Bi-Directional Meter Upgrades
Learn why a bi-directional smart meter is essential for solar systems, how to upgrade, and who to contact for a seamless installation process.
Bi-Directional Meter Upgrades
Smart Meter Upgrade Guide for Solar Installations in South Australia
Installing or upgrading a solar system in South Australia? One of the most important steps is ensuring your electricity meter is ready to measure both the power you use and the power your solar panels send back to the grid. This requires a bi-directional smart meter a crucial part of any modern solar setup.
Why a Bi-Directional Smart Meter Is Needed
When you install a solar system, your electricity flow changes. You’re no longer just a consumer you become a producer too. A standard analogue meter can only measure electricity usage from the grid, but a bi-directional smart meter can measure:
✔️ Electricity imported from the grid (what you use)
✔️ Electricity exported to the grid (what your solar system sends back)
This measurement is essential for receiving feed-in tariffs and properly managing your energy use.
Who Needs a Smart Meter Upgrade?
Installing or upgrading a solar system in South Australia? One of the most important steps is ensuring your electricity meter is ready to measure both the power you use and the power your solar panels send back to the grid. This requires a bi-directional smart meter a crucial part of any modern solar setup.
If you're installing a solar system for the first time, your electricity retailer is responsible for arranging the installation of a bi-directional smart meter.
Already have a smart meter? It may still need to be reconfigured to allow for bi-directional metering. Contact your retailer to confirm.
If your property still has an analogue or non-smart meter, it must be replaced with a smart meter before connecting a solar system.
Steps to Upgrade Your Meter
Installing or upgrading a solar system in South Australia? One of the most important steps is ensuring your electricity meter is ready to measure both the power you use and the power your solar panels send back to the grid. This requires a bi-directional smart meter a crucial part of any modern solar setup.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About Smart Meters for Solar Systems in South Australia
A bi-directional smart meter is a modern electricity meter that measures both the power you consume from the grid and the power your solar system exports back to the grid. This is essential for tracking energy use and earning solar feed-in tariffs.
Yes. A smart meter is required for all new solar installations. It ensures that your solar generation and consumption are measured accurately for billing and feed-in credit purposes.
If your current smart meter isn’t set up for solar export (bi-directional metering), it may need to be reconfigured. Contact your electricity retailer to check if your existing meter is compatible.
If you have an old analogue meter or a non-digital meter, it must be replaced with a smart meter before a solar system can be installed and connected to the grid.
Your electricity retailer is responsible for arranging the installation or upgrade of your meter. You must contact them to schedule the installation or reconfiguration.
Yes. You must have a smart meter if:
Your current meter is faulty or outdated
You’re installing a new solar system
There’s no meter at the property (e.g., new builds)
Costs may vary depending on your electricity retailer’s policies and whether it's a new installation or a reconfiguration. It’s best to check directly with your provider.
The installation timeline depends on your retailer’s availability. In most cases, once scheduled, installation takes a few hours. Your retailer will inform you of the expected timeline.
Once installed, your solar system will be tested to ensure it accurately measures both imported and exported energy. After successful setup, you'll start seeing solar feed-in credits on your electricity bills.