Behind-the-meter (BTM) smart power metering has become essential for Australian energy systems such as solar panels and batteries located on a commercial, industrial and residential facilities.
Solar and battery distributed energy resources (DER) provide the capability for businesses and residential properties to produce and manage their own electricity. This potentially improves cost savings along with energy independence resulting in a smart energy management system.
Advanced monitoring systems enable precise tracking of renewable generation, power quality analysis and grid compliance verification. These systems provide real-time insights that support operational decisions and regulatory adherence.
National Electricity Rules (NER) require accurate metering and reporting for grid-connected renewable systems. Modern Behind-the-Meter (BTM) monitoring platforms integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure whilst delivering comprehensive data analytics for asset optimisation.
Understanding BTM Renewable Monitoring Requirements
BTM renewable monitoring encompasses comprehensive measurement and analysis of renewable generation systems located on the customer side of the grid connection point. These systems measure electrical parameters including voltage, current, frequency and power quality indices.
Advanced power metering platforms capture high-resolution data when designed to capture data at high sampling rates to detect transient events and harmonic distortions. The monitoring infrastructure supports revenue-grade accuracy for financial settlements and performance verification.
Integration with supervisory control systems enables automated responses to grid disturbances and optimised dispatch scheduling.
Regulatory Standards for Australian BTM Systems
Australian renewable monitoring systems must comply with multiple regulatory frameworks governing grid connection, power quality and metering accuracy.
These standards ensure system reliability whilst protecting grid stability and enabling fair market participation for renewable asset owners.
AS 4777 Grid Connection Standards
This standard defines technical requirements for inverter energy systems connecting to low voltage distribution networks. Part 1 covers installation requirements whilst Part 2 specifies inverter requirements.
AS 4777 requires monitoring systems to track compliance parameters including voltage ride-through, frequency response and power quality limits.
Advanced monitoring platforms verify adherence to response settings and anti-islanding protection functions.
NER Chapter 7 Power Metering Requirements
Chapter 7 of the National Electricity Rules establishes metering installation requirements for grid-connected systems.
Revenue-grade metering per accuracy classes, as defined in NER Chapter 7 Types and Accuracy of Metering installationsis dependent on the installation type, enables participation in energy markets and settlement processes. Interval data collection at 5, 15, or 30-minute intervals supports market operations and network planning.
Remote reading capabilities reduce operational costs whilst ensuring data integrity for financial transactions.
Implementation of BTM renewable power metering requires careful consideration of system architecture, data management and communication infrastructure.
Modern platforms integrate multiple measurement technologies whilst providing scalable solutions for diverse renewable portfolios across Australian market conditions.
Power Quality Monitoring for Renewable Assets
Renewable generation systems can introduce power quality disturbances including voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortion and frequency variations.
Comprehensive monitoring platforms measure these parameters according to AS 61000.4.30 standards for power quality measurement methods. Harmonic analysis up to the 50th order identifies potential equipment issues and grid impacts.
Voltage sag and swell detection protects sensitive equipment whilst documenting grid disturbances. Real-time alarms enable rapid response to power quality events that could affect generation performance or grid compliance.
AS 61000.4.30 provides measurement methodology for power quality parameters in renewable energy applications.
Maximising Renewable Asset Performance Through Advanced Monitoring
BTM smart power metering systems deliver measurable value through improved operational visibility, regulatory compliance and optimised asset performance.
Energy managers implementing comprehensive monitoring solutions achieve better return on investment from renewable installations. Real-time data analytics support proactive maintenance scheduling and performance optimisation strategies.
Energy Networks Australia roadmap emphasises the importance of advanced monitoring for future grid integration. Modern platforms provide scalable architectures that grow with expanding renewable portfolios whilst maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
SATEC provides advanced behind-the-meter power metering solutions designed for Australian energy market requirements.
Our systems deliver Class 0.5S metering accuracy with Basic Power Quality Data (BPQD) power quality analysis capabilities. Integration with cloud-based analytics platforms enables remote monitoring and automated reporting for regulatory compliance.
Multiple communication options ensure reliable data transmission from remote renewable installations. Expert technical support assists energy managers in optimising power metering system configuration for specific asset portfolios and operational requirements.
FAQs - Advanced Behind-The-Meter Renewable Power Metering
What is behind-the-meter (BTM) smart power metering?
Behind-the-meter metering measures and analyses renewable generation on the customer side of the grid connection, tracking voltage, current, frequency and power quality to optimise performance and compliance.
Which Australian standards should my BTM system comply with?
Look for compliance with AS 4777 (inverter/grid connection), NER Chapter 7 (revenue-grade metering), AS 61000.4.30 (power quality methods) and multiple communications. SATEC platforms support these with Class 0.5S accuracy.
How does advanced power metering improve ROI from my renewables?
High-resolution data and real-time analytics expose losses, catch power-quality issues early and verify performance for settlements, boosting yield and reducing downtime.
Can SATEC’s solution integrate with my existing systems and remote sites?
Yes. SATEC’s power meters and cloud based energy management software integrate with SCADA/BMS/EMS via Modbus® and other protocols, stream data to cloud analytics and offer multiple connectivity options for remote assets.
