What Is a DNO Application for Solar Panels and Battery Storage?

If you are considering solar panels or battery storage for your home or business, you may come across the term DNO application.

It is an important part of connecting renewable energy technology to the electricity network, but it is not something you need to manage alone.

At ZenGen, we can take care of the appropriate DNO application or notification as part of your installation.

What does DNO mean?

DNO stands for Distribution Network Operator.

The Distribution Network Operator is responsible for the electricity distribution network that carries electricity to homes and businesses within a particular area.

When you install solar panels, battery storage or another form of electricity generation, your property may not only consume electricity from the network. Depending on the system, it may also be capable of exporting electricity back into it.

Because of this, the network operator needs to know about certain installations and, depending on the system, may need to approve the connection before it goes ahead.

Do solar panels need a DNO application?

Solar PV systems connected to the electricity network need to follow the appropriate connection procedure.

Exactly what is required depends on factors including the size of the system, the electrical supply to the property and the equipment being installed.

Two terms you are likely to see are G98 and G99.

What is G98?

G98 covers certain smaller, fully type-tested generation systems connected to the low-voltage electricity network.

This commonly applies to smaller residential solar installations and can also apply to compatible battery storage systems.

For qualifying installations, the process is generally simpler than for larger systems, but the installation still needs to meet the relevant requirements and the network operator must receive the appropriate information.

What is G99?

G99 covers generation installations that fall outside the relevant G98 criteria.

This can include larger solar installations, higher-capacity systems and many commercial solar projects.

With these installations, approval from the Distribution Network Operator may be required before the system can be connected.

The DNO may consider factors such as the proposed generation capacity, export capacity and the ability of the local electricity network to accommodate the installation.

What about battery storage?

Battery storage also needs to be considered as part of the network connection process.

Modern battery systems can charge from solar generation or the grid and may also have the ability to export electricity.

This means the solar panels and battery cannot always be considered separately when assessing the property’s potential generation and export capacity.

Choosing an experienced installer helps ensure the complete system is considered correctly from the beginning.

Why is the DNO process important?

The electricity network has been designed to operate within defined technical limits.

As more properties install solar panels, batteries, EV chargers and other electrical technologies, managing what is connected to the network becomes increasingly important.

The DNO process helps ensure that new generation equipment can operate safely alongside the existing electricity network.

It can also identify whether any additional requirements apply before a proposed solar installation is connected.

Do I have to complete the DNO paperwork myself?

Not when you choose ZenGen.

As part of the installation process, we can identify the appropriate DNO route for your proposed system and handle the necessary application or notification.

That means less paperwork for you and one less part of the solar installation process to worry about.

From designing the system and selecting the equipment through to installation, commissioning and the relevant network paperwork, our aim is to make moving to solar as straightforward as possible.

Planning solar in Yorkshire?

Whether you are considering solar for your home or looking at a larger commercial solar installation, getting the system design and network connection process right from the beginning is important.

ZenGen provides solar PV and battery storage installations throughout West and North Yorkshire, with the technical knowledge to help guide your project from initial design through to completion.

Thinking about solar? Speak to ZenGen today and find out what could work for your property.

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