Will my smart meter show solar generation?

The in-home display (IHD) shows your grid import/export — not total solar generation. For generation data, use your inverter's monitoring app (GivEnergy, SolaX, Enphase etc.).

Do I need to tell my energy supplier about solar?

Yes — inform your supplier so they can: (1) Set up your smart meter for export measurement. (2) Offer you SEG payments. (3) Ensure your meter reads correctly. Some suppliers auto-detect solar from smart meter data.

Can solar confuse my smart meter?

No — SMETS2 meters handle import and export correctly. Some early SMETS1 meters could show negative readings. If you have issues, request a SMETS2 replacement (free).

Should I get a smart meter before or after solar?

Before — your installer can verify the meter is reading correctly during commissioning. It also means your SEG starts immediately. If you don't have one, your installer can request one for you.

Solar and Smart Meters

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 18 March 2026|educational

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

Solar smart meter — Smart meters work with solar — required for SEG and time-of-use tariffs.

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Do solar panels work with smart meters?

Solar panels are fully compatible with smart meters: (1) SMETS2 meters (current standard): work perfectly with solar. Export is automatically measured. Required for SEG payments. (2) SMETS1 meters (older): may need replacing with SMETS2 for export measurement. Some SMETS1 meters don't track export correctly. (3) NO SMART METER: you can still install solar, but you'll need one for SEG payments. Your energy supplier installs it free. WHAT A SMART METER DOES FOR SOLAR: measures import AND export separately, enables half-hourly billing (needed for Octopus Flux/Go/Agile), shows real-time consumption on the in-home display. GET A SMART METER BEFORE SOLAR: makes the installer's job easier and ensures you start earning SEG from day one.