Solar panels & analogue electricity meter. Any problems?

aeromint

We have an analogue electricity meter, which is going backwards, since we have had our solar panels installed. Our solar panel installer said that there might be a problem if our meter reading is less than the previous meter reading submitted. I am not sure what the consequences are? Does anyone know?

Thanks

thenudeone

When you applied / registered for the FIT payments there would have been a question asking whether the meter can go backwards. What did you say?

In any case, if your FIT provider is different to your main leccy supplier it would be wise to inform them by recorded delivery, of the situation.

aeromint

Thank to thenudeone.

I have looked at the FIT payments form supplied to us by our installer, and there is no question asking about if the meter can go backwards?

zeupater

aeromint wrote: »

Thank to thenudeone.

I have looked at the FIT payments form supplied to us by our installer, and there is no question asking about if the meter can go backwards?

Hi

Still contact both your supplier and your FiT partner to let them know .... you'll likely receive an estimated bill for the reversing meter at some time .... :eek:

HTH
Z

plunet

If no one has directly asked you the question whether your meter is running backwards or not then I suggest you shut up and keep quiet. As part of your FIT application form you will have been asked to provide your import meter MPAN number - and whoever is supposed to checking this stuff out should work out that you've got an analogue meter and arrange to get it changed (and charge you for the priveldge). You've given the people the necessary information - if they've omitted to do anything with it is their own fault.

Financially you're going to be better off with a meter that can run backwards - but you do need to make sure that you're still a net consumer of power. But all that means is making sure you use enough electricity that you don't get a negative meter read.

zeupater

plunet wrote: »

If no one has directly asked you the question whether your meter is running backwards or not then I suggest you shut up and keep quiet. As part of your FIT application form you will have been asked to provide your import meter MPAN number - and whoever is supposed to checking this stuff out should work out that you've got an analogue meter and arrange to get it changed (and charge you for the priveldge). You've given the people the necessary information - if they've omitted to do anything with it is their own fault.

Financially you're going to be better off with a meter that can run backwards - but you do need to make sure that you're still a net consumer of power. But all that means is making sure you use enough electricity that you don't get a negative meter read.

Hi

Your FiT partner is not necessarily the same as your energy provider. The OP has stated that there was no question relating to meter reversal on the FiT form, therefore it would be advisable to contact the energy provider, who will make a decision on whether to replace the meter sooner or later. Whichever they choose they are still likely to estimate how much is owed ....

HTH
Z

aeromint

Hiya,

Well, I have followed zeupater's advice and sent an electronic message to our energy provider, who said they will contact us, so as far as I am concerned that is it now.
Plunet - I checked the form again, and there was no question asking to provide import meter MPAN number, only questions about export.

Couple of questions
Is my Fit partner - the company that installed the solar panels?
Negative meter reading - do you mean that next meter reading I submit, should be less than the previous one?

Thanks to you both.

zeupater

aeromint wrote: »

.... Couple of questions
Is my Fit partner - the company that installed the solar panels?
Negative meter reading - do you mean that next meter reading I submit, should be less than the previous one?

Thanks to you both.

Hi

It's the company who pays your FiT, this could be your energy supplier - depending on who you have registered with ..

I think that what was meant was .... If you produce more energy than you use, your next meter reading will be lower than the last and this will effectively result in a negative usage.

HTH
Z

KevinG

Scottish Power's registration form (http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/pdf/Clean%20Energy%20Cashback_App_V6.pdf) asks for the MPAN and asks whether the meter has started running backwards - I am surprised that the various companies do not all use the same basic form.