B · Glossary
Backfeed
Also known as back-feed, backfeeding, back feeding
Backfeed is electricity flowing from an on-site source back towards a circuit, consumer unit or electricity network rather than only from the grid supply to a load; in home energy it matters because solar, battery and vehicle-to-home systems can create two-way power flow.
Backfeed is electricity flowing from a source on the property side back towards a circuit, consumer unit or distribution network instead of only flowing from the grid supply to a load. In home energy documents it usually appears around PV inverters, battery storage, vehicle-to-home equipment or generator connections where power can flow in either direction. The term matters because protective devices, isolators and loss-of-mains protection must be suitable for a circuit that may be supplied from more than one direction.
Category
Electrical fundamentals
Applies to
Solar, Battery storage, EV charging, Heat pumps & AC
Last reviewed
12 Jun 2026