Does my smart meter show solar generation?

No — smart meters show grid import and export only. Your inverter app shows solar generation, self-consumption, and system performance.

Why does my IHD show high usage with solar?

It may be showing gross consumption (including solar), not net grid import. Your actual grid import may be zero during sunny periods. Check your supplier app or meter for net import data.

Do I need to submit meter readings with solar?

No — smart meters submit readings automatically. Your import readings go to your electricity supplier, and your export readings go to your SEG supplier.

How do I check my SEG export?

Your SEG supplier tracks export from your smart meter's export register. Check your SEG statement or contact your SEG supplier for cumulative export data.

Home Solar Guide

Reading Your Meter with Solar Panels

Last updated: 18 March 2026

Independently written

Reading solar meter and monitoring data — Your smart meter tracks import and export — your inverter app shows generation.

How do I read my meter with solar panels?

With solar panels, your smart meter records two separate registers: Import (electricity you buy from the grid) and Export (surplus solar you send to the grid). Your in-home display (IHD) shows real-time usage but may not clearly show solar self-consumption. For the full picture, use your inverter monitoring app (GivEnergy, SolarEdge, etc.) which shows: total generation, self-consumption, export, and grid import — all in one place.

What Your Smart Meter Records

Import register: electricity flowing FROM grid TO your home (you pay for this)
Export register: electricity flowing FROM your home TO the grid (you earn SEG for this)
Your meter does NOT record: solar generation or self-consumption (use your inverter app for this)
Smart meters send readings automatically — no manual reading needed

Understanding Your In-Home Display

Common IHD confusion with solar:

1. IHD shows high consumption during the day: This may be showing GROSS consumption (total electricity used by your home, including solar). Your actual GRID import may be zero. Check the meter itself or your supplier app for net import.

2. IHD shows negative numbers or arrows pointing out: This means you are exporting — generating more than you are using. Good!

3. IHD does not show solar generation: IHDs only show grid interaction, not solar output. Use your inverter app for generation data.

4. IHD and inverter app show different numbers: Normal — they measure different things. The IHD measures grid interaction. The app measures total solar generation.

For the complete picture: Use your inverter monitoring app. It shows: total generation, self-consumption, export, and grid import — everything in one dashboard.

Source: Smart meter guidance; inverter monitoring documentation.

Inverter app showing complete energy data — Your inverter app provides the full picture — generation, self-consumption, export, and import.

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