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Photovoltaic Panel Installation: Bi-directional Meter Reading Showing 450 kWh - Possible Error?

rengur 27849 20
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Why does my new photovoltaic system make the meter show 350 kWh imported from the grid plus 100 kWh used directly from the panels, when my previous monthly consumption was only 250 kWh?

Yes, the readings can be wrong, and the most likely explanation in a 3-phase PV system is a wiring or phase reversal that makes part of the generation count as consumption or vice versa [#18830860][#20336513] Check the meter registers 1.8.0 and 2.8.0 against the inverter’s produced energy, because that is the quickest way to see whether the meter and inverter agree [#18770193][#18770413] One suggested test was to switch off the inverter briefly and see whether the meter shows P+ (consumption) or P- (production) correctly, and to repeat the check with the known household load switched off [#18770413][#18829989] If the values still look inconsistent, file a complaint and ask the operator to check the meter or install a control meter [#18769840]
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  • #1 18769795
    rengur
    Level 5  
    We recently installed photovoltaic panels. Previously, we used 250 kWh per month. Currently, the two-way meter indicates 350 kWh from the network + about 100 kWh we used directly from the panels. So it follows that we have a consumption of 450 kWh. We use electricity as before, so how is it possible? Is it possible that the meter shows wrong?
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    #2 18769806
    theo33
    Level 27  
    Yes, there is a possibility, but it is also possible that the previous one was wrong, especially when it was disc
    Please specify how much you sent and what kind of installation you have and whether the inverter is 1-phase
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  • #3 18769813
    rengur
    Level 5  
    No, the meter was electronic and the annual consumption list from Tauron was at 2700 so it rather worked correctly

    Added after 1 [minutes]:

    3 phase inverter and we shipped 300kWh
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    #4 18769840
    theo33
    Level 27  
    What you provided looks reasonable, so to check how it is, either complain and request a meter check or install a borrowed meter or your own and have it as a control
  • Helpful post
    #5 18770193
    bryko
    Level 22  
    Enter the value of registers 1.8.0 and 2.8.0 from your meter and the power of the PV installation.
  • #6 18770212
    rengur
    Level 5  
    Installation power 4.48, download 350kWh
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  • #7 18770244
    bryko
    Level 22  
    You didn't provide what I asked for. I understand that 1.8.0 indicates 350kWh, and 2.8.0 (given to the network) how much do you have?

    With your installation power, you should have a greater indication than 350. Maybe you connected the meter in reverse (although I do not know if it is possible at all)
  • #8 18770268
    rengur
    Level 5  
    2.8.0 to 300 kWh
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    #9 18770413
    bryko
    Level 22  
    This is also:
    - enter the production recorded by the inverter
    - turn off the inverter for a moment and see if the meter shows consumption (P+) or production (P-) of energy
  • #10 18772107
    Slak68
    Level 22  
    Me at PGE - a year after setting up the PV, suddenly the meter showed increased consumption from the beginning of January 2019 - approx. 20-30%.
    No mercy - you use so much...
    I haven't bought anything from electrical equipment, I even have one household member less...
  • #11 18829517
    nieprzysiadalny
    Level 1  
    I have a similar problem so I didn't want to create a new topic.
    New photovoltaic installation and after about two weeks this reading:
    160 kWh downloaded
    400 kWh shipped
    On the inverter, the production is 560 kWh.
    So far, energy consumption has been around 12-14 kWh per day.
  • #12 18829602
    starob
    Level 29  
    nieprzysiadalny wrote:
    and after about two weeks

    Give it precisely, e.g. daily, because with two weeks a few days make a difference.
  • #13 18829880
    rfneo
    Level 9  
    I also have a similar problem, before the PV installation I used 3500 kWh per year, which is an average of 9.5 per day.

    From July 10, 2020, the meter was replaced by Enea with Iskra AM550, the installation has been operating since 8:30 on the same day. Panel power 5.94 kWp.

    Production on the 319 kWh inverter.
    1.8.0 122 kWh
    2.8.0 194 kWh

    Average daily consumption of 20.5 kWh. I will add that at that time we stayed 8 days on vacation.

    My friend set up the counter a few days earlier and his wear and tear looks the same as before the counter was replaced, and our bills were very similar.
  • #14 18829989
    starob
    Level 29  
    It remains to turn off the entire load for a few hours to check the calculation of the meter. Only the output according to the inverter should change.
    Then turn off the inverters and turn off the known load.
    Watch the counter change
  • #15 18830006
    rfneo
    Level 9  
    starob wrote:
    It remains to turn off the entire load for a few hours to check the calculation of the meter. Only the output according to the inverter should change.
    Then turn off the inverters and turn off the known load.
    Watch the counter change


    Since returning from vacation, he writes down the meters every few hours, I'm starting to suspect that it's ok on 2 phases, while on one it charges consumption instead of a surplus. Details in the topic "help in choosing an inverter".
    I'm wondering now if phase sequence has any significance for the Inverter.
  • #16 18830860
    rfneo
    Level 9  
    For those interested, it seems to me that one phase is connected backwards and at night when I turned on the oven, kettle and iron in the kitchen, the production started to increase at 2.8.0.
    During the day, however, after turning everything off for 2 hours, out of 11 kWh produced, 4 were counted as consumption and 7 as surplus.

    The case has been reported to Enea operator, I am waiting for the fitter.
  • #17 18831372
    pklawit
    Level 14  
    rfneo wrote:
    For those interested, it seems to me that one phase is connected backwards and at night when I turned on the oven, kettle and iron in the kitchen, the production started to increase at 2.8.0.
    During the day, however, after turning everything off for 2 hours, out of 11 kWh produced, 4 were counted as consumption and 7 as surplus.

    The case has been reported to Enea operator, I am waiting for the fitter.


    All in all, it's a great thing - I would turn off the inverter, sell the panels, and switch the entire load of the house to the phase on which it counts the opposite :-)
  • #18 18864809
    infosieci
    Level 7  
    pklawit wrote:
    rfneo wrote:
    For those interested, it seems to me that one phase is connected backwards and at night when I turned on the oven, kettle and iron in the kitchen, the production started to increase at 2.8.0.
    During the day, however, after turning everything off for 2 hours, out of 11 kWh produced, 4 were counted as consumption and 7 as surplus.

    The case has been reported to Enea operator, I am waiting for the fitter.


    All in all, it's a great thing - I would turn off the inverter, sell the panels, and switch the entire load of the house to the phase on which it counts the opposite :-)


    It's so nice to hear...
  • #19 19950234
    Andstach1
    Level 12  
    rfneo wrote:
    For those interested, it seems to me that one phase is connected backwards and at night when I turned on the oven, kettle and iron in the kitchen, the production started to increase at 2.8.0.
    During the day, however, after turning everything off for 2 hours, out of 11 kWh produced, 4 were counted as consumption and 7 as surplus.

    The case has been reported to Enea operator, I am waiting for the fitter.


    And what was the result of the fitter's visit?
  • #20 20045293
    przemo500
    Level 2  
    Same problem for me too.
    In three months it should be around 600
    The counter shows 5246
    It's impossible for me to use so much electricity, it's enough for two years.
  • #21 20336513
    rfneo
    Level 9  
    Andstach1 wrote:
    rfneo wrote:
    For those interested, it seems to me that one phase is connected backwards and at night when I turned on the oven, kettle and iron in the kitchen, the production started to increase at 2.8.0.
    During the day, however, after turning everything off for 2 hours, out of 11 kWh produced, 4 were counted as consumption and 7 as surplus.

    The case has been reported to Enea operator, I am waiting for the fitter.


    And what was the result of the fitter's visit?


    It has been confirmed, on phase 1, the wires are connected in reverse, at the moment everything is working properly.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a user experiencing discrepancies in their bi-directional meter readings after installing photovoltaic (PV) panels. Initially consuming 250 kWh per month, the user now sees a total of 450 kWh (350 kWh from the grid and 100 kWh from the panels). Participants suggest potential issues with the meter, including the possibility of incorrect installation or faulty readings. Recommendations include checking meter registers, monitoring inverter production, and verifying connections. Several users share similar experiences, indicating that meter misreadings can occur, particularly if phases are connected incorrectly. A resolution was found when it was confirmed that one phase was connected in reverse, leading to accurate readings post-correction.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Seeing 560 kWh PV production but odd meter splits? “12–14 kWh/day” usage plus wiring or register mix-ups can mislead. Check 1.8.0 (import) and 2.8.0 (export), then test by isolating loads before calling your operator. [Elektroda, nieprzysiadalny, post #18829517]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps PV owners with bi‑directional meters diagnose unexpected high consumption and resolve wiring or reading errors.

Quick Facts

Why is my two‑way meter showing higher usage after installing PV?

Two‑way meters track import and export separately. 1.8.0 shows energy drawn from the grid. 2.8.0 shows energy sent to the grid. Self‑consumption from PV never appears under 2.8.0. Reading only 1.8.0 can look like higher use. Always compare 1.8.0, 2.8.0, and inverter production together. [Elektroda, bryko, post #18770244]

What do 1.8.0 and 2.8.0 mean on my bi‑directional meter?

On most smart meters, 1.8.0 = imported energy and 2.8.0 = exported energy. Read both on the same timestamp. Use differences between consecutive readings to get period values. Combine with your inverter’s production to estimate self‑consumption. [Elektroda, bryko, post #18770244]

Could my meter be wired incorrectly (reversed phase)?

Yes. One confirmed case had phase‑1 wires reversed. The operator corrected the wiring, and readings became accurate. If you suspect this, record readings with the inverter on and off, then contact your DSO for a visit. [Elektroda, rfneo, post #20336513]

How can I test if the meter is counting export as import?

Use this 3‑step isolation test:
  1. Turn off all household loads for a few hours; let only PV run.
  2. Turn off the inverter and energize one known load.
  3. Watch which register increases to confirm import or export direction. This isolates wiring or counting issues. [Elektroda, starob, post #18829989]

Should I check P+ and P‑ by turning off the inverter?

Yes. “Turn off the inverter for a moment and see if the meter shows consumption (P+) or production (P-) of energy.” Compare with inverter logs. This quick check can reveal reversed flow indication. Note register values before and after the test. [Elektroda, bryko, post #18770413]

My inverter shows 560 kWh, meter shows 400 kWh export and 160 kWh import—does that add up?

Yes. Production equals export plus self‑consumption. With 560 kWh produced and 400 kWh exported, self‑consumption is 160 kWh. An import of 160 kWh suggests similar demand timing. Total consumption equals 160 kWh self‑consumed plus 160 kWh imported, or 320 kWh. [Elektroda, nieprzysiadalny, post #18829517]

The meter shows 20–30% more since PV went live. What should I do?

Log daily 1.8.0, 2.8.0, and inverter output. Capture a night baseline with PV off. If a 20–30% jump persists, file a formal complaint with your DSO. Provide dated logs and photos of readings. Request a meter check or witness test. [Elektroda, Slak68, post #18772107]

Can phase sequence or 3‑phase inverter wiring affect readings?

Yes. Incorrect phase orientation can flip import and export on a phase. A user confirmed phase‑1 wires reversed, and readings normalized after correction. Ask your DSO to verify phase order and polarity at the meter if you suspect miswiring. [Elektroda, rfneo, post #20336513]

How do I interpret early readings on an Iskra AM550 after PV install?

Record 1.8.0, 2.8.0, and inverter production on the same day. Example: 319 kWh produced, 122 kWh imported, 194 kWh exported. That user also observed about 20.5 kWh average daily usage. Compare sums to validate self‑consumption and grid exchange. Large gaps can flag wiring or logging errors. [Elektroda, rfneo, post #18829880]

Should I complain to the operator or install a check meter?

Yes. “Complain and request a meter check or install a borrowed meter… as a control.” A temporary reference meter helps document discrepancies. Share the comparison and logs with your DSO to speed resolution. [Elektroda, theo33, post #18769840]

What should I log daily to diagnose PV metering issues?

Log 1.8.0 and 2.8.0 readings, inverter production, and times when big loads run. Note inverter on/off events. “Give it precisely, e.g., daily,” to spot patterns and support a complaint. Consistent logs strengthen your case. [Elektroda, starob, post #18829602]

What if 2.8.0 increases at night when I turn on loads?

That edge case indicates reversed phase wiring. A user saw 2.8.0 climb at night when switching on the oven and kettle. Report this to your operator, such as Enea, for inspection. Ask to verify phase polarity at the meter. [Elektroda, rfneo, post #18830860]

I have a 4.48 kWp system; an early import of 350 kWh—normal?

Take it as a single data point, not a target. One 4.48 kWp owner reported 350 kWh imported early after commissioning. Compare with your 2.8.0 export and inverter totals to estimate self‑consumption. Investigate large mismatches using the checks above. [Elektroda, rengur, post #18770212]

My meter shows 5,246 kWh in three months. Could it be wrong?

First, confirm whether that figure is cumulative or just the period’s usage. Compare with your prior annual totals. If implausible, request a meter test and document 1.8.0 and 2.8.0 with photos. Escalate promptly to your DSO. [Elektroda, przemo500, post #20045293]
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