how to manage the energy generated by your solar modules.   Instantaneous self-consumption The most immediate option is instantaneous self-consumption: consuming energy produced straight away, serving the demand of your household, business premises or manufacturing facility. This option certainly represents a significant contribution to energy efficiency. With an adequately-sized system, the energy produced may be able to meet all or part of the building’s energy requirements, at least during sunny months and daylight hours. This is therefore a good approach to energy consumption for properties that are active during the day and consume energy when it is being produced most. In such cases, instantaneous self-consumption allows you to save on bills and cut your carbon footprint.   Self-consumption with storage Alongside instantaneous consumption of self-generated energy, there is also deferred consumption, i.e. self-consumption supported by the presence of a storage system. This second option broadens the scope of the first: a storage unit connected to the photovoltaic system allows self-consumption of green energy that you have produced even when the system itself is normally not generating energy, e.g. in the evenings. This type of energy management is ideal for those who are out of the house for the whole day and who are not yet fully equipped with smart appliances that can be launched remotely or programmed. It is also well suited for those living in areas that are poorly served by the national grid, such as mountainous regions and small islands.   Feeding energy into the grid Another possibility is to feed excess energy into the National grid and receive payment for it. Every country has its own policy in this regard.   The Italian policy for energy fed into the national grid In Italy, the national energy supplier, GSE, offers the “scambio sul posto” net-metering system, the Italian version of the British Smart Export Guarantee and Australian Feed-in Tariff systems. The reimbursement is calculated based on several factors such as a comparison between consumed and exported kWh, the period of the grid feed, the energy value and the geographical location of the system. This is a Government initiative so you can’t shop around for a better offer, as GSE is the only player. One key advantage is that the tariff is fixed and guaranteed, and you can decide to receive it directly via your energy bill.   The UK Government incentive for renewable energy fed into the grid In the UK, the energy incentive situation has changed over the last few months. From January 2020, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is the new incentive that replaces the old FIT export tariff. The difference lies in who pays the refund: until 2019 it was the Government that paid for energy fed into the grid by small-scale generators. From January, it has become an obligation for every energy retailer with at least 150,000 customers: they have to offer their own tariff that must be greater than £0, but the exact figure is their choice. The SEG payments must be calculated using Export Meter Readings, which allow the public to precisely measure the amount of energy they feed into the grid with a smart meter and receive payment for exactly that amount.   The Australian solution to unused electricity The Australian Government apply a Feed-in Tariff (FiT) to the energy fed into the grid by residential system owners. As in the UK, retailers set the offer amount. However, in this case there are no national rules regarding minimum payment. Almost every state has set a national minimum, except for New South Wales and south-east Queensland. It is necessary to compare energy suppliers’ offers and try to get the best deal possible to ensure that you reduce the payback time of your system.   The solution: collective self-consumption and energy communities It is clear from the picture outlined so far that self-consumption with storage is the best way to cut bills and make use of clean energy. Unfortunately, this system does not guarantee self-sufficiency as each user is isolated and the level of investment required is simply too high. The solution to this problem arrived officially in Europe in 2018: sharing energy with other users for instantaneous self-consumption. In other words, the future lies in the creation of networks of users that trade green energy at agreed, highly competitive prices: so-called energy communities. With increasing numbers of users registered on platforms that manage solar energy trading, these smart communities will become the norm for the energy market, and most probably not only in the residential sector. Deciding how to manage the energy generated by your photovoltaic system certainly requires a keen awareness of your consumption habits and your energy profile. You should consider your needs, get to know your habits and then act accordingly.

The best way to save energy is to avoid wasting it: combating wastage actively contributes to cutting consumption and bills. Closer attention allows you to reduce more obvious energy wastage caused by bad habits, such as leaving lights switched on when you leave a room. However, the real challenge in the fight to save energy is identifying less obvious wastage that often goes unnoticed. A first step can be taken by implementing various small positive measures such as equipping your home with multi-way socket adapters with a power switch so that you can turn them off in the evening. This increases safety and cuts energy wastage. But how much energy have you saved? Could you do more? To answer these questions, there is only one solution: monitoring your energy consumption.   Monitoring domestic consumption Monitoring of consumption does not rely on good habits or your own perception of how much energy you use. Monitoring is based on solid data. In fact, monitoring consumption means recording energy flows through your meter, transforming this information into digital data and sending it to a platform, such as that offered by Regalgrid®, that processes and presents this data in real time. But how is monitoring performed? With a smart meter installed near to the main domestic electricity meter. This tool, combined with a platform for data processing and a smartphone app, allows you to monitor consumption in real time and understand your energy profile based on your consumption habits and lifestyle. It is important to note that at this stage the data is still in aggregate form. What does this mean? It means that you will see your total consumption at a specific moment, without a breakdown for individual electrical devices. Is it possible to reveal precise consumption for a single device? Absolutely. Control units connected to the smart meter, such as the SNOCU unit from Regalgrid with Consumer programme, also allow connection of individual smart home appliances and real-time measurement of relative individual consumption. Meanwhile, for all traditional home appliances, you can use smart plugs that communicate with the monitoring system via Wi-Fi, sending data from the individual socket. This allows you to monitor your consumption in full detail and identify which devices demand the most energy, even in stand-by mode, deciding when to switch them off completely or when it is time to replace them. However, the SNOCU unit from Regalgrid not only allows you to monitor consumption and reduce costs. It also helps you to decide, possibly at a later stage, whether to join an energy community.   Monitoring a photovoltaic system If you have installed a photovoltaic system, you have even more reason to monitor your energy consumption. The smart meter, i.e. the SNOCU with Monitor programme, will allow you not only to monitor consumption in the home but also to monitor the yield from your photovoltaic system so that you can optimise energy efficiency for improved energy consumption and lower bills. Even better, if you are the owner of a generation system, you can consider joining an energy community and sharing the green energy that you don’t use with other prosumers and consumers. In fact, the SNOCU gives you the power to create your own smart community or join an existing one simply by loading the Multi programme from Regalgrid.   Monitoring and control of storage systems for PV installations If your installation is equipped with a storage system, you have gained the title of “proconstomer” (prosumer with storage): a user that produces, stores and consumes renewable energy. This means that you are already well aware of just how important it is to monitor your consumption. In addition to monitoring consumption and production of the system, you can monitor performance of storage units and enjoy active control over operation. This allows you to decide when to activate the storage system, use stored energy and share energy with other members of your energy community. An active energy monitor and control system such as the SNOCU unit with Storage programme combined with the Regalgrid® platform allows specific actions to increase storage efficiency, such as: programming and optimisation of charging and discharging processes to guarantee availability of energy even with peak loads (Power Booster function) switching off the storage unit and using energy produced directly by the PV system disconnecting storage and inverter when they are not required, e.g. during a period away from home or during the night, or in the event of potentially damaging weather phenomena such as storms setting up automatic and smart maintenance of the storage system. Energy monitoring for businesses An energy monitor is even more essential for businesses that need to reduce consumption to improve profit margins by cutting fixed costs. In the company setting, a monitoring system allows: assessment of the efficiency of all components optimisation of production processes reduction of maintenance costs lower bills. It is also possible to manage multiple adjacent buildings or specific assets with the creation of a monitoring network on which each element has its own dedicated metering device (Slave SNOCU) and a master gateway, the SNOCU with Multi programme, which acts as a central hub for connection to the Regalgrid® platform. This system offers all of the functionality described in the previous points and is fundamental for an apartment block or business which wants to avoid wastage and anticipate malfunctions via smart maintenance, identifying errors or faults and correcting them in real time. A structured network of this type is also perfect for apartment buildings that install a photovoltaic system and want to monitor consumption for each individual apartment.   Monitoring for public authorities This type of structured monitoring system can also be adopted by public authorities with a kit composed of: a SNOCU unit with Multi programme that acts in master mode, monitoring the system and collecting aggregate data multiple dedicated SNOCU units, each for a single asset, which may be represented by public buildings, photovoltaic systems, public lighting, electric-vehicle recharging stations and building-heating management. These slave SNOCU units gather detailed data and send them to the Regalgrid® platform via the master SNOCU unit, allowing control of individual assets.