Vision for OB 2.0
Welcome to Orange Button 2.0 (OB 2.0), where we expand our vision beyond solar to encompass all clean energy technologies. Our enhanced data architecture is designed to facilitate the collection, management, and exchange of information across the entire clean energy landscape.
By addressing the challenges of high soft costs and inefficiencies, OB 2.0 aims to empower a diverse range of clean energy solutions. Join us in driving innovation and collaboration for a sustainable energy future.
What is OB 2.0 ?
OB 2.0 represents the next evolutionary step in clean energy data standardization, addressing the gaps and challenges observed in the initial version. While the original Orange Button schema laid down the framework for standard data formats across solar projects, OB 2.0 goes further by integrating new technologies and data types, enhancing interoperability, and supporting broader adoption in distributed energy resources (DERs).
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Key aspects of OB 2.0 include:
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Enhanced Data Schema: OB 2.0 incorporates advanced data elements and more nuanced metadata to better support comprehensive solar project documentation and analysis.
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Integration with Exiting DER Standards: It aligns with recent globally recognized standards such as IEEE 1547-2018 and IEC 61850 ensuring compatibility with DERs and facilitating better interoperability between energy systems​​.
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Open-Source Accessibility: OB 2.0 is designed to be open-source, encouraging collaborative development and industry-wide improvements​​.
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Benefits of OB 2.0
OB 2.0 brings several significant benefits to the clean energy industry, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, and scalability:
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1. Increased Data Consistency
The refined data structures in OB 2.0 ensure higher consistency across data formats, reducing discrepancies and errors. This consistency is crucial for seamless data exchange between stakeholders, including project developers, financiers, regulators, and equipment manufacturers​​.
2. Lower Soft Costs
By simplifying data entry, sharing, and compliance processes, OB 2.0 helps lower the soft costs associated with solar installations. The standardized format enables automated solutions like SolarAPP+, which has proven to cut permitting times significantly—from 27 days to under 2 hours​​.
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3. Enhanced Interoperability
OB 2.0 builds on the initial schema's capability to enable data interoperability across different platforms and devices. By refining integration with OEMs and adopting modern API structures, it facilitates smoother interaction between various energy management systems and applications​​.
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4. Facilitated Financing and Transparency
With OB 2.0, financiers gain improved access to consistent and reliable data, making project assessments easier. This supports clearer financial contract management, encourages investment in solar projects, and ultimately boosts the growth of the clean energy sector​​.
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5. Built with Scale and Security in mind
OB 2.0 is engineered to handle large-scale deployments with robust security features, including data encryption and role-based access control, ensuring safe and scalable operations across the clean energy sector.
Ready to use Tools and Resources​
OB 2.0 will be equipped with a suite of ready-to-use products that facilitate the seamless integration and deployment of standardized data handling in solar and clean energy projects. These artifacts are designed to enhance efficiency and interoperability across platforms, providing essential tools for developers, project managers, and industry stakeholders. Key artifacts include:
1. SDKs (Software Development Kit)​ - 2025 Roadmap
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OB 2.0 will provide comprehensive SDKs tailored for various programming languages, enabling developers to build applications that integrate seamlessly with the standardized data schema. The OB 2.0 SDK will come equipped with predefined functions and templates that streamline the development process, reducing the time and complexity involved in building compliant software solutions.
2. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) - 2025 Roadmap
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The OB 2.0 API suite facilitates secure and efficient data exchange across systems. These APIs are structured to ensure compatibility with existing energy management software and third-party applications, enabling smooth data flow and integration with platforms like AHJ Registry or Product Registry. This support enhances cross-system communication, making data accessible and usable across various interfaces​​.
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3. Data Schema - Available Today
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The core of OB 2.0 lies in its enhanced data schema, which defines standardized data elements and relationships. This schema covers a broad range of information types, including product specifications, energy models, site characteristics, and performance data. The schema’s comprehensive design supports use cases from project permitting to VPP integration, ensuring data consistency and reducing errors during project execution​​.
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4. Open Reference Datasets-2025 Roadmap
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OB 2.0 will include a collection of Open Reference Datasets, curated to support various stages of project planning, deployment, and analysis. These datasets cover essential reference information, such as regulatory requirements, regional energy profiles, and equipment performance benchmarks. By providing easy access to verified and standardized data, the Open Reference Datasets enable stakeholders to make informed decisions, enhance project accuracy, and align with industry standards.