Content and Structure of this Document

Zero-export systems are systems that consist of power generation units and, if applicable, battery-storage systems, in which feeding electricity into the utility grid is not intended and is actively prevented by the system. The zero-export system from SMA maximizes self-consumption and uses 100% of the self-generated solar power. Our system lets customers expand the solar energy without high additional investments in the utility grids. This is necessary if the grid operator does not allow grid feed-in because of a weak infrastructure and possible overload, for example.

SMA Solar Technology AG offers a variety of solutions especially for PV systems that are no longer allowed or intended to feed solar power into the grid due to restrictions imposed by the grid operator.

The scope of this document is limited to PV systems in the residential and commercial segments.

Solution 1: Direct Self-Consumption with Zero Export

An intelligent PV inverter is installed in the system. This inverter is configured for zero export and dynamically limits the power if it cannot be consumed in the household at the same time it is generated. The proportion of self-generated energy in the power consumption is 50% to 70%.

Solution 2: Self-consumption with a battery-storage system and zero export

This system is equipped with a storage system so that a larger proportion of the consumed power can be covered by electric current from the customer's own PV system. It also requires an intelligent battery or hybrid inverter that can regulate the power. 1 Sunny Island 6.0H or 8.0H can be installed as the battery inverter.
Information: The Sunny Boy Smart Energy 3.6 / 4.0 / 5.0 / 6.0 and the Sunny Tripower Smart Energy 5.0 / 6.0 / 8.0 / 10.0 can also be operated as a battery inverter.

As an alternative to an intelligent PV inverter and an additional battery inverter, an intelligent hybrid inverter such as Sunny Boy Smart Energy 3.6 / 4.0 / 5.0 / 6.0 or Sunny Tripower Smart Energy 5.0 / 6.0 / 8.0 / 10.0 may be used.

In a typical household, the proportion of self-generated solar power in total consumption after installing such a battery system ranges from 50% to 100%.

Solution 3: Retrofit a Battery-Storage System for Self-consumption with Zero Export in Existing PV Systems

If a PV inverter from another manufacturer (a feed-in system whose feed-in tariff has expired) is installed in the existing system, or if the existing inverter cannot be regulated, the system can be upgraded to a zero-export system by adding a battery system. Any PV inverter can be used in the system in combination with a compatible battery. 1 Sunny Island 6.0H or 8.0H must be installed as the battery inverter. The proportion of self-generated energy in the power consumption is 50% to 100%.