Alstra: The Future of Energy Management

Daresay's Award-Winning Solar Energy App Revolutionizes Sustainable Living

The inspiration for Alstra was rooted in the universal association of warm reds and yellows with the sun. As both solar panels and the app rely on the sun, incorporating this feeling into the app seemed natural. Simultaneously, the design team noted the growing trend towards dark mode in iOS and Android, leading to the adoption of bright, energy-rich colors on a black background.

What sets Alstra apart is its bold and conversational design. Unlike conventional energy apps that rely on complex graphs, Alstra presents information in short, assertive statements. This approach not only enhances user experience but also encourages users to share their contribution to sustainable energy production.

The app was realized through a Design Sprint, with iterative prototypes tested on customers before the development of a beta app. The customer journey was divided into four clear steps: decision to invest in solar, installation, self-doubt, and increased commitment. The app was then built in React Native, based on the insights gathered from customer trials and interviews.

Alstra is a real-time user information app that collects production and consumption data from the power meter and solar inverter via a Wago Controller. This data is then transmitted to the cloud, analyzed, and translated into human language for the app. The app also integrates data from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute API.

Despite the challenges of developing a new socially relevant graphical profile and an IoT solution to gather data from multiple solar panel invertors, the team at Daresay and Umea Energi successfully launched Alstra in November 2019. The app has since been awarded Silver in A' Mobile Technologies, Applications and Software Design Award in 2020, a testament to its innovative design and functionality.

In conclusion, Alstra represents a significant leap forward in the field of energy management. By combining innovative design with advanced technology, Daresay has created an app that not only simplifies energy consumption tracking but also promotes sustainable living. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, solutions like Alstra will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.