Installing a solar PV system is one of the best ways to reduce your electricity bills, increase your energy independence and lower your home’s carbon footprint. However, many homeowners are unsure what happens after their solar panels have been installed – particularly whether they need to inform their energy supplier.
The good news is that the process is straightforward. In most cases, yes, you should tell your energy supplier, especially if you plan to export surplus electricity to the National Grid and want to receive payments through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
At SolarTherm UK, we’ve helped homeowners across the South East and East Anglia install high quality solar PV systems for over 16 years. As an MCS certified and NICEIC approved installers, we guide our customers through every stage of the process, including providing all the documentation needed once the installation is complete.
Why Does Your Energy Supplier Need to Know?
Once your solar panels are generating electricity, your property is no longer just consuming energy – it may also be exporting surplus electricity to the grid. Informing your supplier ensures your account is set up correctly and allows you to benefit from available export tariffs.
To Receive Smart Export Guarantess (SEG) Payments
If your system produces more electricity than your home is using, the surplus can be exported to the grid. By joining a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff, your energy supplier pays you for every unit of electricity you export. Before they can activate these payments, they’ll usually require confirmation that your installation has been completed by an MCS certified installer and has the necessary Distribution Network Operator (DNO) approval.
To Ensure Accurate Energy Billing
Installing solar panels changes how much electricity you import from the grid. Your supplier may need to update your account and ensure your meter is suitable for recording both imported and exported electricity. If you don’t already have a smart meter, they’ll normally arrange one free of charge if you want to receive export payments.
To Keep Your Records Up to Date
Notifying your supplier helps ensure your property details are accurate, preventing issues with future billing or tariff changes.
What About the Distribution Network Operator (DNO)?
Many homeowners confuse their energy supplier with their local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), but they perform different roles. Your DNO manages the electricity network in your area, while your energy supplier handles your electricity account and billing.
Most domestic solar installations are registered under G98 regulations, while larger or more complex systems may require G99 approval before installation. The good news is that SolarTherm UK takes care of the DNO notification or application on your behalf, so you don’t need to worry about the technical side of the process.
Do I Need to Tell My Supplier Before Installation?
Usually, no. Your installer will deal with the necessary technical notifications before or immediately after installation, depending on the type of system being installed. You’ll normally contract your energy supplier afterwards if you wish to:
- Apply for a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff
- Arrange a smart meter if required
- Update your account with your new solar PV system
- Change to a smart tariff or solar tariff
What Information Will My Supplier Ask For?
When applying for an export tariff, your supplier will usually request:
- MCS Certificate
- DNO notification or approval confirmation
- Commissioning certificate
- Inverter details
- Total system capacity
- Confirmation that you have a compatible smart meter
Every SolarTherm UK customer receives a comprehensive Handover Pack containing all the documentation required, making the application process simple.
What If I Don’t Want to Export Electricity?
You don’t have to join a Smart Export Guarantee tariff. Some homeowners choose to maximise self-consumption instead by using a solar battery storage system, allowing them to store excess daytime generation for use during the evening.
Even if you don’t plan to export electricity, it’s still worth informing your supplier so your account accurately reflects your home’s energy setup.
Do I Need a Smart Meter?
If you want to receive SEG payments, the answer is almost always yes. A smart meter records exactly how much electricity your solar PV system exports to the grid, allowing your supplier to calculate your payments accurately. If you don’t already have one, your energy supplier can usually install one at no additional cost.
How SolarTherm UK Makes the Process Simple
Installing solar panels shouldn’t be complicated. Our experienced, in-house team handles the technical aspects of your installation, including DNO notifications and approval, before providing every you need to register for export payments.
Once your installation has been completed, you’ll receive:
- Your MCS certificate
- Commissioning documentation
- DNO confirmation
- System manuals and warranties
- Guidance on applying for your preferred SEG tariff
Our aim is to make your transition to renewable energy as straightforward as possible, allowing you to enjoy the financial and environmental benefits of solar without unnecessary paperwork.
Final Thoughts
Telling your energy supplier about your new solar panels is an important final step in the installation process, particularly if you want to earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee.
While there is a little paperwork involved, most of the hard work is already done by your installer. At SolarTherm UK, we provide all the documentation you’ll need and are always on hand if you have questions after your installation.
Whether you’re installing solar panels on a family home, adding solar battery storage or planning to charge an electric vehicle using your own renewable energy, if you live in Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire or the wider South East and East Anglia, SolarTherm UK is here to help.
Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – and the time you need to make an informed decision.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
While there’s no law requiring you to notify your supplier simply because you’ve installed solar panels, you’ll need to contact them if you want to receive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments. It’s also good practice to ensure your account and meter details are up to date.
Yes. As part of your installation, SolarTherm UK manages the required DNO notification or application, depending on whether your system falls under G98 or G99 regulations.
Absolutely. Having solar panels doesn’t lock you into one supplier. You can switch providers and choose whichever SEG tariff offers the best value, provided you meet their eligibility requirements.
Yes. An MCS certificate is required by almost all Smart Export Guarantee providers before they’ll pay you for exported electricity. SolarTherm UK provides this as part of your installation handover.
Yes. Many homeowners install a solar PV system first and add solar battery storage later. A battery can help you use more of the electricity your panels generate, reducing the amount you need to buy from the grid.
