Path-Q Solar

How should multiple electricity meters affect a small business solar design?

Answer

Analyze each meter separately first, then determine whether the meters can be served or credited through a shared design. Meter-specific load profiles, account ownership, tariffs, demand charges, service capacity, and interconnection rules may make a single array, multiple systems, or load consolidation more appropriate.

Key points

  • Do not combine bills without preserving each meter's timing, demand, and billing characteristics.
  • Identify which loads are behind each meter and whether they can be electrically connected.
  • Demand charges and fixed charges may make peak demand as important as annual energy.
  • A system sized from total annual consumption may not reduce the most costly meter charges.

What it depends on

  • Meter configuration and service voltage
  • Load profile and demand at each meter
  • Account ownership and billing structure
  • Utility rules for shared generation, credit allocation, and interconnection

Risks and trade-offs

  • Combining loads can hide a service-specific constraint or produce the wrong system allocation.
  • A design that offsets energy may not materially reduce demand or fixed charges.
  • Separate systems can add equipment and maintenance but may simplify meter-specific treatment.

Information you may need

  • At least twelve months of bills for every meter
  • Interval demand data where available
  • Single-line diagram and service details
  • Account ownership, tariffs, and planned operational changes

Your next step

What to do next

Prepare a meter-by-meter load and billing analysis, then ask providers to compare one shared design with separate or allocated designs.

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Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.

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