Rebate Swap for Solar smart meter FAQs

A smart meter is an advanced energy meter that digitally records the amount of energy that you use and the time when you use it. This data is typically for every 30 minutes and is sent to your retailer daily via a secure wireless network. They’re designed to replace the traditional analog energy meters that you see in older homes. If you're getting solar or a battery and don't have a smart meter already, you'll need to install one. 

It's important to note that it's your responsibility to speak to your energy retailer to get your smart meter installed, as we cannot do this for you. Keep reading to find out how.

How do I know if I have a smart meter?

If your energy meter has a digital display, great news: you've got a smart meter! 

What are the advantages of smart meters?

Compared to traditional analog meters, smart meters have quite a few advantages. They:  

• Give you accurate, up-to-date information about your energy usage, allowing you to monitor it easily. 
• Remove the need for someone to visit your house to read your meter, as energy companies can read them remotely.  
• Provide precise data on your energy usage, reducing billing errors. 
• Allow you to go on a time-of-use tariff with your energy retailer, so you can potentially save money by adjusting your usage during off-peak hours.
• Enable you to install renewable energy sources like solar panels and allow you to feed excess energy back into the grid. 

How do I get a smart meter installed?

To get a smart meter installed, you typically need to follow these steps:

1. Contact your energy retailer. They'll be able to give you information on the installation process and any associated costs.  The process differs by energy retailer - some may recommend waiting until after your installation so they can also configure it for solar at the same time. With some retailers, you may be able to request a smart meter online. 
2. Prepare for smart meter installation. Ensure there's clear access to your existing energy meter and the installation area is safe. 
3. Wait for installation. On the scheduled day, a technician will visit your home to replace your old meter with a smart meter. Smart meter installation usually takes a few hours and requires no major changes to your wiring or infrastructure. It may require disconnecting your power for a few hours for the installation.

When should I get a smart meter installed?

It depends on your energy retailer and their processes. Some retailers, for example, won't install a smart meter until after solar is complete. The best thing to do is contact your retailer to ask them. 

Note: An installer can only turn on a solar system after a smart meter is installed.

What needs to happen after my solar installation?

After we finish your solar installation, including all quality and safety checks, UPowr will contact your energy retailer on your behalf to inform them of your new system. This is so they can adjust your billing and configure your smart meter to account for the energy your system generates. This is known as a meter reconfiguration.

Although contacting your retailer post-installation is part of our standard service, if you’d like to complete this process yourself, we’re more than happy to help. Send us an email to let us know, and we can give you more information about what you need to do, including what paperwork you will need to provide to your energy retailer. 

Lastly, to complete this process, your retailer may charge you a fee. This fee varies between retailers and network zones, so it’s best to speak to your retailer for more information. In addition, connecting your new system to the grid may also change your existing energy pricing, so you may wish to speak to them about this too. 

What is a meter configuration or exchange?

When a Solar System is installed or upgraded, your smart meter needs to be correctly configured so you receive your feed-in tariff and see a return on your investment.

Often, this just means a remote reconfiguration that your retailer can do from their office. However, sometimes requires a physical visit where your meter will be exchanged. This depends on where you live and what type of electricity meter you currently have installed.

The timeframe depends on your solar retailer. Generally, it will be completed between 5-20 Business Days.