How to check if my solar system is gross-metered or net-metered?

[nickb]

How do I check if my solar system is gross-metered or net-metered? ie am I selling all the energy to the grid and buying it back or just paying for the net difference I used after feed-in tariff. I can't tell from the bill and I tried the call center but to no avail. Thanks

[-Olgi-]

Hi @nickb,

Welcome to AGL Neighbourhood!

Most meters are net meters. Your meter provider would have this information. If you have a smart meter, you can check your meter data pattern to see if your solar is offsetting your usage when it's working, meaning that it's a net meter. If you find that you're exporting a lot of electricity and your usage in not affected during the times when your solar is working, that would suggest that you have a gross meter.

I'll send you a private message to grab your account details from you so I can help further.

Kind Regards,

-Olgi- 

[SteveBello]

I was just informed on a call with an 'AGL specialist', that there are no NET FEED IN schemes in Australia... what?

After signing up for the 7c offer, it reduced to 5c and now I'm told that it's GFIT and there are no options with AGL for NET.

[Lester]

We are on 3 phase here, with solar through 2 phases / 2 inverters, and it all goes into the system, what we use daily in the home, and what we export.

Edit, the op's question from May 2023 . . . yes, you sell to AGL at the pitiful FIT, you buy back at premium retail tariffs.

Of course you should be using as much of your production during the day to reduce those retailers tariffs, this is where solar saves you.

Eg. Here in SA, you make 50kwh a day through the meter, that's $2.

You use say 10kw at 49c, that's $4.90.

Cost for power for the day $2.90.

And AGL sell that power you gave them for $24.50 !!

(Based on peak rate, may vary of course for various tariffs, the power might even be used interstate anywhere within the NEM system.)

[Leward]

Sent from my iPhone

[SteveBello]

I called again this morning and was assured that I was on net feed in (despite the resolutions speciallist insisting that net feed in isn't available in Australia) - and also that if I use the mobile app I can get 'real time' usage and generation reports to help me view the net exports. I questioned that this was 'real time' as the only reports I'd had access to were 48 hours past - again, I was assured.

Lo and behold it's 48 hours past and not real time and utterly useless information to determine usage/export net calculations.

Is there a data report that I can use to determine net usage?

[Deepesh_AGL]

Hi SteveBello, Apologies, as there seems to be some miscommunication here. I will send you a private message shortly so I can look into your account to check your meter configuration. Also, the AGL app does not provide real-time data. It displays past usage data (for smart meters) and this gets updated every 48 hours. So essentially Monday's data will be available on Wednesday. 

Cheers, Deepesh 

[Siulo]

why we have a solar 6.0Kw but we don’t have any get back the money only $0 from the grid ( from 01 August 2025 to now 29/01/2026).  please and please Answer us ASAP AGL. 
By email address : [removed personal details]

Thank you, 

Siu

[Lester]

@Siulo I'm not with AGL, and this is likely / possibly not a problem due to AGL.

On your bills, does if show ANYTHING such as Solar Exports underneath all the usage data ?

If not, you have most liekly never had the final processes done when the solar was installed.

It there is something there, does it list feed in tariff rate, solar prodcued, and any amount credit ?

Your solar company might not have done their jobs right / complete, many don't, far too many !

They should commission it, check it's all working, make sure the pre-approval was done with your provider (your DNSP), after install certification was given to the provider, they set it all up, and not sure, but think they (or the DNSP) lets the retailer know.

Check you bill first, or if not clear on that (what to look for) call AGL on 131 245 and ask if you are registered for having solar installed.

If not, they might possibly help you by contacting the DNSP and asking what they have for the site, past applications, install certification etc, and maybe then you need to send a stern message to your solar company asking what's going on.

Good luck.

[Lester]

To help you more, here is the Google AI response to > whats the process with dnsp and retailer once solar is installed . . . as it is nearly 5 months since your install, something has gone very wrong if no solar credits are showing.

AI Overview

After your solar panels are physically installed, the process involves

a series of administrative and technical steps with your Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) and electricity retailer to legally connect to the grid and start receiving solar feed-in tariffs. While your installer manages most of this, it is crucial to understand the steps. 

1. System Commissioning and Safety Check (Immediately After Install) 

• Installer Action: The installer completes final electrical work, tests the system, and sets it to safe parameters.
• Documentation: The installer will provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) or equivalent.
• Important: You cannot turn your system on for exporting until the meter is changed, though you may be able to use the power it produces for yourself immediately (depending on local regulations). 

2. Network Notification (DNSP Approval) 

• Installer Action: The installer submits a final "Notice of Completion" or "Small Embedded Generator" form to the DNSP (e.g., SA Power Networks, Citipower, Western Power).
• Purpose: This tells the DNSP that a new source of energy is connected to the grid and allows them to approve the export. 

3. Meter Replacement/Reconfiguration (Retailer Action) 

• Process: Your solar installer notifies your energy retailer of the approved installation, initiating a request to upgrade your old meter to a "bi-directional" (smart) meter.
• Timeline: This step often takes 5-15 business days, though it can take longer in some areas.
• Cost: There may be a fee for the meter installation, which is often billed through your retailer. 

4. Final Activation and Tariff Setup (Retailer Action)

• Finalization: Once the smart meter is installed, the retailer updates your account to include a solar feed-in tariff (FiT).
• Monitoring: The installer should walk you through using your monitoring app to track production. 

Key Takeaways

• Don't switch it on yet: Do not leave your solar system permanently turned on until you have been given the "green light" by your installer, as it may cause issues with old meters.
• Check your bill: Monitor your energy bill after the first 1-2 months to ensure you are being credited for the feed-in tariff.
• Keep documents: Keep the Certificate of Electrical Safety and warranty documents safely. 

What if I'm in a hurry? The slowest part of this process is usually the meter upgrade, which is controlled by your energy retailer. Ensure your retailer has received the necessary paperwork from your installer.