Solar Consumption meters

Solar inverter consumption meters

An inverter 'consumption meter' or energy or 'smart' meter is probably the most useful and valuable 'optional' component you can buy for your solar installation.

 

Let's be clear. We are NOT talking about your Synergy/Western Power meter, which is also often called a 'smart meter'.

 

Inverter consumption meters looks like this
Huawei single and three phase to the left, Fronius three phase to the right.

 

Smart meters are installed in your switchboard

 

A "comms" data cable is run back to the solar inverter
CT clamps are installed around the main input cable(s).

 

 

Single phase consumption meters cost $300 to $400 installed.
Three phase consumption meters cost $400 to $650 installed.

If you don't want to pay that much extra, you don't have to. They are optional, and can be added later.
If you are getting a battery plugged into your inverter, then you will need to get one then anyway.