Homeowners typically choose either a utility‑managed whole‑house export meter (bi‑directional/net meter) or downstream submeters to measure solar export or allocate usage for tenants. Utilities usually supply or swap the exterior meter to a bi‑directional net meter when customers interconnect distributed generation; that meter records exports used by the utility’s net‑metering or export settlement program[2][1]. Submetering, by contrast, installs meters downstream of the main service to allocate usage among tenants or circuits and commonly uses CT‑based or DIN‑rail/panel kWh submeters[7][5].
When to pick whole‑house (utility) metering vs submeters
Whole‑house / utility net meter
Use the utility’s bi‑directional/net meter when you want the exported energy accounted for under the utility’s interconnection or net‑metering program. Utilities commonly supply or install that net meter as part of the interconnection and use it to record exports and apply program credits or settlements[2][1].
Submetering downstream loads
Choose submeters when you need to allocate consumption inside the building (tenant billing, subaccounts, or circuit‑level tracking). Typical hardware options include CT‑based submeters that clamp on existing conductors and panel or DIN‑rail kWh meters installed on the load side of the main breaker[7][5]. CT meters are especially common in retrofits because their clamps avoid pulling the main conductors through a meter enclosure[5][13].
Regulatory and billing rules you must check first
State and local rules govern whether you can resell electricity or use private submeters for tenant billing; some jurisdictions forbid private resale or require approved meter types and registration. Check your state public utilities commission (PUC) or local consumer/energy office before installing submeters for billing[8][9].
If you intend to bill tenants, select a meter that documents conformance to recognized accuracy classes (examples: ANSI C12.x or IEC accuracy classes such as Class 0.5) and confirm acceptability with your local weights‑and‑measures office or utility—NIST/weights‑and‑measures rules are the regulatory reference in the U.S.[4][6][5].
NEC and permit basics
PV wiring and interconnections are governed by NEC (NFPA 70) Articles 690 and 705; Article 705 controls permitted connection points for interconnected sources (supply‑side vs load‑side) and influences where meters and inverter connections can be installed. The local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) enforces the NEC and typically requires permits and inspections for meter, inverter, and interconnection work[10][1].
Utilities may also require an interconnection agreement, specific metering hardware, or a specified meter location (for example, that the utility meter remain exterior). Consult the utility’s interconnection/NEM materials for program‑specific requirements and steps[2][1].
Typical homeowner/installer workflow
Site assessment (confirm service type, meter location, and load panel layout)[1].
Permit & interconnection application to AHJ and utility; include proposed metering plan (export meter vs submeters)[1][2].
AHJ permit issuance and utility interconnection approval (may include meter hardware or location conditions)[2].
Licensed electrician/installer performs wiring, meter installation, and inverter/meter integration per manufacturer manuals[13].
AHJ inspection and utility meter swap/activation or final utility review and permission to energize[1][2].
Wiring and device considerations
Export control and inverter integration
When you need to limit exports, inverters commonly use an external real‑time meter wired to the inverter or an energy management system (EMS) to provide fast import/export data. Follow the inverter and meter vendor wiring manual for proper wiring and configuration (SolarEdge’s SE‑MTR is an example of a meter used for export signaling and control with compatible inverters)[6][13].
CT‑based meters vs inline panel/DIN‑rail meters
CT‑based meters clamp on existing conductors so they are often the practical choice for retrofits where running conductors through a new enclosure would be difficult. Manufacturer installation guides show typical CT placement and wiring[5][13]. Panel or DIN‑rail meters require access to the load side and are commonly used in new installations or where the meter will be mounted inside the distribution enclosure[5].
Revenue‑grade (billing) meter selection
Revenue‑grade meters are those that claim conformance to recognized accuracy/standard classes (for example ANSI C12.x or IEC accuracy classes such as Class 0.5). Manufacturers commonly list these standards on datasheets; in the U.S., weights‑and‑measures rules are the regulatory reference for billing devices. If you plan to bill tenants, choose a meter that explicitly documents compliance with the applicable accuracy standard and confirm acceptability with your local weights‑and‑measures office or the utility[4][5][6].
Examples of devices homeowners encounter
Utility bi‑directional/net meter (utility‑supplied) used by export/NEM programs[2].
DIN‑rail or panel revenue meters such as the EKM Omnimeter (manufacturer lists accuracy claims on product pages) for submeters[5].
Consumer whole‑home monitors (Emporia Vue and similar) for monitoring; check certification before using them for billing[12].
Inverter energy meters (e.g., SolarEdge SE‑MTR) used for production/consumption/export signaling and export control with compatible inverters[6].
Higher‑end commercial/three‑phase meters (Schneider PowerLogic PM5000 series) that list ±0.5% accuracy and are used where tighter accuracy and advanced features are needed[11].
Accuracy, certification, and acceptance for billing
If you plan to recover costs or bill tenants, do not assume a consumer monitor is acceptable. Choose equipment that documents compliance with an applicable standard (ANSI/IEC accuracy class) and then confirm with your local weights‑and‑measures office and, if relevant, the utility or state program administrator before using the meter for revenue transactions[4][5][6].
Cost expectations
Retail device prices vary widely by model and feature set. Consumer whole‑home monitors and panel/DIN‑rail meter hardware are often priced in the low hundreds of dollars (subject to CT bundles and model choice), while higher‑end commercial meters carry substantially higher price tags. Check current MSRP or reseller listings for exact pricing before buying[12][5][11].
Safety and compliance checklist (quick)
Confirm whether you need a permit and interconnection agreement; contact the utility and AHJ[2][1].
Decide export vs allocation goal (utility net credits or tenant billing) and select meter type accordingly[1][7].
For billing, pick a revenue‑grade meter that lists an accuracy standard and get pre‑approval from weights‑and‑measures if required[4][5].
Follow manufacturer wiring diagrams for inverter/meter integration; do not alter inverter utility connections without a licensed electrician and required inspections[13][10].
Schedule AHJ inspection and utility meter swap/activation as the final steps[1][2].
Useful references and next steps
Energy Department homeowner solar guide and interconnection basics for planning and permitting steps[1][3].
Check your utility’s NEM/interconnection information for program‑specific metering and meter‑location requirements[2].
Manufacturer product and installation manuals for meters and inverter integration—follow those wiring diagrams exactly[13][6][5].
Abodivo Tool
Do you meet the safety and compliance checklist?
Quick check
A quick safety and compliance checklist for metering, permits, tenant billing, and inspections.
Hire a licensed electrician or installer for any work involving service conductors, meter enclosures, inverter interconnection, or where the AHJ or utility requires licensed work.
Confirm specific requirements with your utility, the AHJ, and a licensed electrician before proceeding.