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I’m getting solar panels and batteries

  • 16 March 2023
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K
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Hi. I’m getting Solar panels and batteries installed next month. The installers recommend that I get a SMETS2 smart meter. I have a Secure SMETS1 at the moment (and has been updated so I can get half hour readings).  The solar installers say that SMETS1 meters can’t read the outward flow of electricity. Is this correct? Also can I get a free installation of a SMETS2 meter from OVO? I called OVO earlier, waited 20 minutes in a queue, got through, explained the situation and then they hung up on me!! 🤷🏻‍♂️. Any help would be fantastic. Cheers. 

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Best answer by Jeffus 16 March 2023, 18:49

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M.isterW
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A quick Google search indicates that your meter will record exports. However, I'm hoping @Blastoise186  might chip in as he has a fairly extensive knowledge of electricity meters.

1992 4 bed detached house. Solar PV + battery, Mitsubishi Ecodan ASHP and i-life2 fan assisted radiators.
Jeffus
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https://help.so.energy/support/solutions/articles/7000065404-how-do-i-take-an-export-reading-from-my-smart-meter-

See if this helps to see if you can read your export from your meter

To get a reading from this smart meter:

  • Depending on your meter configuration, press either 6 or 9 on the keypad until you see ‘EXP kWh’ followed by 8 digits
  • You’ll then see 8 digits (e.g. 0000369.4) followed by kWh at the bottom right of the screen. This will be your export reading
  • This is your read, so for this example your reading would be 369kWh
Jeffus
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Also let us know what this check says

https://smartmetercheck.citizensadvice.org.uk/

That will let us know if your meter has been upgraded over the air and what options there might be as a result later this year. 

Blastoise186
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Who dares summon the power of SkyNet Blastoise! MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

SMETS1 Secure Meters do indeed support tracking Exports. Getting a reading locally is a pain due to the (terrible) menu interface, but it’s a piece of cake via SMETS Commands.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way!
K
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Thanks everyone. That was quick!!
 

My SMETS1 meter is in smart mode so looks like it can read exports. I’ll let you know how I get on in a couple of weeks 👍🏻. Wish me luck 🙏🏼 Solar here we come. 

Jeffus
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We are always happy to help @Karlos57

Do you mind us asking what setup you are going for in terms of solar and batteries?

Always good to hear what people are installing. 

 

K
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Hi Jeffus,

I’m getting 11x 405w panels (that’s all I have space for). A Lux 3.6 Hybrid inverter. 2x Greenlinx modular 3.2Kwh batteries. I have a Nissan Leaf as well so I’m actually looking to move to Octopus Go or Flux. (sorry OVO!) Wish OVO would offer something similar (where you don’t need a specific charger/car).

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