The right LoRaWAN energy meter depends on the electrical system, load current, application, communication requirements, and required metering functions.
For most industrial and commercial projects, the key factors are:
Single-phase or three-phase
Direct-connected or CT-connected
Voltage and current range
Import-only or bidirectional metering
LoRaWAN frequency
RS485 / Modbus requirements
Prepaid or postpaid metering
Relay control
Accuracy and certification
The meter should therefore be selected according to the complete application rather than LoRaWAN communication alone.
1. Single-Phase or Three-Phase?
The first step is to identify the electrical system being measured.
Single-phase LoRaWAN meters are commonly used for apartments, rental units, small commercial loads, individual circuits, and campsites.
Three-phase LoRaWAN meters are more suitable for factories, commercial buildings, production equipment, industrial distribution panels, and larger electrical systems.
| Application | Typical Meter |
| Apartment or rental unit | Single-phase |
| Campsite | Single-phase/ Three-phase |
| Small commercial load | Single-phase/ Three-phase |
| Factory equipment | Three-phase |
| Industrial distribution | Three-phase |
| Large PV system | Three-phase |
The actual wiring configuration and electrical supply should always be confirmed before selecting the meter.
2. Direct Connection or CT Meter?
Current is another important selection factor.
A direct-connected meter measures the load current directly through the meter and is generally suitable when the current is within the meter's rated range.
A CT energy meter uses an external current transformer and is more suitable for higher-current feeders, industrial distribution panels, and large commercial or PV installations.
| Requirement | Direct Meter | CT Meter |
| Small/medium loads | Suitable | Suitable |
| High-current loads | Limited by rating | More suitable |
| Installation | Simpler | Requires CTs |
| Industrial feeders | Depends on current | Common |
For CT applications, the CT ratio and accuracy should also be matched with the meter.
3. Which LoRaWAN Frequency Should You Choose?
LoRaWAN operates using regional frequency plans. Common options include EU868, US915, AU915 and other regional bands.
The meter's frequency should match the LoRaWAN network and regional requirements of the project.
Before ordering, confirm:
Required frequency
Gateway compatibility
Regional LoRaWAN parameters
Network server compatibility
Whether another frequency is available for the project
For example, an EU868 meter should not simply be used on a US915 network because both use LoRaWAN. The regional configuration must be compatible.
4. Do You Need RS485 or Modbus?
LoRaWAN provides wireless communication, but some applications also require local communication.
A meter with RS485 and Modbus can provide local access to meter data while LoRaWAN handles remote transmission.
This can be useful for:
PLC integration
Local energy monitoring
Building management systems
Local commissioning
Industrial control systems
Not every LoRaWAN meter supports RS485, so Modbus should be specified as a requirement when needed.
5. Do You Need Bidirectional Metering, Prepaid or Relay Functions?
Different applications require different metering functions.
Bidirectional metering is useful for solar PV, energy storage, EV charging, and other applications where electricity can flow in both directions.
Prepaid metering can be useful for rental properties, campsites, and electricity billing applications.
Relay control can provide remote load disconnection or reconnection when supported by the meter.
These functions should be confirmed before selecting a product because not every LoRaWAN energy meter includes them.
A Simple LoRaWAN Energy Meter Selection Checklist
Before requesting a quotation, prepare the following information:
| Parameter | What to Confirm |
| Application | Factory, building, apartment, PV, campsite, etc. |
| Phase | Single-phase / Three-phase |
| Wiring | 1P2W / 3P4W / other |
| Voltage | Nominal voltage |
| Current | Normal and maximum current |
| Connection | Direct / CT |
| Energy direction | Import / Bidirectional |
| Frequency | EU868 / US915 / AU915 / etc. |
| Communication | LoRaWAN / RS485 / Modbus |
| Functions | Prepaid / relay / multi-tariff |
| Certification | MID / local requirements |
| Quantity | Sample / project quantity |
Providing these details helps the manufacturer recommend a suitable meter instead of simply quoting a standard model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a LoRaWAN energy meter?
A LoRaWAN energy meter is an electricity meter with LoRaWAN wireless communication. It can measure electrical energy and transmit meter data through a LoRaWAN network.
Should I choose a single-phase or three-phase LoRaWAN meter?
Choose according to the electrical supply being measured. Single-phase meters are commonly used for individual circuits and smaller loads, while three-phase meters are generally used for industrial and larger commercial systems.
Should I use a direct or CT LoRaWAN meter?
A direct-connected meter is suitable when the load current falls within its rated range. A CT meter is generally more appropriate for higher-current applications or installations designed around current transformers.
Can a LoRaWAN energy meter support Modbus?
Some models support both LoRaWAN and RS485 Modbus. If local Modbus communication is required, this function should be confirmed in the product specifications.
Can LoRaWAN energy meters be used for solar PV?
Yes. A suitable LoRaWAN energy meter can monitor PV-related energy flows. For grid-connected PV systems, bidirectional measurement may be required to measure both imported and exported energy.
What information should I provide when selecting a LoRaWAN energy meter?
The most useful information includes the application, phase, voltage, current, direct or CT connection, LoRaWAN frequency, communication requirements, metering direction, required functions, certification, and quantity.
Conclusion
Choosing a LoRaWAN energy meter is primarily an application and electrical engineering decision. The communication method is only one part of the selection process.
By defining the phase, current, connection method, LoRaWAN frequency, communication interface, metering direction, and required functions first, you can select a meter that matches the actual project requirements.
IVY Metering provides LoRaWAN energy meters for industrial energy monitoring, commercial submetering, apartment metering, solar PV, campsites, and other smart metering applications, with different configurations available according to project requirements.
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