When connecting a solar power system to the grid, the application process involves submission of a form to the relevant Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Which form and when are two important matters covered in this article.

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Registering Solar Generators with the DNO

Depending on who you ask these days, different sized systems require different application forms be sent to the DNO. The general expectation is that the larger a system, the more preemptive information is required to be transferred. Let’s look at the two main forms that will affect systems of 4kWp and smaller.

Small Scale Generator and the G83

Systems deemed to be under 16 amps per phase are considered ‘small scale’. They can be installed straight away and registered by submitting a G83 form to the DNO following the installation. EON has a copy of their G83 form here for download.

In order to establish if your generator is under 16 amps per phase, it is best to consult with your solar installer. The correctly trained electrical staff they have on hand will be able to assist. As a rule of thumb, systems under 3.6kWp will be under the 16 amps limit the vast majority of the time. However, seeing as the feed-in tariff changes after 4kWp this presents a grey area for installations between 3.6kWp and 4kWp.

Large Generation and the G59

For generators over 16 amps per phase it is a legal requirement for the DNO to be consulted prior to an installation taking place. In addition, a G59 form (download here) is required to be submitted. The process of a DNO reviewing and returning a successful G59 can take up to 8 weeks.

Obviously the important aspect of this process is establishing the amp levels of the proposed solar power installation with the installer’s electrician. The tilt, orientation and location of a solar generator can affect the amps, so it is vital that anyone installing systems from 3.6kWp upwards establishes the correct process for registering their system. This is especially the case with the deadlines of April 1st and July 1st 2012.

Written by Jarrah Harburn

In a bid to prevent a shortfall in rate payments for pioneers in small scale renewable energy investment, Good Energy has promised to continue to pay its generators 15p /kWh rather than the 9p / kWh set out in the recently announced tariff legislation.

Good Energy, dealing solely in renewable energy has announced that the government’s recent tariff scheme would harm their so-called ‘pioneer’ generators who installed their renewable technology before the cut-off date of July 15, 2009. Under the new tariff regime to come into effect in the Spring of this year, these pre -July 15 customers would only be eligible for a 9p/kWh payment for units of renewable energy compared to a payment of 41.3p/ kWh for installations after this date.

In a bid to keep pioneer installors viable until when they hope the government will amend their pre July 15, 2009 rule, Good Energy will continue to pay these generators the previous 15p/kWh rate. Currently, Good Energy sees itself as a market leader in renewable energy uptake incentivisation and wants to continue awarding attractive incentives for smale scale installors of renewable energy technology. Leading the way in 2004 with their renewable energy incentive scheme HomeGen, Good Energy believe that the government’s scheme is treating long term micro-generators unfairly.

CEO of Good Energy, Juliet Davenport, announced:

“It’s outrageous that the new FiT only pays the highest reward to new generators – Good Energy believes that the early adopters of microgeneration technology should also be recognised for their pioneering attitude and taking a lead.

That’s why we’ve decided to continue paying our existing accredited HomeGen generators 15p a unit for all the electricity they generate and lobby to change the government’s mind.

It’s outrageous that the new FiT only pays the highest reward to new generators – Good Energy believes that the early adopters of microgeneration technology should also be recognised for their pioneering attitude and taking a lead. That’s why we’ve decided to continue paying our existing accredited HomeGen generators 15p a unit for all the electricity they generate and lobby to change the government’s mind.”