Home Energy Management System (HEMS)
Software that coordinates solar production, battery storage, EV charging, smart appliances, and grid signals to minimize energy costs and maximize self-consumption automatically.
Why It Matters
A HEMS can increase solar self-consumption from 30-40% to 70-80%, dramatically improving the economics of solar + storage under net billing tariffs.
Related Terms
Energy Management System (EMS)
Software and hardware that monitors and controls energy production, storage, and consumption in real time to optimize self-consumption, minimize costs, and manage battery dispatch.
Smart Electrical Panel
An intelligent breaker panel that provides circuit-level monitoring and control, enabling load management, backup prioritization, and integration with solar and battery systems.
Load Shifting
Moving electricity consumption from one time period to another — typically from expensive peak hours to cheaper off-peak hours — using timers, smart controls, or batteries.