Anyone can recommend an electrician please as well? Thanks
[NSW] How much would it cost to change the gross meter to net meter in Sydney?
KangarooOz on 23/02/2017 - 19:03
Comments
What's the difference?
Gross exports all solar power produced at your house straight to the grid for 6c a kWh.
Net first offsets power you are using then exports any left overs.
This allows you to buy less at 25c per kWh retail prices.To do the change you need a level 3 ticketed sparky, there is a list of them on AEMO web site from memory.
Edit: not AEMO, dept of energy and resources
http://www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_f…Makes sense why you'd want Net.
5 years ago you needed gross to benefit from the subsidised feed in tariffs, so don't feel too sorry for those of us who now need to change them over.
I ended up getting 3kw of solar panels for free, plus a bit extra based on the nsw feed in tariff that was absurdly generous.
Unfortunately, things have swung too far the other way with new solar installs not being adequately paid for the power they ship to the grid on sunny days when the load is highest, but that's another story.
Small correction: you'll want a Class 2, not a Class 3 ASP (Class 3s design large scale network stuff, Class 2s install meters, run service mains etc).
Differences detailed here: http://www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au/energy-supply-indus…
List of Level 2 ASPs: http://www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_f…Edit: Might be better to contact your retailer; due to NSW stupidly handing over smart meters to retailers, not all Class 2 ASPs are guaranteed to be allowed to install a net meter. If they can't do it, they should be able to point you in the right direction, otherwise contact your retailer.
Thanks a lot, mskeggs. Your information is very useful
Are all the Gross Meters on Time-Of-Use?
You must have a smart meter to support time of use tariffs.
I imagine all the new net meters being installed will be smart meters.
I know AGL and Powershop will allow you to remain on a normal tariff after the upgrade, but I would certainly check that any supplier upgrade allowed you to stay on your preferred tariff, and didn't force you into TOU.
How do you tell if your meter is gross or net?
This is only relevant if you have solar panels.
If you are in NSW and had panels installed prior to 2012, you almost certainly would have them connected to a gross meter to benefit from the 60c or 20c feed in tariff.
If you did not get those tariffs, you will almost certainly have a net meter installed with any solar panels.I don't know how to check specific meters to see if they are the correct sort, but it should be evident on your bill if you are exporting 100% of the solar power you generate (hence, a gross meter) or having some of your power off-set and exporting just a portion (and so a net meter).
As a rule of thumb, a 1kW solar array in Sydney will produce around 4.5kWh per day on average over the year. So if your bill shows about 4 or 5 times your solar systems' rating being exported for 6c each day then it is likely you have a gross meter installed.
Give your retailer a call and ask what they plan to do for you. Note that some suppliers, notably Origin and Energy Australia are trying to get customers to sign a new fixed term agreement (with a bonus feed in tariff). These may or may not be a good deal depending on your circumstances.Hey thanks for your response. I just moved into new house in Sydney with solar panels, built in 2012.
I assume I have a 8.3 kW system (there are 2 inverters, 3.3 and 5.0)
Just got my first bill for the month of November.8.95 kWh/day consumption
20.64 kWh/day solar buy backFeels like it's net, using your numbers, 8.3kW would produce around 37kWh, compared with the total 29.59 consumption+buy back.
Huh, a bit unusual.
My guess, for what it is worth, is that the building probably had a 3.3kW system connected to a gross meter to get the 60c tariff installed in 2012.
The owner later realised they could 'double dip' and install a second system to offset their usage while still benefiting from the good tariff.
If so, the 5kW is likely newer and on a separate net meter.
Since you probably can't offset more than the power the 5kW system produces, there isn't really any need to change the meter on the smaller one.If you want to be sure, call up a local solar installer and ask them how much to come and do a system health check. Likely $80-$100 and they will advise if everything is going well (no failed panels of other issues) and be able to advise what to do about any metering.
Of course, they will probably also try and sell you some batteries for storage!I assumed the 2 inverters because there are 2 separate arrays, a smaller array facing north east, and a larger array facing north west. I will get someone to do a health check, noticed a warning message on one of the inverters. If you have recommendation for someone in North West Sydney, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks for the feedback.
Or go with Mojo Power. That's what I did and the subscription cost included a new meter that does net metering and also gives me instantaneous power details. Their rates are extremely low because you pay a flat monthly fee to be a member.
Approx $500-$600.
AGL, Origin and Powershop and maybe others will do it free for customers, but all are swamped and running several months behind.