Short answer
Does the 70% export limit apply to every PV system in Appenzell Innerrhoden?
In the SAK grid area, a newly assessed or technically modified PV system is generally limited to 70% of installed DC module capacity at the house connection. For owners in Appenzell Innerrhoden, the decision therefore depends not only on module area but also on inverter settings, fail-safe energy management and SAK’s technical connection application.
Important
As of 31 July 2026, the 70% rule is a SAK requirement for its grid area, not a canton-wide identical rule for every address in Appenzell Innerrhoden. It limits export at the house connection; where grid reinforcement is needed, SAK may additionally set a lower temporary export capacity until completion.
At a glance
Key figures: PV export limitation AI
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard limit | 70% of installed DC panel capacity |
| Triggers | TAG from 1 January 2026 or technical modification |
| Grid-supportive curtailment | up to 3% of annual energy |
| SAK implementation | fixed inverter setting or fail-safe EMS |
| Grid reinforcement | can take from 2 months to several years |
Decision points
What determines the right path.
The trigger date is specific: SAK’s requirement applies to systems whose technical connection application has been assessed from 1 January 2026. A quote that does not establish this TAG status can therefore miss the required inverter or EMS setting.
The 70% requirement relates to DC panel capacity and the house connection, not to an arbitrarily chosen AC inverter rating. The SAK layout must therefore state installed module capacity clearly so maximum export can be parameterised correctly.
The technology choice has a fixed safety condition: SAK permits either a fixed inverter limitation or an energy-management system. If the EMS fails, the specified maximum export capacity must not be exceeded; a control value planned only in software is insufficient without a fail-safe concept.
For existing systems, the limit is not only a new-build issue. SAK names newly installed inverters as well as extensions or renewals; the limit then applies to the entire system behind the same metering circuit or to all metering circuits within a cumulative measurement.
Grid-supportive use is limited, but not unlimited: SAK’s technical conditions permit curtailment at the connection point of up to 3% of annually generated energy for grid-supportive flexibility use without the producer’s consent and without compensation. Above 1,200 metres above sea level, a lower limit may be required where the 70% limit demonstrably curtails more than 3% of annual energy.
The desired export capacity can change the schedule: if the house connection is too small, SAK must reinforce the service line and/or upstream grid. The grid-connection customer bears the service-line reinforcement, while SAK finances the upstream grid; until completion, which SAK says can take from two months to several years, a lower export capacity may apply.
Sequence
How the project stays cleanly managed.
- 1
Set system size and operating objective before the TAGdetermine module capacity, self-consumption, grid export and the remuneration model with the system supplier. SAK links this choice to the metering arrangement and does not assess it only after installation.
- 2
Submit the technical connection application to SAKthe TAG is completed through ElektroForm online and assessed by SAK. For the 70% rule, record whether assessment is from 1 January 2026 or whether an existing system is technically modified.
- 3
Define the export limit in the execution diagramthe electrical installer files the installation notice with execution diagram and defined metering arrangement with SAK. The 70% limit at the house connection and the selected inverter or EMS solution belong together there.
- 4
Decide on grid reinforcement before orderingif the grid connection is insufficient for the registered export capacity, SAK requires an installation notice, an assessed connection application and a signed grid-connection agreement. Plan for a lower export capacity until reinforcement is completed.
- 5
Parameterise and build the system in line with the TAGcontractors carry out the installation according to SAK’s assessment, permits and technical rules. With EMS control, the fault case must also ensure that the maximum permitted export is not exceeded.
- 6
Complete metering, test record and safety certificateafter installation work, the electrical installer orders the energy meter from SAK. For commissioning, the owner and system supplier confirm in the test record that settings comply with SAK’s technical conditions; the safety certificates are sent to SAK.
Checklist
Questions to settle before the quote.
- Check whether the technical connection application is assessed from 1 January 2026 or whether an inverter is replaced, extended or renewed
- Include 70% of the installed DC module capacity at the house connection in the inverter or EMS design
- For an EMS solution, define the safe state in the event of failure: the maximum export capacity must not be exceeded then either
- Clarify with SAK before installation whether grid reinforcement is needed and whether a lower limit applies until it is completed
FAQ
More questions: PV export limitation AI
Sources
Official sources & references.
The responsible authorities are decisive. Always verify binding details – amounts, deadlines and conditions – for your specific property against the current status of the respective authority.
- Produce, consume and share electricity yourselfSt.Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG (SAK)
- Technical conditions for energy-generating installations, valid from 1 January 2026St.Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG (SAK)
- ElCom newsletter 12/2025: curtailing existing PV systemsSwiss Federal Electricity Commission ElCom
- Energy and Water Supply Appenzell technical conditionsAppenzell Fire Inspection Municipality, Energy and Water Supply