Solar panels analogue meter going backwards

melb

hi there as above, we recently had solar panels fitted. As we are both at home during the day and have an electric car, it makes sense as we are probably using all that we produce.

The fitter told us this might happen (the meter going backwards) and said don't let them persuade you to have a smart meter fitted.  We thought great our energy bills will be tiny.  Then we got moved to British Gas who are trying to charge us an astronomical amount per quarter.

our view is that if the meter is going backwards this not only means that we are producing all the electric we use but also that the excess is going back to the grid so in theory we shouldn't be paying very much for electric at all.  However we are reading scare stories of suddenly reciving a massive bill once the solar panels are declared.  Is this correct?

British Gas are basing their bills on estimates according to them although we submitted a reading a couple of months ago.  The problem being if we give a reading now it will actually be lower!

We will be moving to octopus as soon as possible and wondered if we should be investing in a battery to sell back to them as their prices are amongst the best per kw.  is it necessary to install a battery to be able to sell back electricity?

Any advice from seasoned solar panel owners would be much appreciated - i think the problem with british gas not knowing what they are doing is fairly widespread.

Evan3020

British gas won't charge you for any more than you use and in fact it is you that ripping them off if your meter does go backwards?

gazapc

You are correct that the meter running backwards works in your favour (to the detrement of other consumers).

'Net metering' as it is called is not a thing in the UK and so your supplier will change the meter once they know. It will be pretty obvious to them if your monthly readings are getting lower. I am unsure if they will try and recoup any amounts once they do change the meter.

Petriix

You have to inform your supplier. We don't have net metering in the UK and your meter should not spin backwards.

As I understand, once informed, your supplier is responsible for replacing the meter and will do so as soon as possible, but while you wait you get the benefit. Try to ensure that the meter moves a little forwards by using a little more than you generate.

You need a smart meter to qualify for any export payments, and you'll need one to benefit from Octopus Go rates. British Gas are reasonably competent at fitting smart meters so I suggest you let them do the job before you switch. Octopus can take months. 

[Deleted User]

Technically, you are guilty of electricity theft. You or your installer should inform your supplier and it will arrange to change your meter. 

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/feed-in-tariffs/article/feed-in-tariffs/electricity-meters-running-backwards-afQO90P1oLps

For you to sell your exported energy, you need to apply to a supplier for SEG payments. Rates differ so choose your SEG payer carefully. Before it will pay you SEG, the SEG payer will want to see a MCS Certificate and DNO sign off on your installation. If will then apply to your DNO for an export MPAN for your meter. Clearly, for this to work you need a smart meter which solves your energy theft problem.

Investing in a battery now will cost you 20% more than it would have done if you had invested when you bought your panels. All batteries (or more precisely their inverters) need prior DNO approval as they are treated as generators. Your DNO will check that your local Grid infrastructure can take the additional export. It may decide to impose a maximum grid export limit.

melb

Evan3020 said:

British gas won't charge you for any more than you use and in fact it is you that ripping them off if your meter does go backwards?

but they are ignoring our readings and estimating our usage so that is exactly what they are trying to do

melb

thanks for all the comments.  I don't understand how I am stealing electricity if we are producing our own and the fact that the meter isn't moving forwards means that we are not using any more than that surely?

Alnat1

The electricity you are using is priced considerably higher per kWh than the price BG will pay you for sending it back to the grid.

I believe if it was correctly set up, their SEG payment is 3.2p per kWh.

Petriix

melb said:

thanks for all the comments.  I don't understand how I am stealing electricity if we are producing our own and the fact that the meter isn't moving forwards means that we are not using any more than that surely?

The meter is supposed to have a ratchet to stop it moving backwards. Without it you can export for effectively your import costs which is not how it works.

It's 'stealing' because you're legally obliged to pay for each unit you draw from the grid, regardless of how many units you earlier exported. It's naive to suggest that the power you use at night is somehow generated by your solar panels.

Alnat1

If August turns out as sunny as forecast, that meter is going to be flying backwards!

What size is your solar set-up?

MWT

Yes, unfortunately, this is indeed theft, very poor advice from the installer, the counter-rotating meter should have been immediately reported to your supplier...