Installing solar panels is an exciting step towards lowering your energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint, but it comes with many questions and uncertainties about what happens after installation – particularly whether you need to contact your energy supplier.
The short answer is yes, in most cases you do need to notify your energy supplier, especially if you plan to export surplus electricity to the grid. Below, SolarTherm UK explains exactly what you need to do, why it matters and how simple the process really is.
Why Your Energy Supplier Needs to Know
When you install solar PV, you’re essentially becoming a miniature power generator. If you want to receive payment for any surplus energy you export, or simply ensure your installation is registered correctly, you energy supplier must be informed.
Here’s why it matters:
To join an export payment scheme
If you want to earn money for the electricity you are exporting back to the grid, you’ll need to sign up for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Every SEG provider requires your solar installation to be officially registered and DNO approval received before they accept you onto their tariff.
For accurate energy billing
Your energy usage will change once your solar panels are generating power. Your supplier may need to update your meter information, especially if you don’t yet have a smart meter and your current meter isn’t capable of measuring export.
To ensure legal compliance
Most UK domestic solar systems fall under G98 or G99 regulations, which your installer will notify to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). This is separate from notifying your supplier but both are equally important to receive your SEG payments.
Do I Need to Tell My Supplier Before the Installation?
Usually not, your installer will handle everything to do with your DNO application. You only need to notify your energy supplier after installation , unless you want to join a SEG tariff immediately or you’re advised to do so by your installer due to unusual site conditions or a larger system.
What Your Energy Supplier Will Ask For
To register your system or apply for SEG, your supplier will typically request:
- MCS certificate
- DNO confirmation letter
- Commissioning certificate
- Details of your inverter and system capacity
- Smart meter status
SolarTherm UK will provide all the required documents in your Handover Pack on completion and commissioning of your installation.
What If I Don’t Plan to Export Energy?
You’re not required to join SEG, however, your supplier may still want to know you’ve installed solar because it affects your import behaviour and may change how your meter is managed.
Do I Need a Smart Meter to Get Export Payments?
Yes – to receive SEG payments, you must have a meter that can measure exported electricity. If you don’t currently have one, your supplier will install a smart meter free of charge.
How SolarTherm UK Makes This Easy
We handle all the technical notifications and provide you with every document your supplier will request. Once your system is installed and commissioned:
- We register your system with the DNO
- You’ll receive your MCS certificate and commissioning documents
- You can then send the pack to your chosen SEG provider and start earning from your surplus solar generation
It’s quick, simple and ensures you get the maximum benefit from your solar investment.
Final Takeaway
Yes, you should tell your energy supplier when you get solar panels, especially if you want to be paid for your surplus solar electricity. While it may sound like another task on your list, SolarTherm UK makes sure the process is smooth by providing all necessary paperwork and guidance after your installation.
Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?
Contact SolarTherm UK 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.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
