The subject disclosure provides a communications architecture for managing/relaying utility information, such as energy, water or gas information. In one aspect, the system includes a hub having a first communications interface for receiving consumption data of a predetermined energy load and a second communications interface for communicating with a metering device. The second communications interface is configured to transmit the consumption data to the metering device and to receive control signals from the metering device where the consumption data is communicated using a first protocol and wherein the control signals are communicated using a second protocol.

A utility meter includes a real-time clock (RTC), a supercapacitor, a power supply, and a set of photodiodes. The RTC keeps time utilized for time stamps applicable to events that occur during alternating current (AC) power outages of the utility meter, and the supercapacitor powers the RTC. The power supply operates in an active mode responsive to an AC line voltage meeting a threshold and, when in the active mode, charges the supercapacitor to power the RTC. The set of photodiodes absorbs energy from ambient light and charges the supercapacitor to power the RTC. Thus, the supercapacitor is configured to be charged based on the power supply and based on the set of photodiodes.

A system includes a control circuit and a computer. The control circuit includes a control circuit configured to receive data from at least one solar panel, convert the received data according to a communication protocol, and forward the converted data via the communication protocol. The computer includes software that, when executed by the computer, causes the computer to receive, via the communication protocol, the converted data, detect, based on the received converted data, a problem in the at least one solar panel, and output, to a display and based on the detected problem, a status of the at least one solar panel corresponding to a time at which the data was collected.

A power converter circuit includes a monitoring module that monitors a DC power source, the monitoring module comprising a microcontroller. The power converter circuit also includes a temperature sensor providing temperature data to the microcontroller. In response to an indication from the temperature data of a failure or a problem, the microcontroller changes a parameter of the power converter circuit.

A utility meter includes a real-time clock (RTC), a supercapacitor, a power supply, and a set of photodiodes. The RTC keeps time utilized for time stamps applicable to events that occur during alternating current (AC) power outages of the utility meter, and the supercapacitor powers the RTC. The power supply operates in an active mode responsive to an AC line voltage meeting a threshold and, when in the active mode, charges the supercapacitor to power the RTC. The set of photodiodes absorbs energy from ambient light and charges the supercapacitor to power the RTC. Thus, the supercapacitor is configured to be charged based on the power supply and based on the set of photodiodes.

A system includes a control circuit and a computer. The control circuit includes a control circuit configured to receive data from at least one solar panel, convert the received data according to a communication protocol, and forward the converted data via the communication protocol. The computer includes software that, when executed by the computer, causes the computer to receive, via the communication protocol, the converted data, detect, based on the received converted data, a problem in the at least one solar panel, and output, to a display and based on the detected problem, a status of the at least one solar panel corresponding to a time at which the data was collected.

An integrated metering device allows a resource provider to control the output of a distributed generation device onto a resource distribution network or grid. The integrated metering device may include a communications module, a metrology module, an inverter and regulator device, and a transfer switch. A resource provider may communicate with the integrated metering device via the communications module and may control the inverter and regulator device or the transfer switch. The metrology module may monitor the energy provided by the distributed generation device to the grid and may send information about the generated energy to the resource provider via the communications module.

An enclosure for a utility metering device is configured to reduce internal air temperatures. In an example, the utility metering device has a solar shield and/or filtered ventilation air passage(s). In the example, an enclosure is attached to a base. Opening(s) may be defined in the enclosure, to allow air to remove heat from the metering device by convection. The openings may be covered with filters, to prevent the entry of water, dust, insects, etc. A solar shield may cover at least an upper surface of the enclosure. An air pocket may be defined between the solar shield and at least the upper surface of the enclosure. Air from within the enclosure may be ventilated into the air pocket, and air from within the air pocket may be ventilated into the atmosphere. The ventilation removes heat from within the enclosure, while the solar shield rejects addition of heat energy.

An enclosure for a utility metering device is configured to reduce internal air temperatures. In an example, the utility metering device has a solar shield and/or filtered ventilation air passage(s). In the example, an enclosure is attached to a base. Opening(s) may be defined in the enclosure, to allow air to remove heat from the metering device by convection. The openings may be covered with filters, to prevent the entry of water, dust, insects, etc. A solar shield may cover at least an upper surface of the enclosure. An air pocket may be defined between the solar shield and at least the upper surface of the enclosure. Air from within the enclosure may be ventilated into the air pocket, and air from within the air pocket may be ventilated into the atmosphere. The ventilation removes heat from within the enclosure, while the solar shield rejects addition of heat energy.

An advertisement display management system includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire, from a terminal device at a client company, an amount of electricity to be purchased for a prescribed period from the electricity generating facility where a renewable energy source is used and which is installed at an airport and data of an advertisement to be displayed at the airport during the prescribed period; a calculation unit configured to calculate an emission reduction amount of CO.sub.2 equivalent to the amount of electricity to be purchased; and a display unit installed at the airport and configured to display the data of the advertisement, the amount of electricity to be purchased, and the emission reduction amount of CO.sub.2.