G98 Application Explained: How to Notify Your DNO

If you are installing a small solar PV system, solar kit or battery storage system in the UK, understanding the G98 application process and how to notify your DNO correctly is essential. For eligible small generators, G98 is usually a notification submitted to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) after commissioning rather than a request for prior approval.

This guide explains G98 requirements, ENA Type Test Register checks, submission steps and the key information you need to complete the process successfully.

Quick answer: What is a G98 notification?

A G98 notification is the process used to inform a DNO that a small, type-tested generator has been connected to the electricity network. For most single-phase UK homes, G98 applies where generation is no more than 16A per phase, commonly described as 3.68kW per phase.

• You usually submit G98 after installation, within 28 days of commissioning.
• It is normally free to submit.
• Your inverter or generation equipment should be listed on the ENA Type Test Register.
• Your installer usually handles it, but DIY users may be able to submit it themselves.
• G98 is not the same as Smart Export Guarantee registration.
• Keep your acknowledgement, form and reference number with your solar documents.

What is a G98 application?

A G98 application is commonly used to describe the notification sent to a DNO when a small generator is connected to the UK electricity network. Strictly, for many small systems it is a notification of connection, not a request for detailed technical approval.

Your DNO needs this information so it can understand how much electricity may flow back into the local network. As more homes add solar panels, batteries and microinverters, accurate records help DNOs manage voltage, safety and network planning.

G98 as a small generator connection standard

G98 is an Engineering Recommendation covering small-scale generation connected in parallel with the public electricity network. It applies to equipment such as domestic solar inverters, microinverters and some small battery systems where the output remains within the G98 limit.

For a typical single-phase home, the key figure is 3.68kW per phase. Many solar and balcony-style systems use microinverters below the G98 limit. However, notification requirements may depend on the equipment, installation method and current DNO guidance.

The role of the Energy Networks Association

The Energy Networks Association, or ENA, publishes and maintains connection standards used by UK network operators. It also provides equipment registers that help confirm whether an inverter has been type-tested for connection under G98.

Before submitting, check your inverter model against the ENA Type Test Register. Match the exact manufacturer and model number, not just the brand name. The register entry usually includes the registered capacity and reference details needed for the form.

What G98 does not cover

A G98 notification only records the connected generator. It does not:

• Approve your installation method
• Confirm that wiring arrangements are compliant
• Make a standard 13A socket connection automatically acceptable
• Guarantee eligibility for export payments

G98 also does not replace other requirements, such as Building Regulations, Part P obligations, MCS certification where applicable, or BS 7671 wiring rules.

For solar systems, always check the full installation requirements before connecting equipment to your home electricity supply.

Do you need G98 or G99?

Whether you need G98 or G99 depends mainly on your system size, equipment type and connection requirements. The table below summarises the key differences:

G98 is generally used for smaller, standardised generation systems, while G99 applies to larger or more complex installations that require additional technical assessment.

If your system is close to the G98 limit, includes batteries that can export electricity, or uses export limitation equipment, check the requirements with your installer, electrician or DNO before connecting.

How to notify your DNO about a G98 installation

To notify your DNO, identify the correct network operator, complete its G98 form or online portal, attach any useful supporting information, and save the response. Many homeowners can complete the administrative part in under half an hour once the details are ready.

Step 1: Find the correct DNO

Your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is determined by your postcode, not your electricity supplier. If you are unsure, use the ENA “Find My Network Operator” lookup tool or ask your supplier to confirm your DNO and MPAN.

Major DNOs in Great Britain include:

• UK Power Networks
• National Grid Electricity Distribution
• Northern Powergrid
• SP Energy Networks
• Electricity North West
• SSEN

Step 2: Prepare the required information

Before submitting your G98 notification, prepare the key details about your installation. Having this information ready helps prevent delays or follow-up questions from your DNO.

You will typically need:

• Installation address
• MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number)
• Contact details
• Inverter or microinverter manufacturer and model
• Inverter serial number (where required)
• Maximum AC generation capacity in kW
• ENA Type Test Register reference
• Commissioning date
• Energy source and technology type
• Installer details, if applicable

If your system includes battery storage, check whether the form requires additional details about the battery inverter or export capability.

Step 3: Complete and submit the G98 form

When completing the G98 notification, make sure the technical details match your installed equipment. The generation capacity should be based on the inverter’s maximum AC output, not the total solar panel capacity or battery storage size.

Pay particular attention to:

• Equipment details: Enter the exact inverter or microinverter model rather than only the solar panel information.
• Generation capacity: Report the maximum AC output that can be connected to the grid.
• Energy source: For standard solar PV systems, select the appropriate solar photovoltaic category shown on the DNO form.
• Installer information: Provide installer details if the system was professionally installed.

Most DNOs allow submissions through an online portal or by email. If your system was installed by a professional installer, check whether they have already submitted the notification as part of the installation handover process.

Step 4: Submit and save confirmation

Depending on your DNO, you may submit the form online or by email. Keep copies of:

• Submitted G98 notification
• Supporting documents
• DNO confirmation or reference number
• Installation certificates and warranty information

Keeping these records can make future maintenance, upgrades or property changes easier.

How to calculate generation capacity

The generation capacity for G98 is based on the maximum AC output that can be exported to the grid, measured in kW. Do not use:

• Individual solar panel wattage
• Total panel capacity
• Battery storage capacity (kWh)

For common microinverter systems, the calculation is usually straightforward:

Most UK homes use a single-phase supply, so the reported capacity normally reflects the total AC output connected to that phase.

Can a battery storage system be used with a G98 installation?

Battery storage can be combined with small solar PV systems, but the connection requirements depend on the inverter configuration, export capability and total generation capacity.

For homeowners looking for a compact solar storage solution, the Anker SOLIX Solarbank 4 E5000 Pro is designed to store excess solar energy and help increase self-consumption from a home solar setup. Like other battery systems, the final connection requirements depend on the installed configuration, including the inverter type and whether electricity can be exported to the grid.

Before installation, check that the equipment configuration meets the relevant DNO requirements and confirm whether a G98 notification or another connection process applies.

What happens after you submit your G98 notification?

After submitting your G98 notification, the DNO records the connected generator on its network. Depending on the network operator, you may receive an acknowledgement, reference number or confirmation email.

DNO acknowledgement and reference numbers

Response times vary between DNOs. Some provide an automated reference number quickly, while others may take several working days.

If you do not receive confirmation within a reasonable timeframe, contact the DNO and provide:

• Submission date
• Installation address
• MPAN
• Copy of your original notification

Keep any emails, portal receipts or reference numbers as proof that the notification was submitted.

Export MPAN and SEG tariff implications

A G98 notification does not automatically provide access to export payments. If you want to receive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments, your supplier may require additional information, such as:

• Evidence of DNO notification
• Installation documents
• An export MPAN where required

Your electricity supplier or SEG provider will normally explain the separate steps needed to register for export payments.

Records for insurance, smart meters and property sale

Keep your G98 records with your solar documentation, as they may be useful for future system upgrades, insurance questions or property changes.

If you later add another inverter or battery, the original notification can help you compare the new system capacity with your existing installation.

Final checklist before you notify your DNO

Before submitting your G98 notification, make sure you have completed these five key steps:

• Confirm that your system meets the G98 requirements and that your inverter or generation equipment is listed on the ENA Type Test Register.
• Check that you have the correct DNO details based on your installation postcode.
• Prepare the essential information, including your MPAN, inverter details, AC generation capacity and commissioning date.
• Complete the G98 notification form accurately and submit it within the required timeframe after commissioning.
• Save your submission confirmation, reference number and supporting documents for future use.

Keeping these records helps with future maintenance, system upgrades, export applications or property changes.

Conclusion

Completing a G98 application correctly and knowing how to notify your DNO helps ensure your small solar or battery storage system is properly recorded with your local network operator. By checking equipment eligibility, confirming generation capacity and submitting accurate details within the required timeframe, you can avoid common delays and keep important records for future upgrades, export applications, insurance checks or property changes.

FAQs

Is a G98 application the same as DNO approval?

No. For eligible small generators, G98 is normally a notification rather than a request for permission. You are telling the DNO what has been connected after commissioning. Larger systems, non-standard equipment or higher export capacity may require G99, which involves more detailed assessment.

What happens if I do not notify my DNO within 28 days?

Your system may be treated as unregistered, which can cause problems with export payments, insurance queries, smart meter work or a future property sale. The practical fix is usually to submit the missing notification as soon as possible and keep evidence of the submission.

Do plug-in solar panels need a G98 application?

Yes, if the plug-in solar system is grid-connected and exports or can operate in parallel with the electricity network, it will usually need G98 notification if within the small generator limit. The notification does not confirm whether the plug-in wiring method itself is compliant.

What if my inverter is not on the ENA Type Test Register?

If your exact inverter model is not on the ENA Type Test Register, it may not qualify for G98. You may need a G99 route, different equipment or advice from the manufacturer, installer or DNO. Do not rely on a similar-looking model entry.