What is an export limit and how does it work?

An export limit refers to the maximum amount of solar energy generated by a rooftop solar PV system, in excess to personal consumption, that is permitted to be exported to, or feed back into, the electricity grid. The purpose of export limiting is to help ensure that the grid remains stable and safe.

For the solar PV system to be export limited, at installation a sensor is attached to the inverter that determines the amount of current being sent to the grid (an export limiter).

The inverter converts solar energy into electricity. This solar generated electricity offsets consumption at the property first at the time of generation and then anything in excess is exported to the grid. The export limiter controls the amount that can be exported to the grid.

The offset of solar generated electricity against your personal consumption will help to reduce your electricity costs as you are not drawing electricity directly from the grid.

Export limits are set in accordance with Western Power’s Basic Embedded Generator Connection Technical Requirements.

How to apply: 

An application to install or connect a solar PV system that cannot meet ESM requirements and is required to be subject to an export limit cannot be completed online. To apply, please complete the Distributed Energy Systems Application for renewable energy system with an inverter capacity of up to 30kW form.