How Smart Energy Management Helps You Maximize the Value of Solar and Battery Storage

More and more companies are investing in photovoltaics. Producing your own electricity lowers costs and reduces your environmental footprint. But real savings don’t happen automatically. For a solar power system, battery storage, or any other energy source to make true business sense, it must be designed based on your specific consumption profile and then managed intelligently in real time using data, predictions, and contextual information.

This is exactly where smart energy management comes in. It’s a system that integrates production, consumption, and storage into one unified, responsive ecosystem.

What Is a Microgrid and How Does It Work?

A microgrid is essentially a localized energy network that integrates:

Energy production (e.g., solar PV)
Storage (in batteries, thermal systems, cooling, compressed air, etc.)
Consumption control across all connected technologies and loads

Modern energy management systems treat the microgrid as one holistic unit. They not only respond to real-time conditions but also use predictive capabilities to:

Forecast solar generation based on weather
Anticipate consumption using historical patterns and operational plans
Factor in spot market electricity prices
Communicate with the distribution network
Make active decisions about energy use and distribution

Thanks to these capabilities, the system can, for example, charge batteries when electricity is cheap, reduce grid demand during peak prices by shifting or limiting non-critical loads, or redirect solar surpluses to the most effective form of storage — whether that’s a battery, thermal storage, or even compressed air, depending on the needs of the facility.

What Should a Modern Microgrid Be Capable Of? Key Features of Smart Energy Control

Continuous Monitoring
Real-time supervision of all energy flows, equipment status, and operational parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, output, battery SOC). Enables early detection of faults and deviations, ensuring system stability.
Dispatch Control
Combines automated and manual control of components. Operators can intervene manually when needed, while the system makes autonomous decisions based on pre-defined rules, priorities, and operating conditions.
Reporting and Visualization
Clear dashboards, automated reports, and analytical tools help evaluate performance, detect deviations from plan, and propose optimization measures. Supports internal reporting, audits, and compliance (e.g., ESG).
Active Control of Generation, Consumption, and Storage
FLOWBOX Microgrid sends real-time commands to activate, deactivate, or regulate individual technologies (e.g., HVAC, lighting, PV, heat pumps, batteries, CHP, production loads) based on current and predicted data.
Predictive Control and Simulation
The system doesn’t just react — it optimizes future behavior using simulations and external inputs. It leverages weather forecasts, historical data, operational patterns, and electricity price trends to make smart decisions.

A modern microgrid should be transparent, auditable, and scalable — ready to grow with your operational needs.

FLOWBOX Microgrid

FLOWBOX EMOS is a modular real-time energy management platform. It connects photovoltaics, battery storage, energy-consuming technologies, and external data sources into one integrated and responsive system. Thanks to predictive algorithms, continuous monitoring, and dispatch control, FLOWBOX helps companies reduce costs, boost energy independence, and make the most of their own production. The solution is scalable and customizable for facilities of all sizes — from small buildings to large industrial campuses.

By actively managing generation, consumption, and storage, FLOWBOX Microgrid maximizes the use of on-site energy and minimizes electricity purchases during expensive peak periods. At the same time, it ensures the highest possible utilization of renewable energy, helping reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainability goals. The result is a faster return on investment in photovoltaics, battery storage, or cogeneration — and an energy system that makes long-term sense.

How FLOWBOX Controls a Microgrid: Monitoring, Prediction, and Smart Load Management

Here are 7 real-world use cases showing how FLOWBOX helps optimize microgrid operation:

Predictive Microgrid Control and Planning
FLOWBOX EMOS enables microgrid planning based on production, consumption, and electricity pricing forecasts. It supports proactive energy decisions and smarter use of local resources.
Intelligent Battery Management
FLOWBOX controls battery use based on grid load, energy prices, and PV generation. It extends battery lifespan, cuts costs, and adds operational flexibility.
Dynamic Consumption and Storage Control Based on Spot Prices
The system continuously monitors current and forecasted electricity spot prices and integrates them into control strategies.
Smart Charging of Forklifts and EVs Within a Microgrid
FLOWBOX schedules and controls EV and forklift charging according to electricity prices, grid capacity, and available solar production.
Controlling Solar Surplus and Grid Feed-In
FLOWBOX helps capture PV surplus and direct it toward self-consumption, storage, or local sharing, maximizing the return on your solar investment.
Control and Optimization of CHP Units
The platform monitors real-time availability, performance, and condition of combined heat and power units, and alerts operators to anomalies or faults.
Real-Time Microgrid Monitoring and Supervision
FLOWBOX ensures ongoing monitoring, collects operational data, anticipates changes, and adjusts control of production and consumption accordingly.

Read more about FLOWBOX microgrid or other use cases.

Curious What FLOWBOX Microgrid Can Do for You?

Let’s talk — we’ll show you the real savings potential and how to get the most out of your renewable energy.

Schedule a meeting with us to discuss your energy goals and operations.