As California transitions into its new Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), solar and storage projects must adapt to a more complex and dynamic energy environment. Under this updated structure, exported electricity is compensated at significantly lower wholesale rates, while imported electricity is purchased at higher retail rates. The result is a sharp shift in economic incentives—requiring asset owners and operators to maximize onsite energy usage and minimize dependence on the grid.
To stay ahead, project developers, facility managers, and asset owners must do more than just generate clean power—they must orchestrate it intelligently.
Enter the REX™ Appliance: Acelerex’s integrated, all-in-one solution for managing and optimizing solar and storage systems under today’s evolving market rules. It combines four advanced capabilities into one unified platform:
- Energy Management System (EMS)
- Power Plant Controller (PPC)
- SCADA & Data Acquisition System (DAS)
- Market Decision Engine (MDE)
The REX™ Appliance helps project developers, energy managers, and facility operators make smarter, faster, and more profitable decisions about when and how to use, store, or export electricity.
How REX™ Aligns with NEM 3.0
1. Prioritizing Behind-the-Meter Optimization
Under NEM 3.0, exporting energy has less financial value than consuming it onsite. The REX™ Appliance is engineered to maximize self-consumption and minimize exports during low-compensation periods. It uses intelligent load forecasting and real-time dispatch to ensure batteries charge when solar is abundant and discharge when retail rates are highest. This shift reduces grid reliance and enhances the economic value of each kilowatt-hour generated.
2. Demand Charge Management for C&I Users
For commercial and industrial (C&I) customers, demand charges remain one of the most significant contributors to electricity costs. The REX™ Appliance actively flattens load curves and prevents peak demand events by coordinating solar generation and battery discharge in real time. The result is measurable cost savings and a more predictable energy profile—ideal for facilities operating under tight budget controls.
3. Market-Aware Dispatch and Price Forecasting
With its embedded Market Decision Engine (MDE), the REX™ Appliance goes beyond simple rule-based scheduling. It incorporates wholesale market data, time-of-use (TOU) pricing, and AI-driven forecasting to inform every decision about energy flow. This capability allows systems to export energy when market prices are high and preserve stored power for periods of peak demand or grid stress. REX™ acts as both an optimizer and a strategist—maximizing profitability while maintaining reliability.
4. Interconnection-Ready and Grid Compliant
California’s interconnection standards, such as Rule 21 and IEEE 1547, are non-negotiable for solar and storage projects. REX™ includes a fully integrated Power Plant Controller (PPC) that ensures the entire system operates within regulatory boundaries, managing frequency, voltage, and reactive power requirements. This built-in compliance feature simplifies project commissioning and speeds up time to revenue.
5. Complete SCADA and DAS for Real-Time Monitoring
Visibility and control are essential to maintaining performance and detecting issues early. With comprehensive SCADA and data acquisition features, the REX™ Appliance provides granular insight into:
- Solar production
- Battery state of charge
- Load profiles
- Real-time and historical performance trends
Operators can view dashboards, generate reports, and receive alerts—enabling fast diagnostics and informed operational decisions.
Turnkey Control for a Dynamic Grid Environment
Modular and Scalable Architecture
Whether managing a 50 kW rooftop system or a multi-megawatt microgrid, the REX™ Appliance can scale to match the complexity and size of the project. It adapts easily to various tariff structures, load types, and market conditions, offering a future-ready energy control platform without the need for custom integrations or costly retrofits.
Built for the Long Term
Energy policy, pricing structures, and market participation rules are continually evolving. The REX™ Appliance is designed with adaptability in mind. Modular software architecture and regular updates ensure the platform remains aligned with new compliance requirements and market trends—future-proofing your investment and operational strategy.
Maximizing Value Under NEM 3.0 and Beyond
NEM 3.0 introduces a new reality for solar and storage in California—but it also opens the door for smarter, more strategic energy systems. The REX™ Appliance is built to help asset owners meet this moment with precision, reliability, and intelligence.
By unifying control, analytics, forecasting, and compliance into a single platform, REX™ empowers users to:
- Lower operating costs
- Increase return on investment
- Enhance resilience
- Stay competitive in a rapidly changing grid environment
Ready to see it in action? Contact us sales for quote on REX™ EMS NEM 3.0