The transformation of the energy supply through photovoltaics, battery storage, electromobility, and self-consumption communities is not only changing grid usage but also the requirements on the end customer side. More and more customers expect digital services that go beyond the mere purchase of electricity, providing them with real-time information and enabling active participation. Energy suppliers and installers are therefore faced with the challenge of meeting these new expectations in a technically, communicatively, and economically sensible manner.

Changing expectations in the end customer segment

Traditional communication channels such as annual billing or a simple customer portal with meter readings no longer meet today's requirements. End customers with their own PV systems, battery storage, or charging stations need a transparent, continuous overview of generation, self-consumption, grid consumption, and system behavior. Simple self-service options, automated notifications of anomalies in consumption behavior, and the opportunity to participate in community energy projects are also increasingly expected.

This development affects both energy suppliers and installation companies, who are the first point of contact for commissioning and servicing such systems. Anyone wishing to further develop this interface with end customers digitally needs flexible platforms with a focus on data availability, user-friendliness, and modular expandability.

User behavior and studies

The expectation for greater transparency is backed up by data. According to a study conducted by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) in 2023, 68 percent of PV system owners surveyed would like to have an ongoing overview of their energy flows as a basis for making decisions about investments, tariff selection, or everyday life.¹

At the same time, surveys by EUPD Research show that over 70 percent of users with storage and PV systems do not have a clear understanding of their actual level of self-consumption or self-sufficiency.² This lack of transparency not only leads to uncertainty, but also to untapped economic potential. Platforms that accurately record consumption and generation data and present it in an understandable way are therefore a key element in customer loyalty and trust.

Energy platforms as a digital interface

Next-generation energy platforms must meet a variety of requirements simultaneously. These include the integration of heterogeneous data sources (e.g., PV systems, storage, e-mobility, grid), the visualization of power flows and energy balances, and administrative functions such as billing, meter readings, and contract changes.

It is important that the platform not only works technically, but is also designed with the user in mind. A customizable interface in the corporate design of the respective energy supplier or installer promotes customer loyalty. Functions that go beyond mere visualization, such as recommendations for action, load forecasts, or community modules for energy communities, are equally important.

Challenges in implementation and operation

The implementation of such platform solutions is technically demanding. Different meter types, communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, IEC104, MQTT), and manufacturer-specific interfaces require a flexible, modular system architecture. In addition, there are data protection requirements (DSG/DSGVO), regulatory framework conditions for self-consumption and load profile data, and the integration of existing systems on the part of the energy suppliers.

Operating such platforms also requires resources. Support requests, system updates, API maintenance, and functional enhancements must be planned for the long term. Smaller installation companies and municipal utilities in particular therefore benefit from standardized solutions with clear lifecycle management and optional services.

Digital energy platforms are becoming a central component of modern energy supply. They create transparency, promote participation, and enable new business models for both energy suppliers and installation companies. Successful solutions combine technical complexity with high user-friendliness while meeting regulatory and economic requirements.

Platforms that meet these requirements are no longer an add-on, but a strategic element of the energy transition at the distribution network and household level.

Sources

1. Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), Monitoring Photovoltaic Use and Customer Behavior in Switzerland, 2023
2. EUPD Research, Prosumer Report DACH 2023, www.eupd-research.com