What Is a Meter Collar and How It Simplifies Solar & EV Installation

When Southern California homeowners think about going solar or adding an EV charger, one common roadblock often pops up: the need for an electrical panel upgrade. Traditional upgrades can cost thousands of dollars and delay installation by weeks.

That’s where a meter collar comes in. This simple, innovative device is helping homeowners skip expensive upgrades, speed up solar installations, and prepare for the future of clean energy.

What Is a Meter Collar?

A meter collar, sometimes called a meter socket adapter, is a small device installed between your home’s electric meter and the utility meter socket. Instead of rewiring your entire electrical panel, the collar provides a safe, direct connection point for new energy technologies like:

• Solar panel systems
• Battery storage
• EV chargers
• Backup generators

Think of it as an “energy port” that expands your home’s electrical capacity without tearing out and replacing your main panel.

Why Meter Collars Matter for Solar Installations

In many California homes—especially older ones—panels weren’t built to handle today’s energy needs. Adding solar often triggers a required upgrade, which can be costly and time-consuming.

A meter collar solves this by:

• Avoiding major electrical work – No need to replace the entire panel.
• Reducing project costs – Saves homeowners thousands in unnecessary upgrades.
• Speeding up installation – Collars can be installed in hours, not weeks.
• Keeping homes code-compliant – Approved by utilities and inspectors in many jurisdictions.

For homeowners eager to start saving on their electricity bills, a meter collar can make the difference between waiting months—or going solar right away.

Meter Collars and EV Charging

As electric vehicle adoption grows in Los Angeles and across Southern California, more households are discovering that their electrical panels don’t have capacity for a high-powered charger. A meter collar creates the extra space needed, letting you add EV charging without redoing your entire electrical system.

It’s a practical, future-proof solution for homeowners who want both solar and EV charging in one seamless setup.

Are Meter Collars Safe?

Yes—meter collars are designed to meet strict safety standards. They’re UL-listed, utility-approved in many regions, and installed by licensed professionals. With proper installation, they provide the same level of safety as traditional wiring upgrades.

The US Power Advantage

At US Power, we specialize in helping Southern California homeowners save money and time by using the latest technologies like meter collars. When you work with us, our team evaluates your home’s electrical system holistically and recommends the smartest, most cost-effective path to clean energy—whether that’s a collar, a targeted upgrade, or a solar + storage system.

Final Takeaway

A meter collar is a game-changer for homeowners looking to go solar, add storage, or charge an EV without costly electrical panel upgrades. By simplifying the installation process and reducing expenses, meter collars make clean energy more accessible than ever.

Ready to see if a meter collar can save you money on your solar or EV installation? Contact US Power today for a free consultation.‍