FTW vs RETScreen
FTW
ftw.sourceful.energyRETScreen
natural-resources.canada.caSide by side
| Figure | FTW | RETScreen |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | C$72.42/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Energy Management Software | 8.4 (#2) | 8.4 (#3) |
| Deployment | FTW runs on the user's own host, with the homepage describing Raspberry Pi and Linux deployment. | Independent directory data describes RETScreen as an on-premise Windows desktop application. |
Plans
In their own words
FTW
FTW connects supported solar equipment, batteries, and car chargers from different brands for home energy use. Its Energyplan weighs charging needs, electricity prices and tariffs, solar and household forecasts, battery state, and efficiency to plan energy use. FTW Core checks proposed plans and commands against site and equipment limits, with a local fallback if the planner is unavailable. The beta indicates whether controlled devices are following FTW, waiting, limited, or need attention, using device readings and separate meter confirmation where available. Lua drivers connect supported meters, inverters, and batteries, although supported models, firmware, and verified functions vary. OCPP 1.6J and 2.0.1 chargers can connect to FTW's built-in server without a Lua driver, subject to their supported functions. FTW also lists API and Home Assistant connections for observation or automation. It runs on a user's own host, with Linux and Docker installation paths and Raspberry Pi or Linux deployment described. FTW is an early 0.x beta; active control requires a working site meter and confirmed main fuse rating.
RETScreen
RETScreen has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.