Side by side
BEMServer vs OpenEMS
Both stand on energy management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
BEMServer offers a modular, open-source foundation for building monitoring, with data collection, processing, and a REST API. Plan for deployment expertise and possible service costs, and note that uses beyond building monitoring require extensions.
Visit BEMServer Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
OpenEMS covers on-site control as well as connected monitoring and aggregation, with a broad list of energy-device integrations and interfaces. Plan for Java 21 and use production deployment guidance rather than the testing setup.
Visit OpenEMSThe facts
| BEMServer | OpenEMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | bemserver.org | openems.io |
| On energy management software | #1 of 25 | #4 of 25 |
BEMServer: what it does well
- Open-source software with no license fee
- Stores building models, time series, and events
- Provides a documented REST API
- Includes forecasting and fault-detection modules
What to know first
- Currently supports building monitoring only
- Deployment may require Python and Docker knowledge
- Installation was tested on Debian 9
- Services and selected modules may incur charges
OpenEMS: what it does well
- Free and open source, with source available online and on GitHub
- Provides Edge, browser and smartphone UI, and Backend components
- Lists integrations across storage, inverters, EV charging, meters, and tariffs
- Supports multiple data interfaces, including MQTT and Modbus
What to know first
- Requires Java 21 to run
- Getting-started setup is not recommended for production
Alternatives to BEMServer Alternatives to OpenEMS The whole list