When installing your solar PV and battery systems, securing permission from your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) is a crucial step in the process. On occasion you may be restricted by your DNO for what you can generate or export.
With upgrades being made to the grid all the time, you may be wondering if the decision made at installation is your final decision or if you can reapply. The simple answer is yes you can reapply and in many cases it is worthwhile to do so.
Grid Stability Matters: Why DNOs Limit Capacity
DNOs manage the local electricity grid, ensuring stability and safety for everyone. If your solar inverter has a capacity greater than 3.68kW, permission must be granted before installation using a G99 application.
Your DNO will assess your application using worse-case scenario situations – can local grid infrastructure support extra power at full capacity. If your local substations and transformer isn’t strong enough to accommodate the extra export your DNO will limit your system capacity. Your installer will manage this for you and organise your solar inverter settings so they comply with any restrictions in place from your DNO.
When Can You Reapply to Your DNO?
The grid is constantly being upgraded to meet growing demand and support microgeneration (home solar installations) meaning if you were initially restricted, reapplying in the future can result in your restrictions being changed or removed completely. You can reapply at any time, but at SolarTherm UK we recommend waiting a minimum of a year unless you have seen substantial work being carried out on your local grid infrastructure. If your system was installed more than five years ago, it’s worth reapplying as the chances are your local DNO have carried out some major upgrades in that time.
Most importantly, your DNO cannot revoke any previous capacity granted, so even if you are refused additional capacity, you won’t lose the capacity you already have.
What Can I do if I’m Granted More Capacity?
If your DNO reapplication is successful and you are granted more capacity, your next steps will depend on the solar inverter you have and it’s settings. If your granted a higher export limit, your installer can adjust the inverter software, allowing for the higher rate. If your generation capacity increases, you may require a new solar inverter depending on the capacity of your initial inverter capacity. Some solar inverters have the ability to adjust the software remotely without the need to change anything on site.
Future Proof Your Solar and Battery Systems
If you are in the process of choosing your solar PV system and battery capacity, speak to an expert like SolarTherm UK to discuss your future energy requirements. If you plan on installing a heat pump or EV charger at a later date, the system we design for you can take into account estimates on future energy needs and even if your DNO initially restricts capacity preventing you installing these extras immediately, your system will be ready to go as soon as your DNO grants you permission.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free bespoke design package, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice backed by MCS-certified quality, EPVS-accredited estimates and HIES insurance backed guarantees.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
