DNO (District Network Operator) Permissions for Solar Panel Installations

Who is my DNO and How do I Apply?

A DNO, or a District Network Operator, is a company in your residential area which is licensed to distribute electricity throughout the UK. The DNO companies own and operate a network of tower cables, transformers, and meters which transmit electricity from the national transmission network to homes, businesses, and communities throughout the UK.

Within mainland UK there are 14 licensed DNOs which are owned by 6 separate groups each covering a specific part of the UK. In addition there are DNOs for the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

If you are ever unaware of who your local DNO is, you can simply enter your postcode into the Energy Network Association's (ENA) website or click your region on the map below.

UK District Network Operators

When and why do I need a DNO?

If you decide to make the eco jump and are planning to have a solar panel system installed, or any form of energy which needs to be connected to the National Grid, you need to inform your local DNO. It doesn't matter whether your energy installation is for home or a business, your DNO has to be made aware in order to monitor and precisely calculate the amount of energy required. Installations which require a DNO notification include;

• ⚡ Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels
• ⚡ EV Charging Points
• ⚡ Battery Storage
• ⚡ Heat Pumps

Where do I apply?

With every application there is a rather long waiting time, this is due to the recent demand in solar energy. From first application to completion of commission, the DNO process will take up to three months. Whilst this may seem like a very long time, the long-term saving from solar installation is well worth the wait.

How long until I can start getting my money?

With every application there is a rather long waiting time, this is due to the recent demand in solar energy. From first application to completion of commission, the DNO process will take up to three months. Whilst this may seem like a very long time, the long-term savings from solar installations are well worth the wait.

How much will this cost me?

The overall cost of the DNO itself is subject to the DNO provider. Whilst some will charge for a witness testimony of roughly £360, others will charge depending on The Electricity Connect Charges Regulation (ECCR) and any reinforcement work which can be anything north of £1000.

The G98 application does not cost anything, but the G99 can be anything from £250 upwards. However, once again this is subject to the DNO provider and if any ECCR charges are involved.

The life time of this DNO is dependent upon the application and what it entails. Therefore, it can last 3 months, 6 months or 12 months. However, prior to the DNO being commissioned, the validity period of the approval can be anything from 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months.

Which type of DNO will I need?

There are three types of DNO applications which you can apply for. All three are dependent upon the system you are installing;

G98 Applications:

The G98 application, which is typically known as a 'connect and notify' is mandatory if you have a small system installed which connects generation equipment up to 16A per phase (3.68kw). No permission from the DNO is required as there should be an adequate electricity supply and therefore your chosen installer can go ahead and begin the installation, although, there must be a notification made to your DNO within 28 days of installation.

G99 Applications:

If the system being installed is considered a large-scale solar system, meaning between 16A and 200A (46kw), then it will require approval before installation. This is due to the DNO checking whether the local distributor of the installation property can handle the additional kw. The process of the G99 DNO is a bit unpredictable with timing as it can take anywhere from a few hours, 24 hours or up to 45 working days for low voltage and 65 days for high voltage.

G100 Applications:

Sometimes the G99 application can be returned to the customer stating that the system's export must be limited, then a G100 application needs to be filled out. If this is required, a supplementary cost of £300-£700 is needed, and installation time will increase as an additional device is added to the system - a limitation device.

What will happen if I do not apply?

If you decide to go ahead with your installation without permission from the grid it may result in being responsible for causing excess loads going back into the grid. This is a breach of Local Authority regulations. Additionally, if you are seen to have been installed without prior approval, there is the risk of being told to remove the entire system and potentially face a hefty fine. Therefore, getting a DNO approval, which is basically completed for you, is the much favourable decision.

What do I do next?

Once the DNO has been approved and commissioned by the installing company, you will receive either an approval letter or email. Some DNOs will also supply you with an Export MPAN number (Meter Point Administration Number), whereas others require you to obtain the number from your energy supplier.

After you have had your handover and received your MCS certificate, you can start selling to the grid and receiving payment, a well-deserved reward for this long process.

For more information on how you can connect your solar panel system to the National Grid and the benefits you can get out of it, call us on 0333 0020 720 today to speak to a friendly advisor or fill out our contact form and we will call you back.