Solar Export Energy Calculator — Estimate PV Energy Sent to Grid
Estimate the annual solar energy left for export after direct on-site use, battery charging and system losses, then convert the export quantity into a simple financial value.
Export energy inputs
How solar export energy is calculated
Export is the solar generation that remains after energy is directly consumed on site and after the other solar-energy flows you choose to model. When storage is included, the energy entering the battery is reduced by the portion later returned to the load or otherwise accounted for in your model.
Why export should be separated from self-consumption
A solar system can generate a large annual amount of energy but export much less if the site consumes most production. Conversely, low on-site demand can create a large export requirement even when the PV array itself is modest.
Export energy = min(gross surplus, annual export limit)
Worked example
With 15,000 kWh of annual solar generation, 7,000 kWh of direct use, 2,500 kWh routed to storage and 200 kWh of system use, the remaining annual surplus is 5,300 kWh before an export cap is applied.
Frequently asked questions
Does battery charging reduce export?
Yes. Solar energy directed into storage is not simultaneously exported.
Does this model an hourly export limit?
No. It uses the annual export limit input as a screening constraint. Hourly dispatch data are required for detailed export-limit analysis.
Can the export result be zero?
Yes, when site use and modeled internal flows absorb the available solar energy.