Path-Q Solar
Can solar sizing be reliable when part of my electricity use is billed through a separate meter?
Answer
Yes, but only after all relevant meters and loads are identified and the proposed system's relationship to each meter is understood. Combining annual totals can give a misleading design if the meters have different schedules, rates, demand components, connection limits, ownership, or rules for sharing production.
Key points
- List every meter, the circuits it serves, and whether each is on the same property or account.
- Analyze each meter's consumption timing and bill structure separately before considering aggregation.
- Confirm whether the proposed system can serve the loads behind each meter or whether separate systems or a different arrangement would be needed.
What it depends on
- Meter configuration and physical wiring
- Account ownership and load allocation
- Interval data and bill structures for each meter
- Interconnection and export arrangements
- Demand or time-based billing components
Risks and trade-offs
- A combined annual total may oversize one meter's system or fail to serve another meter.
- Separate meters can create additional design, approval, equipment, or monitoring requirements.
- Moving loads between meters may affect operations and requires appropriate electrical review.
Information you may need
- Bills and meter identifiers for all meters
- Single-line or service configuration if available
- Circuits and equipment served by each meter
- Interval usage and account ownership information
Your next step
What to do next
Have an electrical designer map the meters and model each load separately before combining them in a solar proposal.
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Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.
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