Frequently asked questions
How much does Extensible Energy’s DemandEx software cost?
DemandEx costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the building. Most commercial buildings can expect set up and five years of service for between $10,000 - $20,000. The ITC can provide a significant discount if you qualify. We estimate that you will save three times as much as you pay. Contact us (at info@extensibleenergy.com) for a customized quote today.
How much can I save with DemandEx?
DemandEx typically saves customers 30% of demand charges and 10% of Time of Use (TOU) charges, but this depends on the utility rate and flexibility of loads. The savings can be from thousands of dollars every year to tens of thousands for larger buildings. Upon an analysis of the building’s load profile, our energy experts will give you an accurate estimate of annual savings with DemandEx.
How long does it take to install DemandEx?
Installation takes one day or less. Once DemandEx is purchased, we can schedule an installation within 10 – 15 business days.
Do I need a permit?
No permits are necessary to install DemandEx, which means solar building owners can start saving money within weeks of the purchase order.
Who manages and controls DemandEx’s software?
Extensible Energy’s team of energy experts, software engineers, and data scientists built and maintain DemandEx to optimize energy usage and reduce electricity bills in commercial solar buildings. DemandEx works through existing building control systems. However, the facility manager and/or building owner always retains control over building operations.
Can I turn DemandEx controls off?
While you shouldn’t even notice DemandEx controls in the building, yes, you can turn off DemandEx at any time, but this may affect our initial estimate for savings. Our team is also working on new finer-grained controls so that you can override zone by zone.
What do you mean by “a virtual battery?” Is this really just net metering?
DemandEx effectively uses the thermal mass of the building and intelligent controls to reduce demand charges and time of use charges in the building. The software’s algorithm mimics the value proposition of batteries without physically installing a battery, hence the label “virtual battery.” The software is different from net metering because net metering is using the grid instead of a giant battery for when the commercial solar system is not producing electricity. Net metering does not impact the building’s demand charges and time of use charges.
What kinds of loads does DemandEx manage?
Any flexible load can be managed by DemandEx. These loads can include HVAC, EV chargers, pumps, and/or batteries. In order to control the load, the software needs to connect to some type of control interface that is either existing or added at the time of installation. DemandEx will not interfere with any critical loads in the building.
What kinds of commercial buildings are right for DemandEx?
Any building with flexible and controllable loads can benefit from DemandEx. Some examples include office buildings, stand-alone retail, community centers, religious institutions, schools, air-conditioned warehouses, or industrial facilities that have flexibility in their processes. Buildings where most electrical loads are critical to operations or individually controlled, such as hospitals, apartment buildings, hotels, and food service are not ideal candidates.
Does DemandEx need to be paired with a commercial solar system to receive savings?
While DemandEx does not need to be paired with solar, savings are typically higher when both are installed, so installing commercial solar with DemandEx is strongly recommended.
How does DemandEx work?
DemandEx’s software learns from the past and predicts the future in order to optimize the building’s electricity usage in the present. Specifically, we learn about the building’s usage patterns and past bills, including demand charges. We then forecast the weather, solar production, peak utility rates, and electricity usage. Finally, we dynamically send a signal to the flexible loads to optimize the building’s electricity usage profile, helping building managers (and smart thermostats) to avoid making expensive mistakes.
Can I install DemandEx with energy storage? What’s the advantage?
Yes, you can install DemandEx with battery storage systems and solar. This combination is good for solar building customers who desire backup power as well as electricity bill savings. Installing DemandEx either prior to or at the same time as a battery could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars because it enables a true right-sizing of the solar plus storage system.
Can I install DemandEx with an existing commercial solar PV system?
Yes, DemandEx can easily be installed before, during, or after a commercial PV system. Solar PV is extremely effective at reducing energy charges, but because solar alone cannot reliably reduce demand charges, Demandex will help to effectively address the other half of the building’s electric utility bill.
Does DemandEx qualify for the 26% solar investment tax credit (ITC)?
Yes. If DemandEx’s software is installed at the same time or within one year of the solar PV installation, it qualifies for the solar ITC just like a commercial solar PV system.
