Understanding how smart meters work with solar panels can help you stay in control of your energy usage and bills. This guide explains how the two work together, how you can maximise savings, and how to manage your energy more efficiently.
Take the stress out of meter readings and billing for good. With Fuse Energy, you can choose between typing in your meter reading or taking a photo of it in our app if you don't have a connected smart meter and we'll handle the rest. Get clear bills, real-time half-hourly usage data, 24/7 human customer support, and a modern energy experience designed around you. Switch to Fuse Energy today in as little as 3 minutes, save annually on your bills, and see how simple energy can be.
A quick checklist for solar and smart meters
- Confirm you have a suitable meter for export. You can contact your supplier to confirm this.
- Monitor your solar generation and usage.
- Understand how exported energy is measured.
- Check eligibility for an export tariff.
- Consider battery storage for more long-term savings.
Solar panels generate electricity for your home, reducing how much energy you import from the grid. A smart meter can help track how much energy you use, generate, and export. Together, they allow you to better understand your energy usage and maximise savings.
With the correct setup, smart meters can record both the electricity you use from the grid and the surplus energy your solar panels export; the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and your supplier can confirm what applies to your property. This data is sent automatically to your supplier, ensuring accurate billing. Most modern setups use SMETS2 smart meters, which continue working even if you switch suppliers.
With a smart meter, you can see how much electricity your solar panels generate and how much your home consumes. This helps you adjust when you use energy, for example running appliances during daylight hours when solar generation is highest. This reduces the amount of electricity you need to import from the grid.
If you are installing solar panels, make sure your smart meter is compatible by ensuring it's capable of measuring energy export. If you're unsure, you can contact your supplier to confirm. If you do not have a compatible smart meter, you can request an upgrade from your supplier. Once installed, your smart meter will track both import and export energy automatically. In other cases, you may be able to install a separate export or generation meter to track this.
Managing your energy shouldn't feel like a hassle. With Fuse Energy, you get real-time, half-hourly electricity usage data in the app and website if you have a connected smart meter, helping you stay in control of your energy usage. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times of under 5 minutes whenever you need help. Switch to Fuse Energy in as little as 3 minutes and find out about our mission.
Do smart meters work with solar panels?
Yes. Smart meters track both the energy you use and the energy you export to the grid.
Can solar panels reduce my bills?
Yes. Using your own generated electricity reduces how much you need to buy from the grid.
How can I switch to Fuse Energy?
Switching to Fuse Energy is simple and can be done in as little as 3 minutes by completing the online onboarding process here.
Disclaimer
For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.
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