Is my meter cupboard suitable for solar panels?

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Single-phase or three-phase connection

To install the panels and the inverter you need the right main connection, which keeps the system from being overloaded. Newly built houses usually have a three-phase connection already, which means power comes into the cupboard over three cables. If you have that, your meter cupboard is suitable for solar panels.

Older houses often have a single-phase connection, with power coming in over one cable. It is then wise to replace it with a three-phase connection, because an average solar panel system soon produces more than 5,000 kWh. With an eye on the future it also helps to allow for any other plans you have for going green.

How can you tell which one you have? The capacity of your main connection is shown on the annual statement from your energy supplier, and you can also ask your grid operator.

Do I have to replace the meter?

Once you generate solar energy you naturally want to use net metering, which means feeding the power you do not use back to your supplier in return for payment. For that you need a meter that can handle it. Here are the different types of electricity meter.

• Analogue meter with a rotating disc (Ferraris meter)
  This meter is suitable for solar panels. When your panels generate more than you use, the meter simply runs backwards, so the netting off happens automatically. Unfortunately it gives you no insight into how much you feed back.
  
  
• Analogue meter without a disc
  This meter cannot register energy fed back. If you have one, it is best to have it replaced.
  
  
• Digital meter
  There are two kinds. A digital meter without feed-in registration records nothing and is therefore unsuitable. A digital meter with feed-in registration is suitable, because it records exactly how much you send back to the grid.
  
  
• Smart meter for solar panels
  A smart meter is a digital meter that shows exactly how much you generate and use, so it suits solar panels very well: you always know where your energy costs stand. It can also be read remotely by the grid operator.
  
  

Do I need a separate circuit for solar panels?

To judge whether your meter cupboard is suitable we also look at whether a circuit is free, because the inverter has to be connected to a free circuit with no appliances between it and the cupboard. If you connect an inverter to a circuit that also carries the washing machine and the dryer, too much current can end up on it, which risks an overload and a fire.
No free circuit in the cupboard? Then our engineers can add one for you.

Replacing the meter cupboard

Is your meter cupboard unsuitable? Then we would advise replacing it, which is a good idea with an eye on the future as well. A new consumer unit leaves you ready for the next step: an electric car, a charging station, a heat pump, air conditioning or other electrical equipment. Our advisers will talk the options through with you, and we always include it in the quote.