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Why is my inverter limiting my solar? Export limit settings on Sungrow, SolaX and GoodWe

Short answer. Most of the time the limit comes from your network connection offer, not a fault. Essential Energy limits how much you can export, commonly 5 kW, and your inverter is set to match. Your inverter’s export-limit setting is a compliance setting: it is installer-level, and changing it yourself can put you in breach of your connection.

Safety first. Never open a switchboard, remove a cover from your battery or inverter, or touch any wiring. Anything beyond the app, a light you can read from a safe distance, or your own router is a job for a licensed electrician. If you see smoke, smell burning, hear arcing or see water on or near the unit: keep everyone away, switch off at your main switch only if it is safe to do so, and call 000 if there is any fire or smoke.

Where the limit comes from

Essential Energy sets an export limit based on local network capacity and says it limits export, not how much solar you can install for your own use. Your limit is in your connection offer. See what is my solar export limit? and solar export limits in the Northern Rivers.

How each brand applies it

  • Sungrow: the hybrid inverter has a feed-in limitation function (also called export limitation or zero export) with a value and a ratio. Sungrow’s manual says it needs a Smart Energy Meter, apart from whole-home backup arrangements.
  • SolaX: the X1-VAST has an Export Control setting; under the AS4777 settings you can set a soft limit and a hard limit for the power sent to the grid. The manual shows a default of 60,000 W in some modes, which is why the correct value must be set at install.
  • GoodWe ESA: the ESA has a charging mode designed for export-limited sites that uses solar over the limit to charge the battery.

What it looks like

On a sunny day with a small load and a full battery, an export limit can hold back what your system produces, which can look like low solar in the app. A battery helps by storing solar you cannot use or export. See why is my battery full but still exporting?

What to do

  1. Find your connection offer or ask us for it.
  2. Do not change export or grid-code settings yourself: they are compliance settings.
  3. If your solar looks capped and you are not sure why, send us a screenshot of a sunny midday and we will check the limit against your offer.

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). We do not repair systems we did not install.

Quick questions

Is my inverter faulty if solar output looks capped?

Usually not. An export limit, a full battery or a small load can all hold output back. See the other guides.

Can I raise my export limit?

The limit is set by Essential Energy in your connection offer. Changes go through the network, and we can help you ask about it.

Does Sungrow need a meter for export limiting?

Sungrow’s manual says the feed-in limitation function needs a Smart Energy Meter, except in whole-home backup arrangements.

What is a flexible export limit?

Essential Energy is introducing flexible limits for new and upgraded systems from late 2026. Ask us whether your equipment supports them.

Sources

Last checked 7 October 2026. Only the manufacturer’s, the network’s or the government’s own documents are used; app menus and defaults change between models and versions, so if your screen looks different, call us rather than guess.

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