Monitoring Solar Production and Grid Usage with Clamp-On Smart Energy Meters
What is bidirectional energy measurement?
Bidirectional measurement means the meter records energy in both directions: energy drawn from the grid and energy produced or exported. With a clamp-on CT on the right conductor, a smart energy meter can show how much energy a building uses and how much a solar system produces.
Which OWON meters list solar production monitoring?
| Model | Supported systems | CTs | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC4713-W-485 | Single-phase, split-phase, three-phase 4-wire | 3 | Wi-Fi (HTTP / MQTT / Modbus TCP), RS485 |
| PC4713-W-E-TY/3W | Single-phase, split-phase, three-phase (including 3-wire) | 3 | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Tuya |
| PC4713-W-E-TY/R | Single-phase, split-phase, three-phase 4-wire | 3 | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Tuya |
| PC473-W-TY/R/N | Single-phase, three-phase 4-wire | 3 | Wi-Fi, Tuya |
| PC321-W-TY/N | Single-phase, split-phase, three-phase 4-wire | 3 | Wi-Fi, Tuya |
| PC341-W-TY/N | Single-phase, split-phase, three-phase | Main CTs + up to 16 sub CTs | Wi-Fi, Tuya |
| PC311-W-TY/N, PC311-W-TY/R/N | Single-phase | 1–2 | Wi-Fi, Tuya |
| PC472-W-TY/N, PC472-W-TY/R/N | Single-phase | 2 | Wi-Fi, Tuya |
How is the data accessed?
The Tuya-compliant models show real-time and historical energy data in a mobile app, and the PC4713 Open Series can send data to your own cloud server or be read locally through HTTP, MQTT or Modbus. The PC341 can also monitor up to 16 individual circuits, for example the solar circuit, with 50 A sub CTs.
What should I check before installing?
- Confirm your electrical system: single-phase, split-phase or three-phase.
- Confirm where the grid connection and the solar inverter output cables run, and choose CT sizes that fit those cables and currents.
- Follow the wiring diagram in the model's quick start guide and place CTs with the arrow pointing towards the loads.
- Have a qualified electrician install the meter.
Related OWON products
Frequently asked questions
Do clamp-on meters replace the utility meter?
No. A clamp-on smart energy meter on your own distribution board is for monitoring and sub-metering. The utility meter is installed by the energy provider for billing.
Can I see historical solar production?
The OWON Tuya-compliant meters list historical data that can be displayed and exported in the app.
Related guides
- How to Choose a Smart Energy Meter: A Buyer's ChecklistA practical checklist for choosing a smart energy meter: supply type, CT rating, accuracy, communication, integration and certifications...
- How to Choose the Right CT Clamp Size for a Smart Energy MeterLearn how to choose a CT clamp rating and inner diameter for clamp-on smart energy meters, with the OWON CT options and accuracy bands from...
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