Set Import & Export Limits

To select system import or export permissions, and/or to set site import or site export limits, select Settings > Import & Export Limits.

See the Power Control System (PCS) Features for Powerwall Systems application note for more information on Site Import & Export Limits.

Import Permissions and Limit

The System Import Permissions setting determines whether Powerwall is allowed to charge from the grid. The default setting is to allow grid charging, except in instances where the customer does not own their system or the utility is restrictive.

Note

This setting is separate from the Grid Charging setting in the customer mobile app, which may overrule the installer setting for ITC reasons.

The Site Import Limit setting determines the amount of power (in Watts) that can be imported at the site meter. The default is a very high value, but a limit can be set to prevent breaker tripping. For example:

A home has six Powerwalls which charge from the grid at 5 kW each, for a total of 30 kW (125 A)
The home has a 100 A (24 kW) main breaker
The installer sets the Site Import Limit to 20,000 W (83 A) to prevent the main breaker from tripping

Export Permission and Limit

The System Export Permissions setting determines what is allowed to export to the grid (the options are Default (Solar Only), Permanent Non Export, Solar and Battery, or AC-Coupled Solar Only).

Note

Following installation, the system will automatically be in a temporary Non-Export Self-Powered Mode while waiting for Permission to Operate (PTO). This allows the customer to immediately use the system for backup and start reaping the financial benefits of their system. When PTO is received from the utility, there are two methods to enable grid export:

Customer: Have the customer change the Permission to Export setting to Yes in their app.
Installer: Using the Device Setup interface via Powerhub, change the Enable Exports setting to Enabled.

Note

If the system is set to Permanent Non Export, the customer will not have the option to export energy post-PTO. This option should only be selected if it is an AHJ requirement.

The Site Export Limit setting determines the amount of power (in Watts) that can be exported to the grid. This setting is used to protect breakers, or where the utility imposes a limit.

System Import and Export Permissions Where PCS Operating Mode is Required

Where a PCS operating mode of Import Only or Export Only is required (occurs when the utility is PG&E, SDG&E, or SCE AND there is greater than 10kW AC of battery power installed), the PCS Import/Export Controls are used. This control is set automatically, and can be confirmed as follows:

From the Settings screen, select Advanced Settings.
Select PCS Settings.
Select Import/Export Controls.
Select the appropriate mode from the dropdown menu.

When the PCS Import/Export Controls are used, the System Import and Export Permissions are automatically set as follows:


	System Import Permission	System Export Permission
Import Only Mode	Charge from Grid Allowed	Default (Solar Only)
Export Only Mode	Charge from Grid Disallowed	Solar and Battery
NEM Integrity Mode	Charge from Grid Allowed	AC-Coupled Solar Only

Note

If the PCS Import/Export Controls have been set and an installer attempts to use the non-PCS Import or Export Limit controls (available directly from Settings screen), Tesla One will warn them not to use both limit types.