If you have a grid-connected solar system, you should have a net meter that will show where the energy is coming from when the solar panels do not produce enough energy. In addition to this, you will be able to export electricity to the grid if you have surplus energy.
A solar net meter will show you how much energy moves between the solar panels and your energy provider. Here we will explain everything you need to know about this device!
What is a solar net meter?
A solar net meter (also known as a smart meter) is a device that measures the amount of energy imported from and exported to the grid. The solar net meter for net metering has two different counters: the import counter and the export counter.
You will need the device to be able to receive the feed-in tariff when transporting energy to the grid.
How does it work?
The solar net meter will display exactly how much electricity you have consumed from the grid, and how much energy flows into the grid. Net metering will give the user a two-way reading
Import counter
The import counter will show you how much electricity power that has flowed from the connected grid, measured in kWh. When you use more energy than your solar system is able to produce the extra power you need comes from your power provider.
You will pay a given retail electricity rate per kWh of energy imported. In most cases, the price will be somewhere between 22-55c. However, the price will depend on your tariff deal.
Export counter
The meter also has an export counter. This will tell you how much solar energy that has flowed from your solar system to the connected grid. When your system produces excess energy (more energy than you use), it will flow to the grid.
Your power provider will pay you in the form of a feed-in tariff. You will get an agreed tariff per kWh of energy that has flowed to the grid. Most retailers will give you a feed-in tariff somewhere between 6-16c.
What is the difference between net metering and gross metering?
When installing a solar energy system in your home, you will be able to choose between two different solar meters. Besides solar net metering, which is relevant for anyone who only exports excess solar power, you will find gross metering deals.
Gross metering is a deal relevant for solar customers who want to export all of their solar energy to the grid. However, this is a less common system as it is recommended to use as much as possible of the solar energy your system produces.
Remember that exported energy in most cases will be less worth than the price you will have to pay for importing energy. In other words, it will be more beneficial to consume the solar energy your system is producing yourself if possible.
The more of your solar energy that is self-consumed, the lower you can expect your power bills to be.
How do I get one?
As soon as your solar panel system has been installed, it is time to set up the net meter. If you already have an existing smart meter, this can be modified and configured to work as a net meter.
The configuration will usually be included in the solar installation process, and taken care of by your installer. If you have an outdated basic meter, it is necessary to set up a completely new solar meter.
Contact your electricity provider if you have any questions about the set-up or configuration of your solar meter.
Can I have a solar system without a net meter?
Yes. If you have a stand-alone solar system with no grid connection, it is not necessary to have a solar net meter. Remember that the main function of the net meter is to measure the amount of power transferred to and from the grid.
A stand-alone solar system is not connected to the grid, and a net meter would serve no purpose.
Get a solar panel system with a net meter
Do you plan on going solar, and would like to stay connected to the grid? If so, you will need a grid-connected solar panel system with a net meter. The net meter will tell you how much power you import from the grid, and how much you have exported into the grid.
The net meter will give you and your power retailer all the information needed, and you will be able to receive a feed-in tariff for any exported electricity. Your power provider will also know how much you should pay for any power imported from the grid.
Find an installer today, and get started!