Why smart meters struggle with solar panel systems
So you’ve had your solar panels installed, everything’s working great, your battery is storing the sun’s energy like a champ—and you’re seeing some solid generation stats from your solar app. Fantastic!
Then comes the moment you’ve been waiting for: checking your energy account and seeing a juicy credit figure. You think, “Brilliant! I’m owed over £100!” You contact your UK energy supplier expecting a nice little return... and then the smart meter shenanigans begin.
Let me share a quick story.
Without naming names (but let’s just say this supplier has no legs️, trivia to see if you can work it out), I recently logged into my app and saw I had a credit of just over £100 gained in one month . I rang them to ask for the money to be returned—because giving away hundreds of pounds to energy companies is not something I make a habit of—and was told the figure wasn’t accurate. The explanation? The system hadn’t factored in my gas usage, so the return was now only £30.
What?
My energy supplier receives readings every 30 minutes from my smart meter—yet somehow, billing both gas and electric at the same time is still too difficult? Smart meters record energy usage every 30 minutes, but many UK energy suppliers still use separate systems for gas and electricity billing.
This is the reality for many solar panel owners.
The dream is: panels generate, smart meters track, and suppliers credit you back fairly. But in practice, it’s often a bit of a mess.
How to protect yourself from smart meter billing errors
Don’t trust the smart meter display alone
The numbers you see aren’t always the full picture. Many suppliers still rely on separate systems for billing gas and electricity, so it can take weeks before things are "balanced." The most reliable way to track solar panel performance is through your inverter app, not your smart meter display.
Always request manual verifications
If your solar app or account shows a large credit, it’s worth calling your supplier and asking them to verify the figure before getting too excited.
Don't leave credits sitting your account
Get in the habit of claiming back your balance rather than letting it sit in your account. Some suppliers are happy to hold on to your money longer than necessary.
Stay patient but persistant
Yes, the billing systems are slow and imperfect, but that doesn’t mean you should just let it go. Stay on top of it.
Getting expert help with solar panel billing issues
There’s still a lot to love about solar and battery setups—especially during the summer months when your system can generate more than you use. But the "smart" systems around them aren’t always as seamless as we’d like.
If you’re facing similar frustrations or just want someone to sense-check your setup and supplier interactions, we’re here to help. That’s what Solar Advice Bureau is all about—clear, honest, independent support.
If you're considering solar panels, our independent solar advice can help you avoid these issues from the start. Before installation, read our comprehensive solar panel advice for UK homeowners to understand what to expect.
