How Smart Meters Help You Get the Most From Solar
If you live in the UK you’ve probably heard of smart meters – possibly even have one installed. Smart meters are fast becoming a staple in UK homes, with 2 out of 3 homes having one installed, to help households monitor and manage their energy consumption. How do smart meters work with solar panels and can they help you save even more?
At SolarTherm UK, we help households get the most from their solar PV investment and this article will explain how smart meters work, what they mean for solar users and how they can enhance your energy efficiency and savings.
What is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter automatically tracks your electricity and gas usage and sends the data to your supplier. Gone are the days when you have to call your supplier every few months to give them a meter reading to see if you are owed any money (or more likely owe your supplier money) due to your estimated bills being incorrect. Smart meters are fitted with a smart in-home display that allows you to track how much energy you are using, when you’re using it and see how much it is costing you in real-time.
Why Do I Need a Smart Meter with my Solar Panels?
Your smart meter will allow you to track the amount of electricity you export and is required for your to benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The SEG ensures you are paid fairly for electricity you export back to the grid. With a SEG tariff you get paid per kilowatt hour exported, making a smart meter a key part on your return on investment.
Benefits of a Smart Meter for Solar Panel Owners
Having a smart meter installed is beneficial, not just to be able to receive SEG payments but for other things too. A smart meter allows you to see how much grid energy you’re using against how much you’re generating, allowing you to adjust your energy lifestyle around when your panels are at maximum generation (such as doing your washing on solar power rather than running your machine in the evening on imported electricity).
Anything Else I Need to Know?
If your smart meter was installed prior to 2018 it may not be compatible with solar and SEG schemes. The SMETS1 smart meters (first generation) tend to be unable to track export, so if you have one of these it will be beneficial to upgrade your smart meter prior to your solar panel install. Also, good to note that smart meters don’t typically show your total solar generation, just what is being exported. You will still need to refer to your solar inverter for your total solar generation.
Smart Meters + Solar = Smarter Living
By combining your solar panel system with a smart meter, you gain:
- More control over your energy use
- Greater financial return through SEG
- Insights to help you become a more efficient, low-carbon home
At SolarTherm UK, we install high-efficiency solar panels and battery storage systems to help you get the most from every ray of sunshine. We’re also here to guide you through your SEG registration and ensure your system is smart meter-ready.
Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?
If you’re ready to begin your solar journey or for more information, contact SolarTherm UK for a free bespoke design package – no hard-sell, just honest, expert advice – we let the figures do the talking.
