EMS System for Solar Panels: Optimal Insight into Generation and Consumption
Sustainable energy through solar panels has become standard practice for many organizations. Yet, a significant amount of potential remains untapped when it comes to smart energy management. An EMS (Energy Management System) plays a crucial role in unlocking this potential. It connects energy generation to consumption and enables intelligent control.
In this blog, you’ll discover how an EMS system works in combination with solar panels, the benefits it offers to businesses, and how it helps you gain better control over energy performance, costs, and regulatory compliance.
What is an EMS System for Solar Panels?
An Energy Management System (EMS) is a digital solution that collects real-time data on energy generation, consumption, and storage. In combination with solar panels, an EMS provides an integrated overview of:
- Solar energy generation per day, week, or season
- Direct usage (self-consumption) versus grid export
- Real-time consumption of specific installations or building zones
- Insights into peak loads, standby consumption, or anomalies
By combining this data, an EMS helps businesses use energy more efficiently, seize saving opportunities, and easily meet reporting obligations.
Why an EMS system is essential with solar panels
Companies with solar panels generate renewable energy — but often lack insight into what happens with that power. Is the generated energy actually used on-site? How much is fed back to the grid? And when do production peaks occur?
An EMS system answers these questions and supports:
- Increased self-consumption: Use more of your own energy and reduce grid export.
- Cost optimization: Shift usage to when energy prices are lower.
- Reporting and audits: Export data easily for EED, CSRD, or ESG reporting.
- Technical management: Detect faults, anomalies, or underperforming installations.
Which businesses benefit from an EMS with solar panels?
An EMS system is relevant for any business that:
- Has a medium or large-scale solar installation
- Aims for energy savings and CO₂ reduction
- Needs to comply with reporting obligations (such as CSRD or EED audits)
- Wants to address grid congestion, dynamic tariffs, or automated energy control
Examples include:
- Manufacturing companies with high and variable energy demand
- Healthcare facilities with multiple locations
- Logistics centers with large rooftop solar arrays
- Property managers with commercial buildings
EMS as a core part of corporate energy management
For many organizations, an EMS has become the backbone of their energy strategy — not just for solar power but for monitoring and controlling total energy consumption.
In our blog on energy management systems for businesses, you can read how companies use EMS to gain real-time insight, reduce costs, simplify compliance with regulations like EED and CSRD, and accelerate sustainability goals.
For companies with solar panels, an EMS is the logical next step. Your generated energy only becomes truly effective when you know how and when it’s used — and how to optimize it.
Case example: EnergyGrip with solar panels
Several Aurum clients use the EnergyGrip EMS platform alongside their solar installations — including large logistics sites with expansive rooftops. EnergyGrip was connected to both inverters and smart meters, resulting in:
- Full visibility into generated vs. consumed solar power
- Automatic reporting of CO₂ reductions per site
- Detection of underperforming strings
- Increased self-consumption through insight and awareness
In some cases, these insights led to a 10–20% improvement in the use of self-generated energy.
Integration with other systems
A modern EMS can be linked to other energy systems, such as:
- EV charging stations (see our blog on EV charging stations)
- Home or commercial battery storage
- Heat pumps or HVAC systems
- Building management systems (BMS)
The data from the EMS forms the foundation for smart energy control across all systems.
What does an EMS with solar panels deliver?
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Lower costs | Smarter energy usage and reduced grid dependency |
| Higher self-consumption | Less reliance on feed-in tariffs |
| Insight and control | Real-time monitoring, notifications, and performance tracking |
| Compliance | Ready-to-use data for audits and sustainability reports |
| Future-ready | Prepared for dynamic tariffs, grid congestion, and automation |
Smart combination with subsidies and tax incentives
Businesses may be able to include their EMS system and solar panel integration in the Dutch Energy Investment Allowance (EIA) scheme. Learn more in our blog:
Energy Investment Allowance (EIA)
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Curious about what an EMS system can do for your solar installation?
Frequently Asked Questions about EMS systems for solar panels
What is an EMS system in combination with solar panels?
An EMS monitors and analyzes solar generation and consumption in real time. It helps increase self-consumption and optimize energy use.
Why is an EMS important for commercial solar installations?
Businesses often lack insight into performance and usage. An EMS provides real-time data, cost optimization, and easier compliance with CSRD or EED audits.
Can an EMS be connected to existing solar panels and inverters?
Yes. Most EMS platforms, such as EnergyGrip, are brand-independent and can be integrated with existing systems, inverters, and meters.
How does an EMS contribute to cost savings?
It prevents unnecessary grid export and promotes on-site energy use. By shifting consumption smartly, energy costs drop significantly.
Is an EMS suitable for solving grid congestion issues?
Yes, especially in areas with feed-in restrictions. An EMS combined with storage and smart control can reduce grid load and manage costs effectively.