An export limit is the maximum amount of solar power your system may send back to the grid. Two houses with identical panels can have very different limits because the limit comes from the local distribution network, such as SA Power Networks, Ausgrid, Energex, Ergon, Western Power or one of Victoria’s networks.
How limits vary
There is no single national number. Typical patterns at the time of writing, which you should confirm with your own network:
- Fixed limits: many networks set a cap per phase, often in the range of 5 kW for a single-phase connection, with some regions lower and some higher. Some set a zero-export limit where the local network is constrained.
- System size caps: separate to export, networks often limit the inverter capacity allowed on a single-phase connection.
- Three-phase connections: generally allow higher totals than single-phase.
- Western Australia: Western Power has applied limits on new systems in many areas.
Flexible exports in South Australia and Victoria
South Australia led here. Since 1 July 2023, new exporting systems in SA Power Networks’ area have been required to have flexible export capability. It allows up to about 10 kW per phase for most of the time, but the network can reduce it, down to as low as 1.5 kW, when the grid is awash with solar. The idea is to replace a low fixed cap with a higher cap that dials down only when needed.
Victoria is following. Networks such as CitiPower and Powercor offer up to about 10 kW where flexible exports are available, and United Energy customers on a zero-export limit can opt in from 1 July 2026. AusNet has published its own flexible exports arrangement. Rollouts are staged between 2026 and 2031, so availability depends on your address.
Why this matters to buyers
Export limits change the right system size and the payback. If you can export only a little, it pays to size around your own consumption, add a battery, or shift load such as hot water and EV charging to the middle of the day. Free-power offers such as Solar Sharer add another incentive to shift load.
What this means for you
Ask your installer for the network connection approval and the export limit in writing before you sign. It does not change your STC discount, which comes from kW, zone and deeming period; for 2026 a 6.6 kW system in zone 3 earns about 45 STCs, see the STC calculator. Read more in the rebates pillar and, if you are an installer, see STC trading and pricing.
Common questions
Can I get the limit raised? Sometimes, through a network application or a flexible export option. Do I lose the rebate if my system exports nothing? No; STCs are created on installation, regardless of export. Does a battery help? Yes, it stores what the limit would otherwise waste.