Smart meter basics for solar export

Introduction

Smart meters are now essential for households with rooftop solar. Unlike older accumulation meters, smart meters can measure not only the electricity you use but also the energy you export back to the grid. This makes them the backbone of your feed-in tariff (FiT) payments.

If you’re new to solar exports, this guide will explain the smart meter basics for solar export, why they matter for your bills, and how to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

What is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that records both imports (what you buy from the grid) and exports (what you send to the grid).

  • Imports → The electricity you use from your retailer.

  • Exports → Solar power you don’t use at home and sell to the grid.

To learn more about how FiT works generally, see our What is FiT? guide.

How Smart Meters Record Solar Exports

Smart meters measure electricity flows in 30-minute intervals. This allows:

  1. Accurate export tracking – ensures every kWh exported is logged.

  2. Time-of-export FiTs – if your retailer pays different rates at different times, the meter provides exact timestamps.

  3. Detailed bill breakdowns – you can match meter data with your retailer invoice.

For state-by-state FiT rates, check Compare FiT by State.

Worked Example: Smart Meter Tracking

Imagine your home generates 20 kWh from solar in a day:

  • 10 kWh self-consumed (used in your home)

  • 10 kWh exported

If your retailer offers a 10c/kWh FiT, your smart meter ensures the exported 10 kWh × 10c = $1.00 credit is applied to your bill.

You can test how much your exports might save you with our FiT Savings Calculator.

Why Smart Meters Matter for Solar Households

  1. Enable time-of-export tariffs (e.g., higher FiTs in evening).

  2. Help identify if battery storage may add value.

  3. Provide insights to shift usage for better ROI.

Try our Solar ROI & FiT tool to see the impact on your payback period.

Internal Tools to Optimise Exports

Smart meters give you the raw data — but you need calculators to turn it into savings:

FAQs — Smart Meter Basics for Solar Export

Q1. Do I need a smart meter to get paid for exports?
Yes. Retailers require smart meters to track export data for accurate FiT credits.

Q2. Can smart meters reduce my bill?
They don’t directly reduce your bill, but they ensure accurate FiT credits and may allow you to access higher time-based FiTs.

Q3. Can I check my export data myself?
Yes. Most distributors and retailers provide a portal or app where you can download smart meter data.

Q4. What if my meter isn’t recording exports correctly?
Contact your retailer immediately and cross-check with your solar inverter export log.

Conclusion

Smart meters are the foundation of fair and accurate solar export payments. By understanding how they work, you can better match your energy usage, compare retailers, and optimise your FiT income.

Next steps: