Key Takeaways
- On-premise: energy monitoring software runs on the facility's own server.
- Data never leaves for the internet; suited to data sovereignty and privacy rules.
- Ideal for closed OT networks and sites with unreliable internet.
- Docker makes installation and updates fast and repeatable.
- Expect the same dashboards, alarms and reports as the cloud version.
Not every facility wants to send its energy data to the cloud. In defence, public sector, critical infrastructure and large industrial sites, data must stay on site. For these facilities the answer is on-premise energy monitoring: the platform runs on your server, inside your network.
What Is On-Premise Energy Monitoring?
On-premise deployment means the energy monitoring software runs on the facility's own server instead of the cloud. Meter, analyzer and sensor data is collected by the gateway. Data is stored, processed and reported on the local server without leaving for the internet.
Which Facilities Choose On-Premise?
- Those with data sovereignty requirements: Public bodies, defence, energy distribution and generation sites.
- Those running closed networks: Factories whose OT network is not exposed to the internet.
- Those with strict privacy and internal audit needs: Teams that must document where data is kept.
- Sites with unreliable internet: Remote plants, mines and agricultural sites.
Cloud vs On-Premise
| Criterion | Cloud | On-Premise |
|---|---|---|
| Data location | Provider's data centre | Your own server |
| Internet dependency | Required | Runs on the local network |
| Setup | Within minutes | Requires server preparation |
| Maintenance | Provider | Together with your IT team |
| Compliance | Depends on provider policy | Fully under your control |
The two are not rivals. The right choice depends on the facility's security policy and IT infrastructure.
Why Is On-Premise Easier with Docker?
Old-style installed software is set up by hand on each server and is hard to update. With Docker, the platform ships as ready-made containers.
- Fast setup: The same package runs the same way on every server.
- Controlled updates: Upgrades are planned and can be rolled back.
- Portability: Physical server, virtual machine or private cloud — it doesn't matter.
5 Criteria When Choosing On-Premise Energy Monitoring
- 1Same features as the cloud version: Dashboards, alarms and reports should not be limited.
- 2Device independence: It should connect to your existing devices via Modbus, MQTT and OPC UA.
- 3Container-based deployment: Fast, repeatable installation with Docker.
- 4Local user management: Role-based access inside your own network.
- 5Local support: A team that stands by you during installation and commissioning.
SolarTools On-Premise
SolarTools now runs on your own server with Docker. Energy monitoring, solar monitoring, web SCADA, alarms and reports in the same interface — without your data leaving the site. Talk to our sales team for a deployment survey. To get to know the interface first, sign up free for the cloud version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on-premise energy monitoring?
It means the energy monitoring software runs on the facility's own server instead of the cloud. Meter and analyzer data is collected by a gateway and stored and reported on the local server without leaving for the internet.
Is on-premise or cloud more secure?
Both are secure when set up correctly. The difference is data location and control. Facilities with data sovereignty, closed-network or internal audit requirements choose on-premise.
Can SolarTools be deployed on-premise?
Yes. On the Enterprise plan, SolarTools runs on your own server with Docker. Deployment scope and server requirements are defined with our sales team based on facility size.
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