Smart meters give you control over your energy use. Solar panels help bring your bills down. Together, they can make your home smarter, greener, and more efficient.

If you’re thinking about adding solar panels, you might be wondering: Do I need a smart meter? Will my panels work with it? And how do I make sure I get credit for the energy I send back to the grid?

Let’s break it down, step by step.

How Solar and Smart Meters Work Together

A solar PV system converts sunlight into electricity for your home. Your appliances use this energy first. Anything you don’t use comes from the grid, and any surplus can be exported. Learn more about how solar PV works.

Smart meters are digital devices that measure your energy use in near real time and send readings automatically to your supplier. They can track energy coming in from the grid and energy exported from your solar panels.

The key is having a bidirectional meter, so your imports and exports are measured separately.

Inside your home, a Home Area Network (HAN) links your meter to an In-Home Display (IHD) or apps, giving you near-real-time insights on your power use and solar production.

First vs. Second-Generation Smart Meters

Smart meters come in two generations: SMETS1 and SMETS2.

• SMETS1 meters: Some older meters can’t measure exported energy properly and might lose smart functionality if you change suppliers.

• SMETS2 meters: These are designed for households with solar PV. They measure exports accurately and stay smart when you switch suppliers.

If your meter can’t record export, your supplier can usually replace it so you can benefit from export payments.

Getting Paid for Your Surplus Energy: The SEG

In Great Britain, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires larger suppliers to pay households for excess solar energy exported to the grid. SEG came into effect on 1 January 2020, replacing the export element of the Feed-in Tariff.

Each supplier sets its own rate. Smart meters make it easier to track exports accurately and get paid for every unit you send back.

What Your Smart Meter Does with Solar

1. Measures import – tracks how much energy you draw from the grid when your solar isn’t enough.

2. Measures export – tracks surplus PV energy sent back to the grid for SEG payments.

3. Supports optimisation – timestamped data helps you manage tariffs and energy use.

Academic research also shows that smart meters with solar PV help balance the grid and support local renewable energy communities. 

Making It Work for You

• Check your meter type (SMETS1 or SMETS2).

• Ensure your meter can record exports if you want to benefit from the SEG.

• Use your smart meter data to optimise energy use, save on bills, and reduce your carbon footprint.

If you’re unsure, contact your supplier or your local council’s energy support team.

Why Choose Solar with Switch Together

Even with the right smart meter, the upfront cost of solar panels can feel high. That’s why Switch Together helps households group together to access lower prices and vetted installers.

We also provide guidance for optional add-ons like battery storage, EV charge points, and insurance-backed guarantees.

Discover more about how Solar Together worksand see how joining thousands of households can make your home greener and smarter.

Takeaway

Smart meters and solar panels complement each other perfectly. They let you see your energy use, optimise your home’s efficiency, and get paid for surplus energy. With the right setup, your home works smarter, your bills are lower, and your community benefits too.