SMETS1 vs SMETS2: Which Smart Meter Do You Need for Solar Panels?

SMETS1 meters can't record export and often go dumb when you switch supplier. Here's the practical difference for solar owners and how to upgrade for free.

The Two Generations

The UK's smart meter rollout happened in two phases, and the meters are fundamentally different. If you have solar panels — or you're about to install plug-in solar — the distinction matters.

SMETS1 (Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications 1) — installed roughly 2013–2018. These meters communicate via the installing supplier's proprietary network. When you switch supplier, the new company often can't talk to your meter, and it "goes dumb" — reverting to a traditional meter that needs manual readings.

For solar owners, the critical limitation: most SMETS1 meters have no export register. They measure what you import from the grid, but they cannot measure what you send back. That means no SEG payments, no export data in your supplier app, and no accurate picture of how your solar is performing.

SMETS2 (Technical Specifications 2) — the current standard. These connect via the DCC (Data Communications Company) national network, which means they work with any supplier. They have both import and export registers, and they support half-hourly data collection.

How to Tell Which You Have

Check the meter label — it should say SMETS1 or SMETS2, or the manufacturer model number which you can look up. Alternatively:

If your IHD stopped working after a supplier switch → likely SMETS1
If you got your smart meter before 2019 → probably SMETS1
If your supplier app shows half-hourly data → almost certainly SMETS2
Ask your supplier — they'll confirm instantly

Why SMETS2 Matters for Plug-in Solar

With an 800W plug-in solar system and a SMETS2 meter, you get:

Export recording — every unit you send to the grid is measured. This enables SEG payments and gives you data to optimise self-consumption.

Half-hourly data — you can see exactly when you're importing and exporting. This is invaluable for deciding when to run the dishwasher, charge a battery, or shift loads to sunny hours.

Tariff flexibility — time-of-use tariffs like Octopus Flux require half-hourly settlement from a SMETS2 meter. These tariffs are designed for solar owners and can significantly improve your return.

Supplier switching — unlike SMETS1, a SMETS2 meter keeps working when you switch. You can shop around for the best import and export rates without losing meter functionality.

The SMETS1 Migration Programme

Ofgem and the DCC have been migrating SMETS1 meters onto the DCC network, which gives them some SMETS2-like capabilities. However, this migration is patchy — some SMETS1 meters have been successfully enrolled, others haven't. Even when enrolled, export register capabilities vary by model.

Our recommendation: don't rely on a migrated SMETS1. Request a physical SMETS2 upgrade. It's free, it's guaranteed to work, and it future-proofs your setup.

How to Upgrade for Free

Contact your electricity supplier
Request a SMETS2 meter installation
Mention you have (or are installing) solar — this helps them prioritise
Appointment usually booked within 2–4 weeks
Installation takes about 45 minutes
Ask the engineer to confirm export register is active

There is no cost. Suppliers are obligated under their licence conditions to offer smart meter installations.

What About Three-Phase Supplies?

If your home has a three-phase electricity supply (uncommon for residential, more typical in older properties or those with high loads), smart meter availability has historically been limited. SMETS2 three-phase meters exist but are less widely deployed. Check with your supplier for availability.

For plug-in solar, this is rarely an issue — the 800W regulatory cap means you're well within single-phase capacity.