Defined term

Photovoltaic export limit

A photovoltaic export limit is a configured or contractual maximum on power delivered from a customer photovoltaic system to the utility grid.

Also known as solar export cap

grid · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-057 · Last verified August 20, 2026

Definition and boundaries

Definition

A photovoltaic export limit is a configured or contractual maximum on power delivered from a customer photovoltaic system to the utility grid.

Applicable jurisdiction: US; program and utility rules vary

Definition claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026

In plain language

For Photovoltaic export limit, the controlling utility tariff, interconnection document, meter arrangement, and jurisdiction matter more than a generic national description.

What it is not

It is not necessarily a limit on photovoltaic generation or household self-consumption.

Decision context

Why it matters

The limit can be equipment-based, control-based, tariff-based, time-varying, or measured at a specified point; production, load, storage, and enforcement behavior must be modeled separately.

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 conceptPhotovoltaic export limit can affect how Annual solar production is evaluated
  • Payback periodPublished conceptPhotovoltaic export limit can affect how Payback period is evaluated

Primary sources

What to do next

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