Anker Smart Meter: How it Works & Alternatives for Zero Export in 2026

In short: The Anker Smart Meter measures the electricity flow at the house connection and provides the storage system with data for precise zero export – meaning, to feed as little solar power into the grid as possible. It is most beneficial within the Anker ecosystem. The open, manufacturer-independent alternative is the Shelly Pro 3EM.

How does a Smart Meter for zero export work?

A Smart Meter continuously measures how much electricity is currently being consumed and how much is flowing into the grid. It transmits this real-time data to the storage system. The storage system regulates its output to precisely meet the household consumption – without significant feed-in. This is called zero export and significantly increases self-consumption.

How the Anker Smart Meter works

The Anker Smart Meter (Gen 2) is installed at the meter/house connection and communicates with Anker Solarbank storage systems. Within the Anker ecosystem, this works conveniently: measurement, app, and storage system are coordinated, optionally supplemented by Anker Smart Plugs for consumption control. The disadvantage: its full benefit is primarily achieved with Anker hardware.

The open alternative: Shelly Pro 3EM

The Shelly Pro 3EM is a precise 3-phase energy meter that forms the basis for reliable zero export – this is exactly the meter used in the BILD practical test. Advantages:

• Manufacturer-independent: works with many storage systems, including the SunEnergyXT BK215/500.
• Precise 3-phase measurement in real-time.
• Openly integrable into smart home systems (e.g., Home Assistant).

For contactless surplus detection via infrared, there is also the EcoTracker IR. You can read how Anker Smart Plug and Shelly differ in detail in Utilizing PV Surplus: Anker Smart Plug vs. Shelly Pro 3EM.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I absolutely need the Anker Smart Meter for zero export?
No. With a Shelly Pro 3EM, you can also achieve zero export independently of the manufacturer, e.g., with the SunEnergyXT storage system.

Does the Shelly Pro 3EM work three-phase?
Yes, it is a 3-phase meter and precisely measures all three phases.

What are the benefits of zero export?
It maximizes self-consumption and avoids unremunerated feed-in into the grid.

Status: June 2026. Information based on publicly available manufacturer/retailer information, subject to change. Brand and product names belong to their respective manufacturers.