Reference Meter
A consumption meter is a device that measures the electricity consumption of a household or business from the public power grid. In a photovoltaic system, it serves to quantify the electrical energy drawn from the grid.
Functionality: The consumption meter counts the kilowatt-hours (kWh) supplied by the grid operator and regularly transmits this data to the energy supplier. In combination with a feed-in meter, which measures the solar power fed into the grid, the consumption meter enables accurate billing of electricity costs.
Importance for Photovoltaic Systems:
- Grid Consumption: The consumption meter indicates how much electricity is drawn from the public grid, especially during times when self-consumption exceeds solar yield.
- Billing: The recorded data serves as the basis for calculating the electricity costs that the system operator must pay to the energy supplier.
- Self-Consumption: By comparing the readings of the consumption meter and the feed-in meter, self-consumption of the generated solar power can be determined.
Types of Consumption Meters:
- Mechanical Meters: Older models with rotating disks that display consumption analogously.
- Electronic Meters: Modern devices that digitally record consumption and can transmit data via radio or other interfaces.
- Smart Meters: Also known as smart meters, these offer additional features like real-time monitoring of consumption and allow for dynamic tariff structures.
Important Aspects:
- Ownership: The consumption meter usually belongs to the grid operator.
- Location: It is typically installed at the building's connection point.
- Costs: The costs for the consumption meter are included in the electricity costs.
In Summary: The consumption meter is an indispensable component of a photovoltaic system. It provides the necessary data for billing electricity costs and enables a transparent representation of self-consumption. With the use of modern, smart meters, system operators can optimize their electricity consumption and benefit from new tariff models.
Additional Keywords: Photovoltaics, Feed-in Meter, Self-Consumption, Electricity Grid, Energy Supplier
