Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Sep 21, 2015 10:50am | #1

   David,
   What matters is accuracy and dependability. The one you link to is an unknown product from China.

   Many energy nerds (including Marc Rosenbaum) favor utility-style kwh meters -- the round ones that have a glass front that are mounted on the outside of your house. You can buy used ones. Here are links to two possibilities:

   GE meter, reconditioned, $35: http://www.infinigi.com/ge-kilowatt-hour-kwhr-reconditioned-utility-meter-with-ez-read-100a-p-5106.html?ref=99

   Itron meter, remanufactured, $30: http://www.solarhome.org/itroncentrondigitalmetertypec1sfm2s240vcl200remfg.aspx?gclid=CjwKEAjw1f6vBRC7tLqO_aih5WISJAAE0CYwMD-0RvHagD_Vb4LQfHtzz5IZVppbx4B9B4R9SwkZWxoCA1fw_wcB

2. 
   Reid Baldwin | Sep 21, 2015 11:22am | #2

   The reason everyone wouldn't do it, even if it is very simple, is that the vast, vast majority of the population doesn't really care and wouldn't know how to interpret the results.

3. 
   davidsmartin | Sep 21, 2015 06:17pm | #3

   Thanks to both of you. I asked the contractor who will install the system if he could also install a meter and he basically said that he did not know how. So I guess there has not been much demand.

4. 
   davidmeiland | Sep 22, 2015 11:20pm | #4

   Not sure about the $14 unit from eBay, but you could definitely use a monitor from Brultech. You don't need the builder to install it, you can do it yourself if you're willing to connect a wire or two to circuit breakers inside your panel.

5. 
   charlie_sullivan | Sep 24, 2015 11:19am | #5

   An electrician should know how to install either the traditional electromechanical one or the cheap one you found. Code, or some interpretations thereof may prohibit an electrician from installing it it is not UL listed. That would be a good incentive to use the traditional meter, though an option might be for the electrician to provide a box where you install it.