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Getting Started with Texture

This guide provides a clear roadmap to start building with Texture's energy device platform. Whether you're developing a solar monitoring solution, demand response application, or virtual power plant, the steps below will help you quickly integrate with energy devices.

Step 1: Create Your Account​

  1. Sign up at dashboard.texturehq.com
  2. Create your Organization
  3. Texture will automatically create Production and Sandbox workspaces for you

Step 2: Explore the Dashboard​

Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the Texture Dashboard:

  • Devices: View connected energy devices and their real-time data
  • Sites: Browse physical locations and their associated devices
  • Customers: Manage customer accounts that own devices
  • Apps: Enable third-party integrations (utility data, weather, emissions, etc.)
  • Developer: Access your API keys and documentation

Step 3: Choose Your Integration Method​

Texture offers flexible ways to connect energy devices based on your use case:

Option A: Use Texture Connect (for End-User Devices)​

Ideal for residential deployments or when device owners need to grant access:

  1. Generate a Texture Connect link using our API or SDKs
  2. Send this link to your users or embed it in your application
  3. Users will authenticate with their device manufacturer accounts
  4. Devices appear in your Texture account once connected

Option B: Direct Integration (for Commercial/Fleet Deployments)​

Ideal for installer-managed systems or commercial deployments:

  1. Contact us through the Dashboard chat to set up direct integrations
  2. Provide your installer credentials for supported manufacturers
  3. We'll help configure the appropriate authentication for your devices

Step 4: Start Using Device Data and Controls​

Once devices are connected, you can:

  1. View device data in the Dashboard to verify proper integration
  2. Fetch device telemetry through our API
  3. Send commands to devices individually or in batches
  4. Configure webhooks to receive real-time event notifications

Step 5: Build Your Application​

Now that you're connected, you can build your energy application:

  • Device Monitoring: Track energy production, consumption, and storage
  • Device Control: Send commands to charge/discharge batteries, adjust thermostats, etc.
  • Automation: Create rules and schedules for automatic device control
  • Energy Optimization: Leverage weather forecasts and carbon data to optimize device operation

Next Steps​

Need help? Use the live chat in the Dashboard (look for the chat bubble in the lower right corner) to connect with our team.