Teleport - Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Teleport? What types of assets does it connect to?

The Teleport is a local, independent controller designed to connect and remotely manage energy assets in real-time.

It links more than 250+ types of asset – including solar inverters, wind turbines, small and large-scale batteries, EV charging poles, and meters – to the cloud.

This system enables asset owners, energy traders, and grid operators to get real-time data over the assets performance and availability, and remotely control their generation and charging.

Can Teleport control energy assets such as solar panels and batteries?

Yes, Teleport can monitor and control various hardware assets, including solar panels and batteries, making it suitable for energy management systems focused on renewable and flexible assets.

What if my asset is not listed in the Teleport Library?

We continuously add new assets to our library, but if your device is not currently supported, we can make a small and cost-free adjustment to connect the Teleport to it. It will then be added to our Teleport asset library.

For which application/asset size is the Teleport suitable?

The Teleport is suitable for commercial and industrial applications, supporting any assets from 50kW and higher, as well as for portfolios of assets ranging from 50kW to 1GW. It’s not intended for residential settings due to cost and setup complexity.

Is the Teleport an EMS?

The Teleport can deliver on-site EMS functionality such as adjusting power static or dynamic grid limits and peak shaving consumption for batteries. In other words, the Teleport can be used to optimize energy flows “behind-the-meter” and guard the contracted grid capacity limits (even with loss of connectivity to the cloud EMS).

Other activities often performed by a cloud EMS, such as controlling battery power based on price fluctuations on various electricity markets, are left to separate systems which can connect to our API. More details on which control strategies are part of the Teleport can be found on the Control strategies page.

Can we test the Teleport devices with our systems and algorithms?

Yes of course. The proof of the pudding is in the eating 🙂

We offer Teleport demo devices from our test lab. Each Teleport demo device is configured for you and set up in the Withthegrid test lab. With a Teleport demo device you can proceed with testing using our API and data forwarding capabilities into your systems. For more information, please refer to the Demo devices section.

How can Teleport be integrated with our system?

Integration involves setting up the Teleport our API and data forwarding. After completing an asset onboarding form, Teleport devices are shipped and installed. Once installed, the Teleport goes live, and we monitor data availability and handle software updates.

What steps are involved in setting up a Teleport solution?

The setup process includes:

Drafting a Framework Agreement
Integrating the API and setting up data forwarding
Testing with a demo device in our lab
Completing an asset onboarding form and arranging installation
Activating the Teleport at the designated location
Ongoing data monitoring, updates, and maintenance by Withthegrid

Are there installation guides and APIs available for Teleport?

Yes, comprehensive installation guides and APIs are available to assist with integration and setup.

Is it possible to have a brief call to discuss compatibility and collaboration?

Yes, we are available to discuss compatibility and collaboration. Please contact us to schedule a meeting.

Can multiple assets be connected to one Teleport?

Yes, the maximum number of assets that can be controlled via Modbus TCP is practically unlimited (but may have an impact on sequential readout time). For Modbus RTU (RS485) the Teleport supports up to 3 clusters of assets. Maximum cluster size depends on the asset type.

I’m buying batteries that come with their own energy management system (EMS). Can the Teleport work with that?

Absolutely. The Teleport is integrated with many different battery EMS systems.capable of controlling over 250 asset types, including batteries. It’s not limited to specific batteries but allows for control not just of the battery but of all energy assets on-site as well as providing flexibility. of multi-asset configurations with a single Teleport.

I want to standardize with the Teleport and then select the best cloud EMS. Is that possible?

Yes. We integrate or already partner with many leading cloud EMS solution providers. If your selected EMS party is not listed feel free to bring them in contact with us, or share them with our technical documentation for integration.

I’m planning to expand my setup with a battery or increase my solar asset capacity. Will the Teleport still work for me?

Yes, the Teleport is designed to adapt to your changing asset setup. As your installation evolves, we’ll assess if any new asset integrations are required and update your monitoring accordingly, at no extra cost to you. The Teleport provides a future-proof solution for expanding installations.

I received additional grid capacity from the grid operator, can the Teleport deal with that?

Yes, the grid limits can be modified so that the Teleport ensures your assets will stay within the new grid capacity limits.

Does Teleport offer any dashboarding for asset data insights?

The Teleport focuses on asset controllability through our uniform API and data forwarding. While we do not provide a dashboard ourselves, we forward data to the database of the relevant asset control party. For detailed asset insights, you can consult your Cloud-EMS provider or work check out our list of integrations who offer dashboarding services.

Our energy trader already provides asset connectivity. Why use the Teleport?

When both on-site energy management and cloud-based asset control are provided by the same entity, switching providers can become challenging, creating a “lock-in” scenario. With Teleport, you retain flexibility, and the asset controllability can still be centrally managed without being tied to a single provider.

What does the process of working with separate companies for asset control looks like?

The Teleport integrates seamlessly with other parties’ control signals, so from your perspective, it feels like one streamlined solution. While having two separate providers may seem complicated, it actually offers greater flexibility and freedom to adapt your services as needed. Most day-to-day communications occur directly between Withthegrid and the party steering the assets, making it simple for you.

Is it allowed to have a hardware separated from the party providing market access?

Yes. The Teleport is already widely used by market parties for balancing services. The data forwarding, API and underlying service level agreement clearly define the demarcation levels between the connectivity provider and the party controlling the assets.

I need a local EMS now but plan to change my energy trader or aggregator next year. How would the Teleport work in this scenario?

The Teleport is built for flexibility. It’s integrated (or can quickly integrate) with your current trader or aggregator. When you switch, our API can integrate with your new provider on short notice, making the transition smooth and maintaining continuity.

Can Teleport support automated trading for energy companies?

Yes, Teleport supports cloud data integration, allowing energy trading companies to use asset monitoring data, such as efficiency and availability, to automate trading responses. This feature can also incorporate AI-based adjustments, making it highly valuable for energy traders.

Does Teleport have a real-time operating system for fast control?

Yes, the Teleport covers various electricity markets, including:

FCR (Frequency Containment Reserve)
aFRR (Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve)
mFRR (Manual Frequency Restoration Reserve)
Imbalance market
Congestion management

What if we need to implement a different frequency scheme or grid service not currently covered?

We can work with you to verify if the Teleport meets your requirements and adjust our API and data forwarding to enable the Teleport to be used for your specific market or service. We are continuously working on this as we expand into new markets.

Who are your current customers using the Teleport devices in the field? Any in the demand response field?

Our customers include Eneco, Vattenfall, Vandebron, and many others. The Teleport is used in various applications, including demand response and energy trading.

Can you provide examples of how Teleport is used in energy trading?

The Teleport is used by energy trading companies for many different use cases. Please check our use cases for examples.

How can an energy control engineer or consultant promote and implement Teleport with their clients?

By understanding the Teleport’s configuration, setup, and operational capabilities, control engineers and consultants can advise clients on integrating the product to enhance operational efficiency. The Teleport’s use in asset management can increase awareness and adoption among energy managers and traders.

In which countries can the Teleport device be used?

The Teleport device can be used globally. It has already been deployed in the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Sweden and the UK.

Which geographies support the SIM card option?

We use Global 1NCE SIM cards, which provide coverage in many countries. SIM card devices generally work well in the European Union and Great Britain but may have issues in the USA unless the device has been certified by the carrier.

What does the Teleport monitoring service include?

To ensure maximum availability of your assets, protect your grid connection and stay compliant with the DSO, our monitoring service offers the following:

Asset availability monitoring
Firmware updates
Cybersecurity updates
DSO requirements updates
Local control loop for staying within the grid connection limits
Sim Card connectivity monitoring

These services ensure smooth operation and data reliability.

How does Teleport notify traders or asset managers about asset availability?

The Teleport continuously monitors asset availability and sends immediate notifications if an asset becomes unavailable.

Are there resources available to learn about Teleport's setup and configuration?

Yes, technical details, including setup and configuration, are available on our product website.

Can we program the Teleport, not just configure it?

The Teleport allows for extensive configuration through a console but does not support deploying custom code directly. We offer several pre-configured control strategies that can be customized to suit operational needs.

Can the Teleport be connected to the cloud without configuration?

Yes, Teleport offers an automated connection to the cloud, which can be set up with minimal configuration. After an initial one-time setup, the connection can proceed automatically.

Can we connect to the Teleport directly?

Yes, the Teleport offers a local Modbus interface which can be accessed with a VPN.

What are the downsides of connecting to the Teleport directly instead of via the API?

By connecting to the Teleport directly there is no possibility to send complete schedules, only individual setpoints. In case of loss of connectivity then the asset(s) may stay in an undesired state.

What network connectivity options are available for the Teleport device?

The Teleport device supports both Ethernet and SIM card connectivity. We recommend using Ethernet for higher reliability, with the SIM card serving as a backup.

How is time synchronization carried out with the Teleport device?

Time synchronization is performed via SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol) over the internet.

Can an external GPS synchronizer be used if more accurate timing is required?

Currently, the Teleport uses SNTP for time synchronization. For specific requirements regarding more precise timing, please contact us to discuss possible solutions.

What functionalities do the add-on boards for the Teleport provide?

The add-on boards provide additional interfaces, such as RS485, for connecting to devices that use Modbus RTU over RS485.

What hardware warranty does the Teleport come with, and how does Withthegrid support its products post-purchase?

The hardware carries a two year warranty. The devices have a mean-time-to-failure of more than 10 years.

How does the Teleport secure data against potential leaks, and what cybersecurity measures are in place?

Cybersecurity is a core value at Withthegrid. We are ISO27001 and ISO 9001 certified. Communication between the Teleport and cloud services is end-to-end encrypted (TLS) to prevent eavesdropping. Each Teleport uses a unique certificate and doesn’t accept incoming connections, instead initiating contact with cloud services. Software updates, including security patches, are remotely administered.

Does the Teleport use a VPN?

We have secure connection to our cloud service and do not use a VPN. For more information about how we handle cybersecurity, have a look at our Cybersecurity documentation.

What certifications does the Teleport device have?

The Teleport device complies with ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 standards. It also complies with the Realtime Interface (RTI v1 final) requirement for direct DSO control.

It will be RED (Radio Equipment Directive) 3.3 compliant in 2025 and will adhere to CRA (Cyber Resilience Act) and NIS2 (Network and Information Systems Directive) regulations when they are enforced.

If you require specific certifications, please let us know.

Does the Teleport require specialised installation personnel?

No. The Teleport is a simple device, easy for certified installation partners or even your own O&M teams to install. We support remote site acceptance testing with the installer on-site to ensure everything is set up correctly before they leave. This approach keeps installation fast and cost-effective.

How does the Teleport's pricing structure work?

You pay for the hardware, connectivity and a subscription fee. Pricing varies based on asset type, size and complexity of configuration

For assets under 1 MWp: We offer a three-year, all-inclusive Capex model.
For larger assets: Pricing includes both Capex (capital expenditure) and Opex (operational expenditure) components.
Proof-of-concept testing is available for a fee.

Can Teleport integrate with high-level SCADA setups?

Yes, the Teleport can serve as a simplified gateway for high-level SCADA systems, providing monitoring and control functionality to streamline asset management for energy portfolios and trading operations.

How does Teleport differ from existing SCADA systems for asset control?

The Teleport monitors asset availability 24/7 and provides instant notifications for trading companies if an asset becomes unavailable. Additionally, the Teleport can integrate future downtime schedules (through API) for better maintenance planning, which is particularly useful for optimizing trading and operational strategies.

How does the Teleport deal with firmware updates?

Withthegrid manages and monitors firmware updates for the entire Teleport fleet as part of your subscription. Each Teleport can independently check for updates, downloading and installing them automatically. Once an update is available, the Teleport briefly stops its current container and starts the new one in less than a second, ensuring minimal interruption. Over an Ethernet connection, this process is seamless, with no significant downtime. On a cellular connection, however, the modem may take a few minutes to reconnect, but asset control will continue locally without cloud access.

The Teleport is designed to avoid updates during crucial times, blocking updates before scheduled actions or during battery operation. You can also set a daily maintenance window, allowing updates to only occur during a specific timeframe.

You have questions about the Teleport?

Frequently asked questions