SonneNext

Partnering with German energy company SonneNext, Joulen developed the AI-powered energy management system AI·leen designed to empower households to optimise their energy use and benefit from long-term cost savings. This collaboration showcased how complementary technical expertise can enhance the value of renewable energy investments and accelerate the clean energy revolution at the household level.

Joulen is dedicated to delivering innovative energy solutions that advance decarbonisation efforts and maximise efficiencies. In partnership with SonneNext, a leading German energy company, the goal was to create an advanced energy management system for residential users to take control of their energy use and maximise the value of their clean energy assets.

The project integrated Joulen’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform with SonneNext’s residential battery systems to develop the brand new software offering AI·leen. This AI-powered system enables smart home battery charging to optimise their energy use in real-time, offering valuable usage insights and a personalised energy experience. AI·leen also intelligently regulates energy flow and enables customers to trade excess power back to the grid, enhancing the return on their renewable energy investments.

Using intelligent software to maximise the opportunities for clean energy generation delivers multiple benefits. By advancing decarbonisation, creating long-term energy cost savings, and supporting grid networks, AI technology can unlock opportunities for a more secure, affordable, and cleaner energy system, while empowering customers to make their energy work for them.

This collaboration aimed to create a seamless software product that integrated SonneNext’s clean energy systems with Joulen’s AI-powered energy management software. The goal was to offer households a comprehensive solution that optimised energy use through intelligent technology. The focus was on providing customers with greater control over their energy usage while enabling them to trade surplus energy back to the grid. 

The development process centred on creating AI·leen — a white label version of Joulen’s AI software PARIS tailored specifically to SonneNext’s needs and brand. This unique platform was designed to provide users with real-time visibility into their home energy system and savings through an intuitive mobile app AI·leen Insights, ensuring convenient access and control over their energy systems in real-time. 

The product required a customised interface with SonneNext customers’ batteries and the AI software, enabled by the integration of a third-party Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to facilitate communication between each system. The project involved close collaboration with project stakeholders to ensure seamless interaction between the hardware and software components while meeting the products technical and branding requirements. 

The project highlighted the power of AI software in optimising decentralised renewable energy assets and empowering users with enhanced energy management capabilities. Optimising storage and distribution to respond dynamically to demand improves efficiency and maximises financial opportunities at every stage.

The partnership between Joulen and SonneNext delivered significant benefits: providing financial gains, environmental impact, and advancing innovative clean technology solutions.

For energy customers, the creation of the cutting-edge energy management platform AI·leen Insights empowered households to manage their renewable energy systems more effectively. The intuitive platform provided real-time data, allowing customers to track energy consumption and savings, offering greater control and transparency. Smart charging and energy trading capabilities enhanced returns on clean energy investments for households, enabling long-term energy cost savings.

For SonneNext, the creation of AI·leen provided a valuable differentiator in the competitive German energy market. This innovative, customised product offers SonneNext’s customers an intelligent energy management and trading system, attracting environmentally-conscious consumers seeking advanced and impactful clean energy solutions. This differentiation provided a competitive edge and expanded their portfolio of clean energy offerings.

The project also fostered a cleaner, more resilient energy system by promoting sustainable and efficient energy use at the household level. Equipping people with the tools to maximise the return on investment from their clean energy assets increases their appeal and incentivises renewable adoption. Decarbonising household energy use is a powerful tool to displace high-emitting energy sources and advance the transition to climate neutrality. Additionally, decentralised clean energy systems alleviate strain on the grid and offer network-strengthening services, supporting national efforts for a decarbonised, secure and resilient energy system.

The success of this partnership was driven by the close collaboration of Joulen, SonneNext, Lumenaza, and other key third parties to create smart energy solutions and advance innovations in the renewable energy space.

If you are a domestic energy customer in Germany and would like to learn how AI·leen can optimise your energy and reduce your bills, click here.