When Yves Desmet (55) had a new house built nine years ago, he decisively chose to make it future-proof: excellent insulation, underfloor heating, ventilation, and smart controls. Yves explains, “I like to think ahead, and now, nine years later, it’s clear that insulation has become even more essential, as have renewable energies. An energy management system has become as necessary as heating.”
The purpose of this intelligent system has become clearer over time, spanning from enhancing comfort to saving energy and money. Through software updates, Niko Home Control continues to adapt to new needs and situations. Around 2015, energy systems primarily focused on ‘home automation,’ enhancing comfort and ambiance concerning lighting and heating. Consequently, Yves programmed several routines based on his habits. When he goes to bed, he presses a button to turn everything off; this button switches off all lights and lowers the heating by one degree. The heating is divided into four zones (bathroom, shower, living room, bedrooms), each with specific temperatures and schedules. Yves even employs his system as a substitute for an (expensive) alarm. If an intruder enters the garden, the outdoor lights begin to flash as a warning.
Self-consumption
This type of routine that allows individual configuration of consumption is particularly useful, especially since the energy crisis of 2022, despite the introduction of the capacity tariff and the digital meter. At Niko Home Control, the focus has shifted towards maximizing self-consumption. Additionally, everything can now be controlled wirelessly.
Nine years ago, Yves installed photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 1.5 kW. Since then, his roof now supports photovoltaic panels with a peak capacity of 9 kW. In 2022, when gas prices soared, he installed an electric boiler with a 150-liter buffer tank to make better use of his solar energy. “Now, I fully utilize solar mode for maximum self-consumption and enjoy free hot water for nine months a year. From December to March, the gas boiler takes over. The electric boiler paid for itself in just a few months.”
And all of this comes without compromising comfort, resulting in an energy bill reduced by half, which makes many consumers envious. How is this possible? Thanks to the peak mode, where the system stabilizes consumption peaks, along with an easy-to-use interface that provides Yves’ family with an overview of daily consumption. “When we run the washing machine, the boiler turns off automatically. When the photovoltaic panels generate considerable electricity, we receive an alert on our smartphones and seize the opportunity to do a load of laundry that we might have postponed. I anticipate that the system will also be ready for dynamic pricing in the future. We will then be able to consume electricity from the grid when prices are lowest and save even more.”
©Niko
No battery needed
Yves now drives an electric car, which he has been charging all summer using free solar energy. “I don’t require a home battery; I can simply utilize this abundant electricity for my car. My advice would be to select a charging station that can balance the load.”
Yves’ self-consumption statistics are impressive: “In May, we covered 36% of our electricity consumption with our photovoltaic panels, in June 52%, and in July 56%. Sunday, July 28 was the most productive day: the photovoltaic panels generated 43 kWh, of which we consumed 88% ourselves, primarily for the car. By analyzing the graphs and energy flows, I continually gain a better overview, which results in an automatic increase in my self-consumption percentage every month.”
In about five years, when his wall-mounted gas boiler needs replacement, Yves plans to invest in a heat pump to further reduce his gas consumption to zero and maximize the utilization of his own electricity. And all this is made possible by his smart energy system, which continues to evolve.
Maximizing Self-Consumption Through Smart Home Energy Management
The Future-Proof Home of Yves Desmet
When Yves Desmet (55) had a new house built nine years ago, he resolutely opted for a future-proof home: superior insulation, underfloor heating, ventilation, and smart controls. Yves explains, “I like to look to the future and, nine years later, it is clear: insulation has become even more important, as have renewable energies. An energy management system has become as indispensable as heating.”
Intelligent Energy Management System
The goal of this intelligent system has become clearer over the years, ranging from improving comfort to saving energy and money. Through software updates, Niko Home Control continues to adapt to new needs and circumstances.
About eight years ago, the emphasis was on ‘home automation’: comfort and atmosphere in terms of lighting and heating. Yves has programmed several routines based on his habits. For instance, when he goes to bed, he presses a button that turns off all the lights and lowers the heating by one degree.
Furthermore, the heating system includes four zones (bathroom, shower, living room, bedrooms), each with its own temperature settings and schedules. Yves even utilizes his home automation system as an alternative to an expensive alarm system—if an intruder enters the garden, the outdoor lights start flashing as a deterrent.
Focusing on Self-Consumption
Energy Crisis Response
This flexible routine allows Yves to manage his energy consumption efficiently, especially in light of the 2022 energy crisis and the introduction of capacity tariffs and digital meters.
Niko Home Control emphasizes maximum self-consumption. Now, everything is wirelessly controlled, making it even easier to manage energy usage.
Investment in Renewable Energy
When Yves originally installed photovoltaic panels, he began with a capacity of 1.5 kW. Today, his roof hosts 9 kW peak. In 2022, he added an electric boiler with a 150-litre buffer tank, enabling him to maximize solar energy utilization. “I now enjoy free hot water for nine months a year. During winter, the gas boiler takes over. The electric boiler paid for itself in just a few months.”
Reducing Energy Bills Effectively
All of this has not come at the expense of comfort—his energy bills have been reduced by 50%, much to the envy of his neighbors. How is this possible?
Peak Mode Functionality
The key is the peak mode, which stabilizes consumption peaks, paired with a user-friendly interface that gives Yves’ family a clear overview of daily consumption. For example, the system automatically turns off the boiler when the washing machine is in use, optimizing energy usage.
Alerts about high photovoltaic production send notifications to Yves’ smartphone, allowing him to time chores like laundry for maximum efficiency. Looking forward, he expects the system to accommodate dynamic pricing, enabling further savings by consuming electricity from the grid during off-peak hours.
Embracing Electric Vehicle Charging
No Need for a Battery
Yves also drives an electric vehicle, which he has been charging with free solar energy. “I don’t need a home battery; I can just use this abundant electricity for my car. A word of advice: choose a charging station that can balance the load.”
Impressive Self-Consumption Rates
His self-consumption statistics are remarkable: in May, 36% of his electricity consumption came from photovoltaic panels; in June, it rose to 52%, and in July, it peaked at 56%. Sunday, July 28, was the highlight, producing 43 kWh, of which they consumed 88%, mostly for the car.
Future Plans: Heat Pump Investment
Looking ahead, Yves plans to replace his gas boiler with a heat pump in about five years, which will further eliminate gas consumption and maximize his self-generated electricity usage. All of this is thanks to my smart energy system, which continues to evolve.
Benefits of Smart Energy Management Systems
- Maximized self-consumption of solar energy.
- Efficiency in energy usage, reducing costs significantly.
- Enhanced comfort through customizable heating and lighting routines.
- Increased home security features integrated with energy management.
- Future-proof technology that adapts to changing energy landscapes.
Practical Tips for Implementing Your Own Smart Energy System
- Assess your home’s current energy efficiency and areas for improvement.
- Invest in a quality energy management system that allows for easy updates.
- Incorporate renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic panels, as a long-term investment.
- Utilize smart devices to control your energy consumption and enhance home security.
- Stay informed on advancements in energy technology and adapt your system accordingly.
