Introduction
The demand for smart energy meters is accelerating worldwide as industries, utilities, and businesses look to optimize energy management and reduce costs. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global smart meter market size is projected to grow from USD 23.8 billion in 2023 to USD 36.3 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 8.7%.
For overseas B2B buyers searching for smart energy meter manufacturers in China, the priority is finding reliable OEM/ODM suppliers that can deliver high-quality devices tailored for energy monitoring, smart grid integration, and IoT applications.
This article explores why China is the hub for smart energy meter production, what B2B customers should look for in a supplier, and how companies like OWON provide innovative solutions in Wi-Fi and Zigbee smart energy meters for global markets.
Market Trends Driving Smart Energy Meters
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Shift from billing to monitoring: Many enterprises now use non-billing power meters for real-time energy tracking and efficiency optimization.
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IoT integration: Smart meters are increasingly integrated with platforms like Zigbee2MQTT, Tuya, Alexa, and Google Home, enabling smart building and energy management.
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Commercial and industrial adoption: According to Statista, over 55% of smart meter demand in 2024 comes from commercial and industrial sectors, not just residential.
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China’s role: China leads the world in smart meter manufacturing capacity, offering cost-effective production and rapid customization capabilities.
Technology Insights: Wi-Fi & Zigbee Energy Meters
Chinese manufacturers are innovating beyond traditional billing meters. Key technologies include:
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Wi-Fi Smart Energy Meters
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Real-time monitoring through mobile apps and cloud dashboards.
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Integration with IoT energy management platforms.
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Best suited for residential, small business, and distributed renewable energy systems.
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Zigbee Energy Meters
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Low-power, reliable communication for smart building ecosystems.
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Compatible with Zigbee2MQTT for flexible integration.
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Popular in smart homes, commercial buildings, and industrial automation.
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OWON, a professional smart power meter manufacturer in China, specializes in non-billing Wi-Fi and Zigbee smart meters, designed for energy monitoring and management rather than utility-certified billing.
Applications and Use Cases
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Commercial Buildings: Monitor HVAC, lighting, and equipment loads for efficiency.
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Industrial Facilities: Track power consumption of machines to reduce downtime and energy waste.
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Renewable Energy Projects: Integrate with solar inverters and storage systems for optimized usage.
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OEM/ODM Projects: Private labeling for distributors and system integrators.
Case Example: OWON Smart Energy Meters
OWON’s PC321 Series (Wi-Fi & Zigbee models) are widely adopted by B2B partners in Europe and North America.
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±2% accuracy above 100W for reliable monitoring.
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Seamless Zigbee integration with Zigbee2MQTT.
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OEM/ODM customization: logo printing, firmware adaptation, packaging design.
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Proven deployments in energy efficiency programs and smart building projects.
Comparison Table: Key Features of Chinese Energy Meter Manufacturers
| Feature | OWON Smart Energy Meters (Wi-Fi/Zigbee) | Typical Competitor (Billing Meter) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Energy monitoring & management | Certified billing |
| Connectivity Options | Wi-Fi, Zigbee, MQTT | Limited or proprietary |
| OEM/ODM Customization | ✔ Hardware + Firmware + Branding | ✘ Limited |
| Target Market | B2B OEMs, Distributors, Utilities | Utility billing only |
| Accuracy | ±2% above 100W | ±1% billing grade |
FAQ – What B2B Buyers Need to Know
Q1: Are Chinese smart energy meters reliable for international projects?
A1: Yes. Leading energy meter manufacturers in China comply with CE, RoHS, and FCC certifications, and support OEM/ODM services for global B2B buyers.
Q2: What is the difference between billing meters and monitoring meters?
A2: Billing meters are utility-certified for cost allocation. Monitoring meters, like OWON Wi-Fi/Zigbee energy meters, focus on real-time monitoring, load control, and energy optimization.
Q3: Can smart energy meters integrate with third-party platforms?
A3: Yes. Zigbee-based meters can connect with Zigbee2MQTT, Tuya, and Home Assistant, while Wi-Fi meters can integrate with cloud APIs for seamless monitoring.
Q4: What is the advantage of choosing a Chinese manufacturer?
A4: Competitive pricing, scalable production, and full OEM/ODM support (logo, firmware, packaging) make China the preferred destination for energy meter suppliers.
Q5: Does OWON provide wholesale supply?
A5: Yes, OWON offers wholesale smart power meters to global distributors and system integrators, ensuring bulk pricing and supply chain efficiency.
Conclusion – Partnering with Smart Energy Meter Manufacturers in China
As the global demand for energy monitoring solutions continues to rise, sourcing from smart energy meter manufacturers in China provides cost-effective, scalable, and customizable options for B2B customers.
With proven expertise in Wi-Fi and Zigbee power meters, OWON is a trusted energy meter supplier and manufacturer in China, delivering OEM/ODM smart meters for distributors, wholesalers, and system integrators worldwide.
If you are looking for a reliable smart energy meter manufacturer in China, contact OWON today to discuss OEM/ODM collaboration and wholesale supply opportunities.
Post time: Sep-20-2025