That’s right, you’ll likely need a new solar meter to record the energy you import and export. So, what is a solar meter? This Canstar Blue article walks you through solar meters – what they are, where to get one, and what they cost.
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What is a solar meter?
Traditional electricity meters can only measure electricity that flows one way. That is, from the grid into your house. Solar meters, however are bi-directional, which means they can also measure the electricity that your home exports to the grid.
If you have an old accumulation meter, then you will need to upgrade to a smart meter. If you already have a smart meter, then it will need to be configured so that it can measure the power you export. Once your solar meter is set-up, you can start earning credits with a feed-in tariff to help reduce your power bill.
Solar Plans & Prices
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gross metering v net metering
Some households on government-funded solar feed-in tariffs of 60c/kWh might have their solar meters configured to gross metering. This setup means that all the electricity produced by your panels is sent to the electricity grid. This makes sense when the feed-in tariff is more than the usage rates you pay for electricity. This is how customers on bonus solar tariffs often turn a profit on their energy bills.
However, after solar schemes in most states ended in 2016-17, many customers had their solar meters switched to net metering. Net metering is the standard meter setup, whereby customers consume the power produced by their solar panels and simply export anything left over. Given that standard feed-in tariffs are generally no higher than 12c/kWh – depending on where you live and your retailer – it’s much harder for households to turn a profit from their energy usage.
How do I order a new meter?
Once your solar panels are installed, you should call your electricity retailer to find out what else is left to do. If you need a new electricity meter, your retailer will let you know and can help you arrange the installation.
Do I need to upgrade my meter for solar?
After a solar system has been installed at a property, the meter will generally be replaced by an interval or smart meter. This will be the case if the existing meter is a traditional accumulation meter. In most cases, new meters will be provided by the energy distributor which is either installed by the retailer (the company that bills customers for power usage), or a qualified professional. Customers will need to ask their solar installer or electricity retailer if their meter needs upgrading.
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How much do solar meters cost?
There are additional charges for upgrading your meter to solar. Costs range from about $60 to $300, depending on your state, installer, and the complexity of the upgrade. Customers who need a simple reconfigurations or minor upgrade will pay the least, while those with an old or three-phase meter are generally stuck paying the most.
What is a solar meter charge?
Solar customers in Queensland do not pay for a solar meter upfront, rather the cost of installing and maintaining the new meter is covered by what’s called a ‘solar meter charge’. Solar meter charges are daily charges that are similar to but separate from daily supply charges. They generally cost around 5 to 7 cents per day, which is slightly higher than standard metering supply charges.
How to find a good solar company
Setting up solar can be a bit of run-around, but the potential bill savings make it worthwhile. In this article, we have explained some of the basics to help you understand solar meters. If you’re having trouble with your solar meter installation, then reach out to your electricity retailer and they can help you the rest of the way. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you’re with a reliable company with trusted advice and great customer service. See what other solar customers say about their retailers with Canstar Blue’s solar satisfaction ratings.
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