With the cost of electricity constantly rising, the private generation of electricity is becoming ever more popular. Using solar panels and an inverter is a very common method and a great solution. However, along with the installation of your solar electricity generating system, you will also require a new meter in your electricity box - your meter box that is capable of reading the solar electricity generated.

The new or additional meter is capable of recording the amount of electricity your solar system has generated and also your normal usage. This generated electricity, depending on your individual circumstances, can either be used within your household (which is most common) with any surplus sent back to the network (this requires net metering), or you may decide to sell all of your generated electricity back to the distributor (not so common since the government incentive was lifted) where you will require a gross meter. Many gross metered properties are transferring to a net meter set-up to maximise the value of their generating system.

There are different meters for different installations, each tailored to suit your existing switchboard layout.