Episode 31

Making old systems smarter: The power of retrofitting

Episode 31
·
34 mins
·
August 5, 2025

Making old systems smarter: The power of retrofitting

gridX's CTO and Managing Director Tobias Mitter explores how retrofitting existing energy systems with smart energy management technology enables homeowners to optimize performance, reduce energy costs and future-proof their homes. Tune in for practical insights into overcoming fragmented infrastructure and accelerating the clean energy transition.
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What you’ll learn in this episode

Why retrofitting matters

Tobias Mitterexplains how retrofitting existing home energy systems – like PVs, batteries and heat pumps – adds intelligence without replacing hardware, making energy systems more sustainable and cost-efficient.

Smart energy management made simple

Learn how energy management systems connect older assets and optimize performance through solar charging, price-based consumption and load balancing.

Overcoming technical and regulatory challenges

From fragmented device protocols to complex German regulations like §14a and EEG §9, discover what makes retrofitting such a complicated, but necessary, task.

The role of installers and OEMs

Tobias Mitter discusses how gridX supports both installers and manufacturers through initiatives like the “Ready for gridX” program to accelerate smart retrofits.

What the future holds

Tobias Mitter forecasts a future where grid pressure, consumer demand for unified apps and OEMs’ upselling strategies make retrofitting a central part of energy transition strategies.

Key quotes from Tobias Mitter: Why retrofitting works smarter, not harder

“People don’t want four apps – they want one. Retrofitting enables that unified smart home experience.”

“With energy systems, the challenge isn’t just coding – it’s about working with real hardware, in real homes, under real conditions.”

“Our ‘Ready for gridX’ program helps OEMs accelerate integration. That’s where the future of retrofitting lies: collaboration.”

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