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BEMServer vs RETScreen

BEMServer

bemserver.org

RETScreen

natural-resources.canada.ca

Side by side

FigureBEMServerRETScreen
Price fromFreeC$72.42/mo
Free planYesYes
Free trial——
Open source——
WebYes—
Windows—Yes
LinuxYes—
APIYes—
Self-hostedYes—
Plans published12
Spec score · Energy Management Software8.2 (#6)8.4 (#3)

Plans

BEMServer

  • BEMServer (AGPL-3.0 open-source software)Free

BEMServer pricing →

RETScreen

  • Viewer modeFree
  • Professional modeC$869 a year

RETScreen pricing →

In their own words

BEMServer

BEMServer is an open-source platform for deploying a modular building energy management system. It gathers information from building management systems and sensors alongside weather, occupant feedback, building descriptions, and contextual data. The platform connects building hardware with data-oriented services, storing building models, time series, and events for access through documented REST APIs. Its data model follows IFC and Haystack standards. Processing modules interpret collected information to identify issues or inefficient operation and support recommendations and decisions. Listed modules cover fault detection and diagnosis, renewable energy simulation, energy management, load forecasting, indoor environmental quality, and visualization. The software is licensed under AGPL-3.0, and sellers using a modified version must publish their modifications under that license. There is no software license fee, although installation, configuration, maintenance, and selected modules may be paid services. The maker recommends help from someone with Python and Docker knowledge and says installation was tested on Debian 9. BEMServer currently supports building monitoring; other uses require extending its functionality.

Visit bemserver.org

RETScreen

RETScreen has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.

Visit natural-resources.canada.ca