G98 Notification: Form, DNO Process and UK Timeline Explained
- Confirming Whether a System Requires G98 Notification
- Completing the G98 Notification Form
- G98 Notification Period and UK DNO Timeline
- After a G98 Notification Has Been Submitted
- Updating G98 Records When a Home Energy System Changes
- Planning Solar and Battery Storage Around Grid Requirements
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Installing solar panels, battery storage or another small generating system in Great Britain can require the local electricity network operator to be informed about equipment that will operate in parallel with the grid. For qualifying small installations, this is normally handled through a G98 notification rather than a full pre-connection application.
The process is relatively straightforward, but homeowners can still encounter unfamiliar terms such as DNO, MPAN, Type Test records and commissioning forms. Timing also matters because a qualifying installation must be notified after it has been commissioned rather than simply left for the homeowner to deal with later.
This guide explains when G98 applies, what information goes on a G98 notification form, the notification period of 28 days, consequences of submitting a notification form and how a later upgrade of solar or battery storage for an existing solar home can impact an existing grid-connection record.
Confirming Whether a System Requires G98 Notification
The installer should first determine if the generation proposed will be within the G98 route before preparing paperwork. It is the connection voltage, total generation capability, and if the equipment meets the necessary Type Testing requirements.
Grid-connected generation covered by a G98 notification
Engineering Recommendation G98 is for qualifying microgenerators connected in parallel with the public low voltage distribution network. Typical household examples of these include smaller solar PV rooftop installations, and electricity storage can be considered as smaller installations as the DNO sees electricity storage as both demand and generation for network purposes. (Energy Networks)
This is because the G98 notification isn't about whether the homeowner has solar panels installed, but about how the equipment interacts with the electricity network. The appropriate generating units shall be connected at low voltage and shall comply with the technical requirements of G98.
The 16A-per-phase threshold for the standard G98 route
The G98 process is applicable for standard single premises applications with a total registered capacity of not more than 16A per phase. This equates to about 3.68kW on 230V single phase or 11.04kW on 400V three phase.
It is the word combined is important. If multiple inverter-connected generating or storage devices are installed at the same site, the total capacity of all the devices should be evaluated instead of each device individually. An individual inverter can be below the limit, but the total installation could be over the limit.
Often, the DNO will not require approval of the system before it is connected for a qualifying G98 installation at one premises. The installer, however, commissions the equipment that complies with the requirement and then carries out the required notification procedure.
Installation characteristics that may require a different DNO connection process
The simple G98 pathway is not suitable for all small renewable-energy projects. Generation exceeding the 16A per phase limit or equipment that does not meet the applicable G98 Type Testing requirements or a configuration whose total generating capacity exceeds the microgenerator definition may require a G99 connection process.
The availability of existing equipment is also of importance. The total generation configuration viewed by the network can vary as a result of adding another inverter, solar capacity, or battery storage. It is therefore the installer's responsibility to evaluate the entire site and not just the new device.
Before installation, verify the route of connection to ensure the correct paperwork is submitted. After establishing G98 eligibility, the information required to complete the notification (property, MPAN, DNO and inverter information) will need to be gathered.
Completing the G98 Notification Form
Once the site information, MPAN and inverter information is completed, the installer can proceed to complete the G98 notification form. Accuracy is important as the DNO then uses the information provided to identify the premises, make a record of the connected generating equipment, and to ensure the installation is being carried out along the correct G98 route.
Customer and installation information entered on the g98 notification form
The form provides for general information regarding the customer and the installation location. This typically contains the customer's name, address, postcode, contact information and the MPAN of the electricity supply. These details should be confirmed by the installer with the actual connection point as opposed to being copied from a previous quotation.
The installation section also specifies the kind of generation that is being connected and the date of commissioning. ENA guidance calls for the Installation Commissioning Confirmation to be submitted by the installer upon installation and commissioning of the generating equipment.
If the DNO has accurate information about the site, they can correctly add the generation to their network records and minimize the potential for follow-up queries.
Generator and inverter specifications recorded for the DNO
The technical part of the G98 notification form contains information about the generating units used at the premises. This may include the generation technology, inverter manufacturer and model, the registered capacity, number of generation units and the relevant Type Test reference, in the case of an inverter-connected solar system.
If multiple generating units are installed, the information provided should be for the entire installed configuration. This is significant as G98 eligibility is based on the whole generation connected at the premises, not the rating of any single component.
Depending on the DNO's submission process, supporting information, typically in the form of a schematic or circuit diagram, may be required.
Commissioning details and installer declarations required for submission
The last section of the form lists acceptance of the installation and the completion of the appropriate checks by the installer. The installer fills in their information and certifies that the equipment and connection comply with G98 requirements.
The commissioning date is particularly relevant as it is a date from which the G98 notification date starts. The single premises process will require the DNO to be sent the Installation Commissioning Confirmation within 28 days of the Commissioning.
The completed form and the information collected are the first steps; thereafter, it's about timing. The 28-day submission requirement and what homeowners and installers can expect during the DNO review process is explained in the next section.
G98 Notification Period and UK DNO Timeline
Commissioning the system is one thing, but it is after that time that the timing of submission becomes important. G98 adopts a connect and notify approach for qualifying single installation premises, the installation can normally proceed, after commissioning, the DNO is then to be notified within a period of time and with information specified in G98.
The 28-day g98 notification period uk after commissioning
In the case of a qualifying G98 installation, the installer will need to report the installation to the DNO within 28 days of the commissioning of the generating unit. Important to note – this period includes the day of commissioning.
The 28-day G98 notification period uk therefore begins when the system is actually commissioned, not when the equipment is purchased, delivered or first proposed. The required information is normally submitted through the Installation Document associated with G98.
The process permits installation before notification, but the deadline needs not to be taken lightly. The DNO's network records accurately reflect the generation already operating on site if submissions are made in a timely fashion.
Installer responsibilities during the g98 notification period uk dno process
During the G98 notification period UK DNO process, responsibility for submitting the installation details normally sits with the installer. Government guidance states that installation contractors following a connect-and-notify route should send the relevant G98 documentation to the DNO within 28 days of installation, while the device owner should make sure the DNO has actually been notified.
The installer should check that the information submitted matches the commissioned system, including the site details, inverter specification, registered capacity and applicable Type Test reference.
Homeowners should also ask for confirmation that the g98 notification has been submitted rather than assuming this has happened automatically as part of the installation.
Submission, review and possible queries within the g98 notification timeline uk dno
The G98 notification timeline UK DNO is not the end date of sending the form. The DNO acknowledges and evaluates the information provided. In the guidance notes of the Government, it will be said that the DNO can contact the installer if the submission is done wrong or more information is needed.
The post-submission response time is not the same for all DNOs and for every simple G98 case. The critical time for the G98 notification timeline UK is the installer's 28-day submission deadline; after that, it can be a matter of how complete the information is, and the administrative process of the DNO.
Giving correct data the first time can therefore minimize the number of queries that are avoidable. When the notification has gone to the network operator, the next step is to know what it does and what record of it or installation the homeowner should keep.
After a G98 Notification Has Been Submitted
Submitting the paperwork is not quite the end of the process. The network operator must still document the installation, and if there are any omissions or inconsistencies with the information, they may reach out to the installer. It is important therefore that homeowners regard confirmation and record-keeping as part of the G98 notification procedure and do not assume that it is complete once the form is sent.
DNO review of the submitted generation details
After receiving the g98 notification, the DNO assesses the information supplied for the installation and updates its records for the property. According to government guidance, the DNO will review a connect-and-notify submission and inform the installer if it is done incorrectly.
The review can include an inspection of the property and MPAN, registered generation capacity, model and Type Test information of the inverter. These records are needed by the DNO to know what and how much generation and storage equipment is connected throughout their network and to manage the electricity flows safely.
This stage is not so much about providing retrospective permission to install a G98 system, but about recording and checking a system that has already been commissioned and is now ready for use.
Corrections or additional information requested after an incomplete notification
The DNO may request correction or supplementation of the G98 notification form submitted, if the form's information is incorrect or if important information is omitted. This could happen if the inverter model does not match the Type Test reference, the MPAN is incorrect, or the recorded generating capacity does not correspond with the installed equipment.
Quick response will prevent inaccuracy in the network records and cause no problems if the homeowner later wishes to install more solar panels, replace an inverter, or install battery storage.
Government guidance also states that where the equipment is not designated as Type Tested, the DNO may also seek additional evidence of compliance with the relevant G98 or G99 requirement.
G98 acknowledgement and installation records homeowners should retain
Homeowners should request proof from the installer that the G98 notification was successfully submitted and keep any acknowledgment or correspondence from the DNO. G98 does not necessarily mean a standard consumer-facing certificate as with an MCS certificate; the useful record might be an email, confirmation of submission, or other correspondence from the DNO.
Also good practice would be to keep the inverter specification, Type Test data, commissioning records and any electrical/MCS certificates provided during installation. It is clear from government guidance that it is the responsibility of the owner of the energy device to ensure that the DNO has in fact received the required notification.
These records are particularly valuable when the energy system is altered at a later date. When the existing G98 record might require an update, there is a need to understand that there is a possibility that the configuration recorded by the DNO may change, for example, if the inverter is replaced, solar capacity increased or battery storage added.
Updating G98 Records When a Home Energy System Changes
A G98 notification is obtained to represent the generation equipment and connection configuration at the time of commissioning. Homeowners who later adjust that system should not expect the original record to be inclusive of the new configuration of the network. As per UK Gov guidance, the DNO will be notified of any major changes to an electricity connection, such as solar PV and battery storage.
Inverter replacement and alterations to previously notified generation
It might seem like a small change, replacing a failed inverter with a similar (or technically identical) inverter, but a DNO should be asked if the DNO record needs to be updated. The technical information previously provided in the G98 notification may vary if the replacement is with a different model, output rating, and/or Type Test reference.
This is important especially if the inverter replacing it has a higher registered capacity. The installer should evaluate the revised installation and not rely on the fact that the previous notification may be adequate to meet the current G98/G99 connection requirements.
It is much easier to make this assessment with the original DNO acknowledgment, inverter specifications and commissioning documents on hand.
Additional solar capacity affecting an existing grid connection
If the existing PV converter is not replaced, the AC generation capacity may not be changed by adding more PV panels, but even so, it should be evaluated as part of the overall installation.
When adding another inverter, the size of the new inverter needs to be taken into account with the existing equipment at the property. The combined generation can continue in the regular G98 process or can switch to an apply-to-connect process (G99).
Government guidance therefore stipulates that installers should consider the proposed energy device and connection and determine whether they should report it to the DNO before or after installation.
Battery or inverter expansion that may change the applicable connection route
Battery storage can be particularly important since battery storage is considered to be an energy device and requires registration with the DNO if connected to the grid. If installing a new battery inverter, the overall import, generation or export characteristics of the property may change, especially if the new battery inverter is installed in parallel with an existing solar inverter.
The project may proceed via a connect and notify pathway or the project may need to be approved under G99 prior to connection. There is also a fast-track G99 procedure for some Fully Type Tested integrated microgeneration-and-storage systems.
Therefore, the first step in solar or battery expansion should be a new grid-connection assessment and not just an old G98 notification. This is the basis on which the storage capacity and equipment are planned based on the requirements of the property and its surrounding distribution network.
Planning Solar and Battery Storage Around Grid Requirements
After an existing solar system has been assessed, and the correct DNO solar connection has been identified, the homeowner would be able to determine the optimal level of storage and generation for the site. The order is important because the type of battery should be determined based upon an electrical and grid assessment and not to fit an already-purchased connection design.
Grid-connection checks before expanding from solar to home battery storage
Prior to installing battery storage, the installer should check the property's existing solar inverter, existing DNO records, existing supply arrangement and proposed battery inverter capacity. If the home already has a G98 notification, the original documentation will be a handy starting point; however, it should NOT be assumed to automatically cover later equipment.
This configuration should be taken into account by the installer and will include the overall system operating at the premises, existing generation and any new inverter-connected storage. The updated configuration can still be a connect-and-notify route or may need to be approved by the DNO with respect to G99.
Battery capacity should also be chosen around practical energy use rather than grid limits alone. Choosing the right solar battery size can provide household consumption, surplus solar generation, and evening demand influence useful storage capacity.
EcoFlow STREAM 5000 for households planning solar and storage together
For households that do not yet have solar panels and want to design generation and storage as one coordinated project, EcoFlow STREAM 5000 provides a suitable home-energy option. Planning both elements together allows the installer to assess PV capacity, inverter output, storage requirements and the relevant DNO connection route before commissioning.
STREAM 5000 does not replace the need for the appropriate DNO, electrical or renewable-installation requirements. Its inverter and system configuration should be assessed as part of the complete connection before installation.
EcoFlow STREAM 5000 AC for existing solar homes adding battery storage
Homes that already have rooftop solar need a different approach because the existing generation arrangement has already been commissioned and recorded with the DNO. EcoFlow STREAM 5000 AC is designed for this retrofit scenario, allowing battery storage to be added to an established solar installation rather than requiring the PV system to be planned again from the beginning.
Conclusion
A G98 notification is an important part of connecting qualifying small-scale generation to the electricity network in Great Britain. For systems that are still within the standard G98 limits, the process is normally as follows: Installation and commissioning first, then notify the relevant DNO within the required time.
The important thing is to be sure of eligibility prior to installation, and to have the required information ready. The details of properties, MPAN information, inverter specifications, Type Test reference, and commissioning records all contribute to ensuring that the G98 notification form can be completed accurately. Installers should also be mindful of the G98 notification period in the UK, as the standard notification process will mandate that the DNO receives the required information within 28 days of commissioning.
Once this process is over, homeowners should keep submission confirmations, DNO correspondence and technical records. These documents are especially helpful if solar capacity is added, an inverter is replaced or battery storage is added later, as changes to the original system may warrant a new connection assessment.
FAQs
Is there usually a fee for submitting a G98 notification?
For a standard qualifying G98 notification, homeowners would not normally expect a separate DNO application charge simply for submitting the post-installation notification. The installer usually completes and submits the required paperwork on the customer's behalf.
However, costs can arise if the project needs network studies, reinforcement or a different connection route. These situations are more commonly associated with larger or more complex generation rather than a straightforward single-premises G98 installation.
Can a homeowner check whether a previous installer submitted the G98 paperwork?
Yes. Start by checking the installation documents for a DNO acknowledgment, submission confirmation or correspondence relating to the G98 notification. If nothing is available, the homeowner can contact the relevant DNO with the property address and MPAN and ask whether the generation is recorded.
Government guidance makes the device owner responsible for ensuring the DNO has received the required notification, so it is sensible to resolve missing records before expanding or altering an existing system.
Does a G98 notification automatically qualify a solar system for export payments?
No, completing a G98 notification records the qualifying generating system with the DNO, but it does not automatically enroll the homeowner in the Smart Export Guarantee.
To receive SEG payments, the generator must apply to a participating SEG licensee and meet that supplier's eligibility requirements. Ofgem also requires eligible exports to be measured, and installations may need suitable certification depending on their size and circumstances.
Can home battery storage be installed without installing solar panels?
Yes, a home battery can charge from grid electricity without solar panels, making battery-only storage possible. Energy Saving Trust notes that batteries can be charged during cheaper time-of-use periods and the electricity used later. (Energy Saving Trust)
Before installing battery-only storage:
Check household electricity use and suitable battery capacity.
Compare off-peak and peak electricity tariffs.
Confirm electrical and DNO connection requirements with the installer.
Where the system falls within a connect-and-notify arrangement, a G98 notification may form part of the network process.
Can a battery storage system provide backup power during a grid outage?
Yes, but only when the battery and electrical installation are specifically designed for backup operation. Having stored electricity does not guarantee that household circuits will continue operating during a power cut.
Homeowners should confirm:
whether the system supports backup or off-grid output;
which essential circuits can remain powered;
how battery capacity compares with expected outage demand.
A G98 notification or other DNO connection record deals with grid connection and should not be confused with backup capability.