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How Smart Meters are Improving for Solar Energy
Energy Business Review | Monday, May 18, 2026
More and more houses throughout the UK are installing smart meters. The device can help lower the cost of electricity and improve the efficiency of electric systems. And if you're using solar energy, smart meters allow you to monitor your electronic usage by providing you with exact and real-time electricity consumption. If you want to know more about this, here's how smart meters are improving for solar energy.
How Smart Meters and Solar Panels Work
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Smart meters can perform things better than old-fashioned electric metres. They can send real-time readings to energy suppliers, allowing them to monitor the actual amount of energy you use. In doing so, smart meters can minimise the risk of getting inaccurate electric bills.
Furthermore, smart meters can send signals to a device known as the "In-Home Display", which shows the amount of gas and electricity you are using at that time. The device allows you to monitor the exact amount of energy you consume, allowing you to take the necessary steps to lower the numbers and save money.
Manufacturers of smart meters have made significant improvements over the recent years, which resulted in governments campaigning to encourage households to install one. They are also compatible with solar panels, and integrating the two further allows people to save money on their energy bills.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells. They are usually attached to the roof of a building to soak up sunlight using photovoltaic cells and transforming the accumulated sunlight into energy. The energy that the solar panels collect can power up electrical appliances.
Solar panels are made of individual solar cells layers of phosphorous, boron, and silicon. Phosphorous provides the negative charge, while boron has the positive charge. Solar panels work by absorbing photons to initiate an electric current. The energy generated from photons that strike the solar panel surface allows electrons to get knocked out of the atomic orbits and into the electric field. The process is called the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels are one of the most practical ways to produce electricity to power up electronics.
How They Work Together
Integrating smart meters into solar panels is not something new. However, the first-generation smart meters are not well-equipped for this, resulting in compatibility issues and other challenges.
Thankfully, manufacturers have made several improvements to smart meters over the past few years, resulting in the release of second-generation smart meters, which are commonly used nowadays. These newly improved smart meters have similar energy-saving features to the first generation but with the bonus of being compatible with other energy suppliers, including solar panels.
One of the benefits of smart meters is that they can display energy consumption in real-time. Therefore, when you hook it up to a solar system, it can gather regular readings of how much energy the household gets from the solar panel system and how much it imports from the grid.
The role of smart meters is to send readings to the energy supplier in real-time. Because of the smart meter's in-home displays, consumers will find it easier to keep track of the changes in their energy consumption, allowing them to cut back or adjust their electricity uses.
Pairing solar panels with smart meters can lead to even more savings and a lower carbon footprint. Because of this, governments worldwide have been encouraging all households to install smart meters with their solar panels.
The best thing about using smart meters is you will have a sense of control over your solar energy consumption. Those choosing to hire electronic engineer specialists can help determine how much energy you consume daily. Because of the benefits of using smart meters with solar panels, the UK government has started a nationwide rollout with the aim that every household in the country will install a smart meter.
While there is no legal obligation to install one, doing so can benefit you in many ways. Pairing a smart meter with solar panels can also mean receiving more accurate payments through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) since the device can take readings every after 30 minutes.
What you Need to Know about the Smart Export Guarantee
As mentioned, one of the benefits of pairing smart meters with solar panels is to receive more accurate payments from SEG or the Smart Export Guarantee. If this is the first time you have heard of this, you probably have many questions running through your mind.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows small-scale and low-carbon generators to receive payments from energy suppliers for the electricity they export back to the National Grid. However, one must meet certain criteria to qualify.
The SEG was a replacement for the Feed-in Tariff that ended in 2019. Through SEG, homeowners using renewable solar energy can receive payments from energy suppliers. The tariff will depend on each unit of electricity sent to the National Grid. Energy providers will have details about the criteria and application process for SEG on their website. It will include details about SEG payments, including contract length and the amount due.
Aside from solar energy, the other technologies eligible for SEG include wind, hydro, micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP), and anaerobic digestion (AD).
During the Feed-in Tariff, they found that about 50% of the generated solar energy goes to the grid. Therefore, every household providing more energy than that to the grid may have been underpaid. It is for this reason that those with solar panels should have a smart meter.
Thanks to smart meters, homeowners will receive more accurate payment from Smart Export Guarantee since it can provide accurate readings on the total electricity consumed. As part of SEG, the energy suppliers of the UK of over 150,000 customers will have a legal obligation to pay their customers for every unit of electricity exported to the National Grid resulting from their use of solar panels.
Energy providers have the freedom to set their tariffs. For those with less than 150,000 customers, it is their choice whether to join the SEG.
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The storage tank market is experiencing significant growth and innovation due to the growing demand for reliable, efficient storage solutions in various industries.
The global storage tank market is growing with increased demand for strong solutions across industries. This is mainly due to technological advancements, changes in industry requirements, and a growing focus on safety and sustainability.
The market for storage tanks is at a crossroads, with tremendous room for expansion and many creative alternatives. The demand for dependable and practical storage solutions will continue to drive the industry and change the storage infrastructure landscape as industries worldwide grow and change.
Market Growth and Drivers
The storage tank market, estimated to be worth USD 26 billion in 2023, is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 5.1% from 2024 to 2032. The primary cause of this expansion is the increasing need for oil and gas storage, fueled by increased exploration efforts and production levels. By 2028, the demand for oil alone is predicted to rise by 6% to 105.7 million barrels per day.
Technological Innovations
The market benefits from introducing innovative materials and construction techniques that enhance storage tanks' durability and safety standards. Remote monitoring capabilities are becoming increasingly prevalent, allowing operators to manage and monitor storage tank facilities from a distance.
Challenges and Opportunities
The market for storage tanks is expected to grow. However, there are still obstacles to overcome, including high upfront costs and a changing regulatory environment with changing safety and environmental regulations. Notwithstanding, these obstacles also offer prospects for expansion and novelty as enterprises endeavor to manage the financial feasibility of ventures and conform to evolving statutes.
Industry Applications
The expansion of the oil and gas, food and beverage, and power industries drives the global storage tank market. The need for more efficient solutions, particularly in exploring shale gas and tight oil fields, prompts the demand for storage tanks. The growing focus on water conservation and wastewater treatment also contributes to the market expansionists.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
Sustainability is starting to matter in the storage tank business. Businesses are looking into eco-friendly materials and designs to reduce their carbon footprints, which are connected with storage solutions since there is a growing emphasis on minimizing environmental effects.
Future Outlook
The storage tank market is set to continue its growth trajectory with a strong emphasis on safety, compliance, and technological innovation. Integrating advanced materials, intelligent monitoring systems, and sustainable practices will likely shape the future of storage solutions, ensuring that they meet the ever-growing demands of various industries.
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The construction, maintenance, and operation of storage tanks create jobs and stimulate local economies.
Storage tanks play a crucial role in energy infrastructure, ensuring the efficient and reliable supply of energy resources such as crude oil, refined petroleum products, and natural gas liquids. They manage supply and demand to support economic stability and maintain and enhance global energy systems. Their multifaceted role in maintaining and improving energy systems identifies their importance for maintaining and strengthening global energy systems.
Storage tanks allow their release during peak consumption times, stabilizing supply and mitigating the risk of shortages. They are critical components in the refining and processing of hydrocarbons. In refineries, tanks store raw materials like crude oil before processing. Post-refinement, they hold finished products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Intermediate storage is crucial for the smooth operation of refineries, allowing for the continuous and efficient processing of crude oil into various end products. The ability to store intermediate and final products ensures operational flexibility and efficiency.
The global trade of energy resources heavily relies on storage tanks. These tanks serve as temporary holding facilities for oil and gas at ports and terminals, facilitating the transfer of energy resources between production sites, transportation vessels, and distribution networks. Storage tanks at strategic locations, like pipeline hubs and shipping ports, enable the efficient movement of energy resources across regions and countries. The logistical support is vital for maintaining energy flow in international trade. Storage tanks' economic impact extends beyond energy stability.
Energy security is a significant concern for nations worldwide, and storage tanks are crucial in enhancing it. Many countries maintain strategic petroleum reserves, consisting of large storage tanks filled with crude oil, to safeguard against supply disruptions. The reserves can be tapped in emergencies, like geopolitical conflicts or natural disasters, ensuring a continuous energy supply. Storage tanks buffer against external shocks and contribute to national energy security and economic stability. Storage tanks are becoming increasingly important in the renewable energy sector. Tanks store biofuels produced from organic materials as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Large-scale energy storage solutions, like hydrogen storage tanks, are being developed to support integrating renewable energy into the grid. Modern storage tanks are designed with advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact and enhance safety. Double-walled tanks, leak detection systems, and secondary containment measures are implemented to prevent spills and contamination. Vapor recovery systems capture volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions, reducing air pollution. The innovations ensure that storage tanks operate safely and sustainably, protecting the environment and surrounding communities.
Industries reliant on a stable energy supply, like manufacturing and transportation, benefit directly from the reliable performance of storage tanks. Storage tanks are indispensable to the energy infrastructure, providing critical support for energy storage, supply management, refining, trade, and security. Their role in integrating renewable energy and maintaining environmental safety underscores their importance in the evolving energy landscape. The significance of storage tanks in ensuring a stable, efficient, and secure energy supply becomes ever more apparent. Investing in advanced storage solutions will sustain and enhance energy systems worldwide.
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The tanks enhance energy system flexibility and reliability and contribute to the transition to a resilient energy future.
Thermal storage tanks are essential to global energy systems, addressing the imbalance between energy supply and demand. They store surplus thermal energy at low demand or times of high renewable energy generation, which would otherwise go to waste and not be used efficiently to tackle the issue of intermittency. They can be primarily used in conjunction with concentrated solar power plants.
Solar radiation is intermittent, varying throughout the day, and affected by weather conditions. Thermal storage tanks enable CSP plants to store excess heat generated during high solar irradiance periods and utilize it later to generate electricity during periods of low or no sunlight, providing a more reliable and dispatchable renewable energy source. Thermal storage tanks can enhance the efficiency of conventional power plants by enabling them to operate more flexibly. Another promising application of thermal storage tanks is the electrification of heating and cooling systems.
Thermal storage tanks can be integrated into district heating and cooling systems, where they store excess heat or cold generated by combined heat and power (CHP) plants, industrial processes, or waste heat recovery systems. During periods of low demand, such as at night or in mild weather, excess thermal energy can be stored in these tanks and later used to meet peak demand or provide heating or cooling when the primary energy source is unavailable or insufficient. These plants can operate at their optimal efficiency levels for longer durations, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Thermal storage tanks offer a versatile and efficient solution to the energy sector's challenges, including integrating renewable energy sources, electrifying heating and cooling systems, and optimizing conventional power plants. In conventional power plants, such as those fueled by natural gas or coal, ramping up and down to match fluctuating demand can be inefficient and costly. As countries strive to decarbonize their energy sectors, there is increasing interest in electrifying heating and cooling processes currently reliant on fossil fuels. The intermittency of renewable electricity sources poses a challenge for reliably meeting heating and cooling demand.
Thermal storage tanks can store excess electricity and use it to provide heating or cooling when needed, increasing the efficiency and reliability of electrified heating and cooling systems. In addition to improving energy system efficiency and reliability, thermal storage tanks can provide grid services such as peak shaving, load leveling, and frequency regulation. By strategically discharging stored thermal energy during periods of peak demand or grid instability, these tanks can alleviate stress on the grid and help integrate higher levels of renewable energy.
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The energy sector has always relied on conventional business models where utility companies generate, distribute, and sell electricity to consumers. However, the rise of renewable energy sources, smart grid technologies, and consumer demand for sustainability have initiated a paradigm shift. Among the innovative solutions reshaping this landscape is Energy as a Service (EaaS), an emerging business model transforming how energy is delivered, consumed, and managed.
EaaS is remodeling the energy sector by offering comprehensive solutions beyond traditional utility models. At its core, EaaS encompasses several key components. Energy supply management allows providers to source energy from various channels, including renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass, enabling clients to procure green energy without direct investments in infrastructure. Energy efficiency and optimization initiatives include real-time energy monitoring, audits, and advanced efficiency technologies that minimize waste while maximizing output. Demand response services help organizations manage peak loads through energy storage systems and smart grid integration, ensuring a dynamic balance between supply and consumption. Sustainability consulting supports businesses in meeting regulatory requirements and consumer expectations by providing expertise in carbon neutrality strategies, clean energy utilization, and sustainability reporting. Additionally, financing and risk management eliminate upfront capital expenditures, as EaaS providers invest in necessary infrastructure and charge customers based on results or service levels, mitigating financial risk.
EaaS fundamentally transforms the utility business model by driving decentralization, enhancing customer-centric services, integrating smart technologies, promoting renewable energy adoption, and diversifying revenue streams. Unlike traditional centralized energy production and distribution, EaaS leverages distributed energy resources (DERs) such as rooftop solar panels, microgrids, and battery storage to reduce reliance on large-scale infrastructure. This decentralization allows for localized energy generation and greater resilience. Utility companies are also shifting from being mere energy suppliers to service providers, offering tailored energy management solutions to meet diverse client needs. Integrating smart technologies—including IoT devices, AI-driven analytics, and predictive maintenance tools—enhances operational efficiency, reduces costs, and optimizes energy consumption. Moreover, EaaS accelerates renewable energy adoption by enabling businesses and households to access green energy without significant capital expenditures, fostering a more sustainable energy landscape. Lastly, it facilitates revenue diversification for utility providers, moving beyond traditional energy sales toward stable income sources through subscriptions, service fees, and performance-based contracts. Through these advancements, EaaS redefines how energy is produced, managed, and consumed in the modern era.
As digitalization and decentralization continue to reshape the energy sector, the prospects for EaaS are bright. Policymakers are increasingly pushing for renewable energy adoption and efficiency, creating fertile ground for EaaS providers to expand their offerings. Moreover, the rise of EVs and energy storage technologies will drive demand for integrated energy services.
EaaS represents a groundbreaking departure from traditional utility business models. By focusing on tailored energy solutions, supporting sustainability goals, and leveraging technological advancements, EaaS offers providers and customers new ways to thrive in the evolving energy ecosystem. While challenges remain, the potential to create a more efficient, decentralized, and greener energy future makes EaaS a compelling model for future generations.
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