The Journey of Our GEM Device: From Idea to Reality

Hello, Solareum Community!

As we reach a significant milestone with the rollout of our first GEM (Green Energy Monitor) devices to our partners, we’re excited to share the journey behind this breakthrough and the future of our game-changing technology. This blog will give you a look into how far we’ve come and what’s still ahead for the GEM device and Solareum's mission.

Community Clarification: PoH Phase and Future Milestones

In response to some questions related to our last blog, we want to clarify the details regarding our Proof of Holding (PoH) mechanism: The initial 6-month PoH phase is still scheduled to begin at our mainnet launch, is essential for the production of JUL, and will benefit the previous SRM holders. 

The PoH milestones we recently mentioned introduce an additional layer of rewards that will come into effect after meeting specific milestones implemented into the Solareum Chain. Rest assured, this phased approach will allow us to further optimize rewards while ensuring continued growth and decentralization in the long run.

The Challenge We Set Out to Solve

Back in the summer of 2022, we recognized a few key issues that needed addressing in the blockchain space. Centralization was increasing across the board, innovation had slowed, and onboarding new users was becoming more difficult. Our solution? Combine renewable energy generation with blockchain validation to create something entirely new. Instead of using energy to validate transactions like traditional Proof of Work (PoW) or relying on token holdings like Proof of Stake (PoS), we asked ourselves: Why not reward energy production itself?

With that goal in mind, we set out to build Solareum—a blockchain that’s fully validated by the renewable energy its users generate. And so, Proof of Generation (PoG) was born.

From Concept to Reality: The Evolution of the GEM Device

To bring PoG to life, we knew we needed hardware that could collect real-time data from renewable energy sources. Initially, we experimented with FPGA devices but found them too expensive and complicated for the average user. This led to the creation of the GEM device—an affordable IoT solution that collects and records energy data directly from solar systems.

Our first prototypes, though functional, were bulky and required wires. But after several rounds of development, the GEM device is now compact, wireless, and equipped to seamlessly work with Tesla inverters. It allows users to monitor their energy production and consumption in real-time, making renewable energy management more accessible.

The name GEM (Green Energy Monitor) was chosen after we held a community-wide competition. We received so many great name suggestions, but GEM stood out as the perfect fit to represent our innovative approach to energy monitoring.

Specs and Functionality: What’s Inside the GEM Device

Here’s a quick look at the GEM’s tech specs:

• Model: LILYGP® T-ETH-Lite Development Board

• Processor: ESP32 ESP32-S3

• Ethernet Module: W5500 Ethernet Module (ESP32-S3WROOM)

• Storage: Supports TF expandable power

• POE Shield: Power Over Ethernet (POE) enabled

• USB Type: USB 3.1 Type C

• Size: 8cm x 16cm x 4cm

• Inverter Compatibility: Fully integrated with Tesla Powerwall Inverter for real-time energy monitoring (other inverters, like SolarEdge, Enphase, and Lion Energy, are planned for integration soon)

The device is fully operational on our testnet, logging real-time energy data from solar panels.

Expanding Capabilities: What’s Next for GEM

As we continue to improve the GEM device, we’re already working on integrating more inverters to support a broader range of solar systems. While the device currently works seamlessly with Tesla Powerwall Inverters, our next step includes adding compatibility with Lion Energy, SolarEdge, and Enphase. This will make GEM a true multi-inverter device, significantly expanding its reach and versatility for users with diverse energy setups.

Looking Ahead: 2024 and Beyond

As we move forward, the GEM device will continue to be a vital part of Solareum’s mission. With each update, we aim to bring more functionality and ease to our users, making renewable energy monitoring and blockchain validation as seamless as possible.

Get ready for an extra treat this week! We’ll be dropping an additional blog post featuring an exclusive look at our new dashboard and an exciting developer update. You won’t want to miss this, so stay tuned for more details and our upcoming dashboard demo with our VP and Co-Founder, Joshua L'Heureux.

Thanks for being part of this journey. Together, we’re building a cleaner, greener, and more decentralized future!