Side by side
BEMServer vs RETScreen
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 Windows
RETScreen combines portfolio monitoring with forecasting, carbon tracking, and utility data import. The choice between its free Viewer mode and Professional mode depends partly on the organization’s computer needs.
Visit RETScreenThe facts
| BEMServer | RETScreen | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Professional mode: C$869 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | bemserver.org | natural-resources.canada.ca |
| On energy management software | #1 of 25 | #5 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
RETScreen: what it does well
- Monitors energy across a portfolio.
- Includes energy forecasting and carbon tracking.
- Imports utility data from both sources.
- Free plan and free Viewer mode are available.
What to know first
- Listed platform is Windows only.
- Professional mode supports up to 10 computers per subscribing organization.
- No price is listed for either mode.
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