If is often (but not always) necessary to export limit a solar system connected to a SWER line.
You will find out if you need to do this when your installer submits your application to connect to the grid.
If the application comes back without the need for export limiting, then you have nothing to worry about.
If the application says you need export limiting then here's what you need to know:
If you are on a SWER line it is less tolerant of solar exports than the regular grid.
An export limiter ensures that no solar is exported to the grid under any circumstances. Without the export limiter, if your home is not using enough energy and the sun is shining the solar has to go somewhere and it will go into the grid. An export limiter throttles the solar panels so they don't produce too much solar.
You don’t need a seperate device though. Good modern inverters can do this export limiting at no extra cost.
As an aside, if you are export limited then batteries are more valuable to you than regular grid connect solar owners. The battery can be used to store the solar energy that would otherwise be throttled (i.e. wasted).
Comments
2 comments
Hi Finn, Im on a SWER line in country SA, can you confirm/explain a couple things for me please -
If I get my SEG approved for a 6.5kw system with approved export limiting inverter, (Solaredge SE5000H) I cannot export anything at all to grid or can I export at a limited/throttled amount?
If I stay under 5000w of panels I can export to grid?
If I stay under 5000w, and add batteries in two/three years time is there a way to add an extra 2.5kw of panels (feeding the existing Solaredge SE5000H) to help charge batteries and still be able to export any left over? If so, can I claim STC for these extra panels (assuming STC still exist then)?
Many Thanks Finn.
It depends what export limit (in kW) has been approved.
This article shows how export limiters work:
https://support.solarquotes.com.au/hc/en-us/articles/360000030495-How-does-a-solar-export-limiter-work-
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