Final answer:
A 'self-contained meter installation' often refers to a meter that operates independently without external power sources, such as an electricity or water consumption meter with its own built-in power source.
Step-by-step explanation:
A 'self-contained meter installation' typically refers to a metering setup that functions independently and does not rely on external power sources. In the context of solar power systems, which are often grid-tied to allow for the export of excess energy and the use of utility power when production is low, a self-contained system would imply having local storage or another method of ensuring autonomy from the grid. However, the term can also be used in various utilities, including electricity and water metering, where 'self-contained' may denote that the meter is capable of operating without external power, relying on the flow of the resource it's measuring, for electricity, a battery or solar power might be used. For example, an electricity consumption meter that is self-contained might have its own power source, such as a battery, to operate the display and recording mechanisms. On the other hand, a water meter is often considered self-contained because it uses the kinetic energy of flowing water to operate. It is important to note that the context of the question a solar power installation suggests that self-contained refers to energy independence. Hence, the correct answer would be the first option: 'A meter installation that is independent and does not rely on external power sources.'