Prevent subordinate traders from selling Energy Cells

[Duddin]

Like title says. I have a station that makes processed goods, which I have an attached Solar Panel to it to make it self sufficent and not need to purchase energy cells. However, when I am trying to export goods with my subordinate traders they are taking JUST the energy cells when they leave. I have attempted to go into their behavior and remove enegy cells from their AutoTrade, but the commander automatically puts it back after they dock with the station.

Any suggestions on how to prevent them exporting energy cells and focus on exporting more expensive goods? I am okay with the station selling enegy cells to ships that dock with it, but want my traders to stop picking them up.

EDIT:

I figured it out. Under Logistical Overview of the station, ticking the 'Restrict trade with other factions' will not allow it to be sold. For some reason I was thinking it would only allow you to trade with allies for some reason. Its pretty much an all or nothing situation. The other option is to raise the price so high no one will buy it. I wish there was something in the middle.

[Harrison]

This is why I decided to use a dedicated E-cell station. It's nothing fancy; just a 3M/6S landing pad, the solar panels, and a small container storage. It has a few traders assigned to it and it feeds the two refineries I have nearby and the surplus goes to NPC stations in the same sector. When my energy need surpasses it's current ability, I'll slap another solar panel on.

Self sufficent is all well and good but unless you plan to build a station that uses every one of the 12,000 per hour e-cells, you're only hurting your bottom line.