When we say non-export, we are referring to energy flowing in reverse at the utility meter. These inverters can function as stand-alone off-grid, stand-alone grid-backup and self-consumption. In self-consumption mode, the inverter receives solar production and home energy consumption data on a continuous basis from CT meters. The inverter is programmed to reduce or stop sending power into the utility-connected-portion of the house when solar production exceeds home-energy-consumption. In other words, it exports to the point of the utility meter but not beyond it. Sounds great but how is this done?
First you need to know which inverters or inverter systems are designed for this purpose. I have provided a list of over 270 inverters and systems that are listed on Hawaii’s utility website for this specific purpose. This is only a portion of their list since they have multiple rules pertaining to interconnection. Theses inverters fall under a specific rule that does not allow any energy to flow into the utility grid.
These inverters have solar production meters, energy consumption meters and an inverter that is capable of limiting and stopping the flow of energy to the utility meter as it reads the balance between these two sets of meters (energy production and energy consumption).
Besides the two sets of meters and the smart inverter’s ability to limit energy output to the grid, you must verify that the Firmware does in fact support zero export functions; that will be up to you to verify with the inverter manufacturer.
To dig deeper into how these systems work, enroll in our PV224 Energy Storage PV System Configuration course.
https://solairgen.com/4-advanced-class/
If you are new to solar, take our PV201OL PV Design and Installation course first and then take PV224.
https://solairgen.com/pv201-online-design-and-installation/
Open the list of compliant inverters below.
Non-utility-export Residential inverters and systems-1
Kelly Provence
NABCEP Certified PV Professional Installer
Master Electrician
NABCEP Certified PV Inspector
IREC Certified Master PV Trainer
SOLAIRGEN
www.solairgen.com
