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EMS Site Preparation Checklist

This article explains how to prepare a site for connection to the Tibo Energy Management System (EMS).

Written by Jeroen Pleunis

Use this checklist before installation and commissioning to avoid delays and ensure the EMS can operate reliably from day one.


1. Preparation Overview

Before Tibo can commission the EMS, the following must be in place:

  • A complete and supported asset list

  • A correctly configured Digital Twin that matches physical and contractual limits

  • A compliant electrical installation and metering setup

  • Functional local gateway infrastructure and connectivity

  • All Digital Twin input fields filled in the EMS platform

The sections below describe each requirement in more detail.


2. Assets

All energy assets that will be monitored or controlled by the EMS must be clearly defined, documented, and supported by Tibo Energy.

2.1 Asset list requirements

For each asset type, collect at least the following information:

Meters

  • Manufacturer and model

  • Modbus protocol (TCP or RTU)

  • Any special configuration needed (e.g. baud rate, parity, addressing)

PV installations

  • Inverter manufacturer and model(s)

  • Panel specifications (e.g. total kWp, strings)

  • Logger / data acquisition details (if applicable)

Battery systems

  • Inverter manufacturer, model and power rating

  • Battery manufacturer, model and capacity (kWh)

  • Connection method (e.g. Modbus RTU/TCP, other supported protocol)

EV chargers

  • AC or DC

  • Number of chargers, charge points and sockets

  • Control protocol (Modbus or OCPP)

  • CPO (Charge Point Operator) details (where relevant)

Other controllable assets

  • Asset type (e.g. HVAC, heat pump, generator)

  • Manufacturer and model

  • Rated power

  • Communication method (e.g. Modbus RTU/TCP)

2.2 Compatibility with Tibo EMS

  • All controllable assets and meters are compatible with Tibo Energy’s EMS platform.

  • The reference list of supported energy meters (compatible with both WTG and Envitron) has been checked before configuration.

  • For any non-standard or new asset type, compatibility has been confirmed with your Tibo Energy contact.

Important: If you are unsure whether an asset is supported, confirm this with Tibo before purchase or installation to avoid rework on site.


3. Digital Twin Configuration

The Digital Twin in the EMS must accurately reflect the real-world installation and all contractual constraints. This is essential for correct control strategies and safety limits.

3.1 Required information

Make sure you have the following data available and entered into the Digital Twin:

  • Contracted power values for both import (consumption) and export (feed-in)

  • Transformer capacity (kVA/kW) and any specific limitations

  • Main switchboard constraints (e.g. rated current, maximum allowed load)

  • Internal cable limitations (e.g. max current per line)

  • Fuse sizes in distribution and sub-distribution boxes

  • Any other system limits that could constrain operation (e.g. local protections, utility rules)

3.2 Using electrical diagrams

  • If an up-to-date electrical single-line diagram (SLD) exists, it is available and used as the basis for configuring the Digital Twin.

  • Any recent changes to the installation (added PV, chargers, batteries, etc.) are already updated in the SLD or clearly documented.


4. Electrical Installation & Connectivity

4.1 Consumption metering

To allow the EMS to manage and optimize the site, total site consumption must be measured correctly.

  • A dedicated energy meter is installed to measure total site consumption.

  • You are not relying only on the main utility meter from the metering company (this is usually insufficient).

  • The meter location and wiring are aligned with the requirements from Tibo Energy (as shared during design).

4.2 Communication protocols and wiring

All controllable assets and meters must be able to communicate with the local EMS gateway.

Modbus RTU (RS485)

  • Physical RS485 twisted pair cable is installed to all Modbus RTU devices.

  • Assets are installed on a single daisy-chained Modbus line (no star topology).

  • If multiple RTU chains are used, an RTU-to-TCP converter is in place and correctly wired.

  • Cable lengths, shielding, and termination follow good Modbus installation practices (to avoid communication issues).

Modbus TCP

  • Each asset using Modbus TCP has a static IP address (manual or via DHCP reservation).

  • All assets are on the same subnet or VLAN as the local EMS gateway, or routing between them is correctly configured.

  • Devices are reachable from the local gateway (e.g. ping / TCP connectivity).

Other protocols (e.g. OCPP for EV chargers)

  • If an asset connects via OCPP or another supported protocol, any additional networking or configuration requirements have been confirmed with Tibo Energy before commissioning.

  • CPO or external platforms involved in OCPP communication are informed and ready for integration.

Important: Misconfigured IP settings, VLANs, or missing RS485 terminations are common causes of delayed commissioning. Double-check these items before Tibo’s commissioning session.


5. Local Gateway Requirements

The EMS needs a local gateway on site. This acts as the secure bridge between your assets and the Tibo cloud.

5.1 Physical installation

  • The gateway is installed in a dry, well-ventilated, and secure indoor location (e.g. electrical room, cabinet).

  • The gateway is protected from dust, moisture, and unauthorized access.

  • If required, a Tibo-provided installation box is available and mounted.

5.2 Connectivity

  • A stable 4G connection is available at the gateway location (tested with sufficient signal strength).

  • If 4G coverage is poor or unstable, the gateway has access to the local LAN with internet connectivity.

  • Any required firewall or outbound connection rules are configured to allow the gateway to reach the necessary Tibo IP destinations or domains (as provided by Tibo Energy).


6. Digital Twin Input Fields in the EMS Platform

The following site parameters must be filled in the EMS platform before or during commissioning:

  • Contracted power (import and export / feed-in)

  • Main transformer capacity

  • Cable and fuse limitations (per main connection / critical feeders)

  • Any site-specific operational constraints (e.g. grid operator limits, internal operational rules, time-based restrictions)

These values ensure the EMS can safely optimize assets without exceeding technical or contractual limits.


Use this checklist to confirm your site is ready before scheduling installation and commissioning with Tibo Energy. This will reduce onsite work, prevent repeated visits, and help the EMS go live smoothly.

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