Procedure for reporting the installation and replacing the meter with a bidirectional one – instructions from A to Z

A bidirectional meter is the basis for the functioning of a photovoltaic installation. Although the panels will produce energy without it, it is a very important intermediary in the exchange of energy between the installation and the general network. This device precisely records how much electricity was transferred as surplus to the grid and how much was taken to supplement our farm’s energy needs. What should be done to replace a standard meter with a bidirectional one, who can replace it and how to do it correctly? That’s what today’s article is about.

Before we launch our installation, it must be reported at least 30 days in advance. To do this, you must submit an application form with attachments to your electricity supplier:

• a diagram of the facility’s electrical installation showing how to connect the micro-installation; entrepreneurs should also present a connection system containing a measurement system for electricity generated in the micro-installation in accordance with the requirements of a specific energy supplier;
• technical specification of the PV installation,
• electrical installation diagram with internal source,
• for entrepreneurs: printout from the National Court Register or CEIDG,
• in the case of an application submitted by a proxy – a power of attorney for the person (or persons) authorized by the person reporting the micro-installation.

The correctness and completeness of the submitted documents are verified by employees of the energy plant where we submit the application. If any deficiencies are found, the applicant is asked to supplement them. However, if the documentation is complete, the applicant receives confirmation of receipt of the notification by the energy distributor and at the same time the expected date of connecting the installation, i.e. replacing the meter, is set. This is usually done within 30 days.

If you are afraid of bureaucracy, remember that you can always ask professionals for help. At ecoABM, we attach a set of necessary documents to all our self-assembly kits.

The standard meter is replaced upon notification in the event of a failure or approximately every 10 years in the event of uninterrupted operation. In this case, the entire procedure is initiated by the energy distributor. The end user is notified of the need to replace the meter by letter or electronically (depending on individual consents expressed in the contract). Then, a mutually convenient date for replacing the device is agreed. The meter is always replaced by a qualified installer delegated by the energy company.

Remember that before agreeing to replace the energy meter, you have the right to ask the installer to identify himself. Each energy plant employee must show his or her ID badge. It confirms authorization to perform a specific type of work and is directed by the electricity distributor with whom you have concluded a contract.

Remember not to be deceived! Unfair practices of some sales representatives are known and unfortunately quite common. Under the pretext of replacing the meter, they force you to sign an energy supply contract on new (often very unfavorable) terms! This is one of the reasons why it is worth checking with the installer before starting work on replacing the meter.

The meter should be replaced with a bidirectional one only after installing the photovoltaic installation, but before connecting it. This is important because only a specially designed device will count the number of kilowatt-hours of energy introduced into the network.

After verifying the employee, he is obliged to notify us about the expected time for which the electricity will be turned off. Then, he performs a preliminary inspection of the meter, during which he determines, among others: whether the legalization seal has been broken. If it is found to be broken, he reports this fact to his superiors and initiates administrative proceedings in connection with unfair consumption of electricity. If the seal is in place, the installer disconnects the meter and cuts off the security devices: first the pre-meter and then the pre-meter security.

An important step should be to document the current meter status – this is done by photographing the meter or recording its current status. Once the general technical condition, legalization and installation seals have been checked, you can proceed to dismantling the meter and replacing it with a new one.

After connecting the new meter, check again whether everything is working properly. For this purpose, the installer checks whether the meter registers electricity consumption in accordance with the customer’s tariff. In the case of bidirectional meters, also whether the transmission of energy to the network is recorded. If no irregularities are found, the new meter is sealed to prevent illegal use of electricity. The meter replacement process ends with the installer’s signature on the replacement protocol. From now on, we can theoretically use our installation. In practice, however, if we have not done so yet, it is necessary to sign a new contract with the energy company. It will contain regulations on the exchange of energy between the end user and the supplier. For example, in the case of PGE Dystrybucja, this is an Agreement for the provision of distribution services for electricity fed into the distribution network from micro-installations and an Agreement for the sale of electricity fed into the distribution network with the Seller-Buyer.

If we have already signed the new energy use conditions, there is nothing left to do but enjoy the installation and observe how much electricity our panels produced. Contrary to appearances, the whole process is very simple. However, if you still have any doubts, remember that it is never too late to ask questions. Our advisors are waiting to dispel your doubts.