Defined term

Non-export photovoltaic system

A non-export photovoltaic system is designed or controlled so electricity is not intentionally delivered from the customer site to the utility grid under the applicable interconnection arrangement.

Also known as zero-export solar, feed-none solar

grid · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-058 · Last verified August 20, 2026

Definition and boundaries

Definition

A non-export photovoltaic system is designed or controlled so electricity is not intentionally delivered from the customer site to the utility grid under the applicable interconnection arrangement.

Applicable jurisdiction: US; program and utility rules vary

Definition claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026

In plain language

For Non-export photovoltaic system, the controlling utility tariff, interconnection document, meter arrangement, and jurisdiction matter more than a generic national description.

What it is not

It is not an off-grid system and it does not mean the property never imports grid electricity.

Decision context

Why it matters

Controls, response time, metering point, storage, load variability, fail-safe behavior, testing, and utility requirements determine the exact non-export design.

Applicable jurisdiction: US; program and utility rules vary

Decision-context claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026

Information boundary

This page provides general educational context, not a site design, production guarantee, utility determination, contract interpretation, legal opinion, tax conclusion, or individualized financial advice. Verify property, equipment, utility, jurisdiction, program, and agreement details before acting.

Concept relationships

Affects

  • Annual solar productionPublished conceptNon-export photovoltaic system can affect how Annual solar production is evaluated
  • Payback periodPublished conceptNon-export photovoltaic system can affect how Payback period is evaluated

Primary sources

What to do next

Back to Grid concepts