Export limitation (export limiting) is the technical practice of capping how much AC power a solar or hybrid system sends to the grid — usually to satisfy a DNSP approval. It is the implementation detail behind “export limit” conditions on Australian connection offers. Your panels can still power the house at full tilt while exports are held to, say, 5kW or 0kW.
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Many modern inverters limit export in software using CT clamps or meter interfaces. Some sites use external export control devices. Commissioning must prove the cap works before energisation.
Limitation targets grid export, not behind-the-meter use. Running the air-con at noon on solar remains the point. Sales stories that say “solar will be throttled useless” often confuse export with generation.
Large arrays can still pay off if daytime loads or batteries absorb energy. Re-run payback with the approved export kW. Ignore unlimited-export brochure graphs.
Some networks move toward variable export allowances. Your system may need compliant communications. Ask whether today's fixed cap could become dynamic later.
Storage charged from surplus reduces forced curtailment of value. Federal ~$372/kWh usable support can make that pathway cheaper since 1 July 2025.
Who supplies CTs, who sets the limit, what happens if the DNSP revises the cap, and whether re-attendance is included. Compare CEC-accredited quotes via MrSolar with the same limitation assumption.
Design for real export limitation settings — compare CEC-accredited quotes on MrSolar.
Written and reviewed by Daniel (Marketplace lead, Epic Unicorn Pty Ltd). We build pages from Australian solar datasets and regulatory references, then map you to CEC-accredited installers only.
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