What is export limiting and how doest it affect me?

What is Export Limiting?

Export limiting is a constraint set on how much excess solar power you can send back to the electricity grid. When your solar system generates more electricity than you're using, the extra power is usually sent back to the grid. However, depending on the size of the solar system you install there can be a cap on how much you can send back, and this is known as your "export limit."

Why Does My Network Distributor Make Me Limit My Export?

Network distributors like Energex in QLD and various operators in NSW impose export limits to manage the stability of the grid. As more households adopt solar power, the grid has to handle fluctuating inputs of electricity. Export limiting helps to ensure that the grid remains stable and efficient for everyone.

The standard export limit applied to 95% of solar systems installed in Australia (Excluding rural) is 5kW maximum export per phase, meaning if you have a 3Phase property you can export 15kW total across all 3 phases of your property.

Not sure how many phases your property is? Thats ok! Get in touch with our team with a photo of your meter board and we will be sure to let you know!

Is Having a Solar System Still Worth It if I Have an Export Limit?

Absolutely, yes. While it's true that an export limit can restrict how much you earn back from feeding excess electricity into the grid, this is just one aspect of the overall financial benefits of going solar. The primary advantage is the substantial savings you gain from generating and using your own electricity.

When you use the electricity you generate, you're reducing your dependence on the grid, which directly lowers your electricity bills. This is especially valuable during peak hours when electricity rates are often higher. Plus, with Yuma Energy's "Performance Guarantee," you can be more assured of your system's efficiency, subject to certain Terms and Conditions. So, even with an export limit, you're still making a wise investment that will pay off in the long run.

How Can You Make the Most of Your Solar System if It Is Export Limited?

Smart Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to maximizing the benefits of your solar system. Consider running high-power appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and electric ovens during daylight hours when your solar system is generating the most electricity. This will allow you to consume the power you generate, rather than exporting it and hitting the export limit.

These days most appliances have built in timers and start time delays which is a game changer when it comes to maximising your solar savings! If your appliance does not have a built in timer it may be possible to retro fit a simple power point timer to get the job done for you... Here is a link to a cheap and cost affective solution available from bunnings - Bunnings Timer

Note: As Yuma Energy does not supply these timers it is important to know that we are unable to provide any technical assistance with regards to the setup or compatibility of your appliance with this device.
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Monitor Consumption

Modern solar systems like the Sungrow inverters that we primarily sell at Yuma Energy come equipped with advanced monitoring software. This allows you to track your energy production and consumption in real-time. Being able to see how much energy your system is generating and how much you're using can help you make informed decisions about your energy consumption.

But what sets Yuma Energy apart is our "Remote System Monitoring" service, available exclusively for customers with Sungrow inverters. If you ever have questions or concerns about your energy consumption or solar production, all you have to do is get in touch with us. Our team can take a look at your usage and provide real-time insights and advice. This means we can help you optimise your energy usage to more effectively align with your solar production, ensuring that you make the most out of your solar investment, even if you have an export limit.

‍Battery Storage

A battery storage system can be a game-changer for homes with export-limited solar systems. With a battery, you can store the excess electricity generated during the day for use during the night or during cloudy days. This not only helps you make the most of your generated electricity but also provides a backup during outages.

At the time of writing this blog post batteries are still not as cost effective as we would like however, depending on your specific circumstances they may still provide a good return on your investment.

Consult Yuma Energy

At Yuma Energy, we offer consultations to help you optimise your solar system for your specific needs. Whether it's selecting the right kind of battery storage or advising on energy-efficient practices, we aim to help you get the most out of your solar investment, even with an export limit.