More homeowners and small businesses are investing in smart energy storage and solar panels. These systems promise an abundance of cheap energy and the ability to profit from the excess. However, so-called “export limits” can be problematic. 

Fortunately, this guide can help. It explains export limits, why they matter, and how smart energy storage remedy the situation. 

What Are Export Limits?

Export limits are restrictions energy companies put on how much energy you can sell to the grid during peak energy times from your solar panel system. Companies do this to maintain the grid’s stability and protect against power surges. 

Grid operators usually measure export limits in kilowatts (thousands of watts) and will send you a statement with this number when you sign a contract with them. You can export up to the cap, but you can’t go beyond that, allowing grid operators to manage distributed systems, like solar, hydro, and wind. 

Why Do Export Limits Matter? 

As mentioned, export limits matter for grid stability. Excessive independent generation can overload the system in the middle of the day, risking damage. 

Unfortunately, these limits can affect solar savings. Usually, when exporting energy, you can receive: 

  • Net metering 
  • Feed-in tariffs (avoided cost, average retail price, etc)

These subtract from your bill, allowing you to run your home or business for less. However, energy generated above the limit isn’t compensated. Therefore, some of your capital may go underutilized, reducing the financial benefits of your solar panel system. 

Before buying solar energy systems, you should check export limits and net metering rules because they may affect whether you invest. Sometimes, energy limits are high or simply none, meaning no problem for solar producers. However, they can be low in some areas, and even vary throughout the year depending on the season. 

For example, a solar system that generates 40 kWh on a sunny day produces around 20 kWh more than the average household (which consumes 20-30 kWh daily). Here, the home exports the excess 20 kWh to the grid. However, if the export limit is 10 kWh, half of the excess electricity will go to waste (without solar energy storage). 

How Can Smart Energy Storage Help, Even When Export Limits Apply?

Numerous companies now produce battery cells for households and businesses. These store excess energy from solar panels and sell it back to the grid when export limits no longer apply or imply run loads in the evening when solar energy is not enough. 

The recent power cut in Spain and Portugal has more people questioning grid stability, so export limits will likely continue to play a significant role in developed countries, including the U.S. However, these limits don’t always apply all day. Households and business premises can often discharge excess electricity into the grid at night and still receive credits. 

Furthermore, they can make existing systems more profitable and useful. For example, storing excess solar energy reduces the risk of “curtailment.” If the solar system creates more energy than the grid will accept during the day, batteries can store it at night until it is ready for use. 

Storage systems can also enable increased self-consumption. For example, perhaps you are at work during the day and can’t use the energy your solar panels collect. Battery systems such as Enphase IQ Battery 10C let you store electricity when the sun shines and then discharge them at night for power electric stoves, crockpots, AC units, pumps , lawnmowers, home saunas, cooking, and more. 

Lastly, “smart” battery and energy storage systems can charge and discharge energy based on your usage patterns. Onboard computers learn your preferences over time, take into consideration peak electricity rates, and make decisions on when to store or sell back to the grid. Think of them like a middleman between your solar panels and the energy carriers who always act in your best interests. 

Solar Saving Tips

  • Check the cost of storage systems before you buy and factor it into your investment decision. 
  • See if you can get a government incentive or discount on storage, depending on where you live
  • Look for location-specific limits on how much energy you can export and at what rate (some companies vary rates by region)
  • Use professionals like Wolf River Electric to link your systems together and ensure the unit operates optimally to generate income and save you money, even when export limits apply

Now You Know How Smart Energy Storage Affects Solar Savings

Reading this article, you should better understand how battery system controls can improve solar savings. These allow you to make better use of your capital investment while providing additional energy for home use. They also give you added flexibility and lower your CO2 footprint further. Contact us today!