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What is my solar export limit with Essential Energy?

Short answer. Essential Energy sets a limit on how much solar power your home can send back to the grid, based on local network capacity. It is commonly 5 kW and sometimes lower, and your connection offer states yours. It limits what you export, not how much solar you can install to run your own home.

Essential Energy says it is not limiting the amount of generation installed for your own consumption: it only limits the level of export back into the network. Its reason is voltage: in regional NSW the long power lines mean exported solar can push local voltage up, which can cause problems for other customers.

How to find your limit

  1. Find your connection offer from Essential Energy. Your installer applies for it on your behalf, and Essential Energy says to ask for a copy.
  2. If we installed your system, call us and we will find it for you.
  3. If you cannot get a copy from your installer, Essential Energy’s network enquiries line is 13 23 91 and it can provide a copy of the offer letter.

Fixed and flexible limits

A fixed export limit applies all day. Essential Energy is introducing flexible export limits for new and upgraded solar systems up to 200 kW from late 2026, when the Emergency Backstop Mechanism rollout begins in NSW. They adjust automatically with network capacity, so exports are only limited when needed. For single-phase homes the limit can go up to 10 kW. They are not mandatory: you can choose between flexible and a low fixed limit. They need equipment that talks to Essential Energy over the internet using the CSIP-AUS protocol. Whether your equipment supports it is something to ask us before you decide.

What it means in practice

  • On a sunny day with a small load and a full battery, an export limit can hold back what your system produces. That can look like “low solar” in the app.
  • A battery lets you store solar you cannot use or export, and use it later. Essential Energy itself suggests using as much solar as possible during the day or storing it for use after dark.
  • If your site is export-limited, GoodWe’s ESA has a charging mode designed for export-limited sites that uses solar over the limit to charge the battery. We set the mode that suits your home.
  • Essential Energy says it does not currently charge customers for exporting, and that this may change in future.

We do not promise savings or earnings from exports; they depend on your retailer and your usage.

When to call us

If we installed your system, call us on 0483 903 020. Our service help for existing customers is free: we start by working through it with you by phone. If you are not yet a customer, a service call is $250 + GST, which covers one hour on site within 20 km of Mullumbimby; travel further out is quoted separately. Contact us or call 0483 903 020 (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-4pm).

Quick questions

Is the limit 5 kW everywhere?

Not always. Essential Energy generally applies a fixed limit, commonly 5 kW, and some areas have a lower limit. Your connection offer is what counts.

Does the limit mean I can only install a small system?

No. Essential Energy says it limits export, not the amount of generation installed for your own use.

Do I have to take a flexible export limit?

No. Essential Energy says flexible export limits are not mandatory and you can choose a low fixed limit instead.

Can my existing system get a flexible limit?

Essential Energy says flexible limits are for new and upgraded systems from late 2026, and need compatible equipment. Ask us about your system.

Sources

Last checked 6 October 2026. Only the manufacturer’s or the network’s own documents are used; app menus change between versions, so if your screen looks different, call us rather than guess.

Related guides: Solar export limits in the Northern Rivers

Related guides

Related: Export limit settings: Sungrow, SolaX, GoodWe

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