Paperwork and Approvals Required to Fit Solar Panels to Your House
11/7/202311 min read
What Paperwork and Approvals do I require to fit Solar Panels to my House?
Here is a step-by-step guide to the paperwork and approvals required before getting a solar panel system fitted to your house in the UK:
Step 1: Check the permitted development rights.
What are permitted development rights?
Permitted development rights are a set of rules that allow certain types of development to take place without the need for planning permission. This is to help speed up the development process and to make it easier for people to make small changes to their properties.
What are the permitted development rights for solar panel systems?
The permitted development rights for solar panel systems are as follows:
The solar panel array must be no more than 4m high.
The solar panel array must be installed more than 5m from the property boundary.
The size of the solar panel array must not exceed 9m sq. (4-5 large solar panels).
The solar panel array must not face onto or be visible from the highway if located within a conservation area or a world heritage site.
How do I check if my solar panel system falls within the permitted development rights?
To check if your solar panel system falls within the permitted development rights, you can use the following online tool:
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/solar-panels/planning-permission
What if my solar panel system does not fall within the permitted development rights?
If your solar panel system does not fall within the permitted development rights, you will need to apply for planning permission. You can do this online through the UK Planning Portal.
Here are some additional tips for checking the permitted development rights for your solar panel system:
Contact your local authority planning department for advice.
If you live in a conservation area or a world heritage site, you may need to get additional permission from your local authority.
If you are unsure whether your solar panel system falls within the permitted development rights, it is always best to err on the side of caution and apply for planning permission.
Step 2: Get building regulations approval.
What is building regulations approval?
Building regulations approval is a requirement for all work that is carried out on buildings in the UK. Building regulations are designed to ensure that buildings are safe and healthy for people to live in and work in.
Why do I need building regulations approval for my solar panel system?
Building regulations approval is required for solar panel systems to ensure that they are installed safely and in accordance with building regulations. Building regulations cover a range of aspects, including structural safety, electrical safety, and fire safety.
How do I get building regulations approval for my solar panel system?
To get building regulations approval for your solar panel system, you need to submit a building notice to your local authority. You can do this online or by post.
Your building notice will need to include the following information:
The details of your solar panel system, such as the size, type, and location.
The details of your qualified installer.
A drawing of your solar panel system.
Once you have submitted your building notice, your local authority will assess it to make sure that your solar panel system complies with building regulations. If your building notice is approved, you will receive a building regulations approval certificate.
What are the benefits of using a qualified installer who is registered with a competent person scheme?
There are several benefits to using a qualified installer who is registered with a competent person scheme, such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS):
MCS certified installers are qualified and experienced in the installation of solar panel systems.
MCS certified installers will ensure that your solar panel system is installed safely and in accordance with building regulations.
MCS certified installers can offer you a warranty on your solar panel system.
Here are some additional tips for getting building regulations approval for your solar panel system:
Start the process early. It can take a few weeks to get building regulations approval, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.
Make sure that your qualified installer is registered with a competent person scheme.
Have all the necessary information ready before you submit your building notice. This will help to speed up the process.
Be responsive to any requests from your local authority. This will help to ensure that your building notice is processed as quickly as possible.
Step 3: Get permission from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
What is a Distribution Network Operator (DNO)?
A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is the company that is responsible for the electricity distribution network in your area. The DNO is responsible for maintaining and operating the power lines and other equipment that deliver electricity to your home.
Why do I need permission from my DNO to export electricity from my solar panel system to the grid?
You need permission from your DNO to export electricity from your solar panel system to the grid because the DNO needs to ensure that your system is compatible with the electricity distribution network and that it will not cause any problems for other users of the network.
How do I get permission from my DNO to export electricity from my solar panel system to the grid?
To get permission from your DNO to export electricity from your solar panel system to the grid, you need to complete a connection application. You can find the connection application form on the website of your DNO.
The connection application will ask you for information about your solar panel system, such as its size, type, and location.
G98 and G99 forms are what is required to be filled in to get permission from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to connect your generation equipment to the electricity grid.
G98 is for smaller generation installations, up to 3.68kW, and is a "connect and notify" process. This means that you can install the generation equipment and then notify your DNO within 28 days.
G99 is for larger generation installations, over 3.68kW, and requires you to submit a formal application to your DNO. This process can take several weeks, so it is important to plan ahead.
Whichever form you need to complete, you can find it on your DNO's website
You will also need to provide your DNO with a copy of your building regulations approval certificate.
Your DNO will then assess your application to make sure that your solar panel system is compatible with the electricity distribution network and that it will not cause any problems for other users of the network. If your application is approved, your DNO will issue you with a connection agreement.
The connection agreement will set out the terms and conditions of your connection to the electricity distribution network, such as the fees that you will need to pay and the timescales for installation.
Here are some additional tips for getting permission from your DNO to export electricity from your solar panel system to the grid:
Start the process early. It can take a few weeks to get permission from your DNO, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.
Make sure that you have all the necessary information before you submit your connection application. This will help to speed up the process.
Be responsive to any requests from your DNO. This will help to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible.
What is the G99 approval in relation to Solar Panels Systems?
What is G99 approval for solar panel systems?
G99 approval is a requirement from the UK's Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) for all solar panel systems that are larger than 50kW 3 phase or 17kW single phase. This is to make sure that the local electricity grid can handle the extra power from the solar panel system.
Why do I need G99 approval?
G99 approval ensures that your solar panel system is safely connected to the electricity grid. It also helps you to get the best possible export tariff from your energy supplier and avoid any potential problems with your solar panel system in the future.
How do I get G99 approval?
To get G99 approval, you need to complete a Standard Application Form (SAF) and submit it to your DNO. The SAF will ask for information about your solar panel system, such as its size, location, and type of equipment.
The DNO will then review your application and assess whether the local electricity grid can handle the extra power from your solar panel system. If the DNO approves your application, they will issue you with a connection agreement.
The connection agreement will set out the terms and conditions of your connection to the electricity network, such as the fees that you will need to pay and the timescales for installation.
Once you have received G99 approval and signed the connection agreement, you can then proceed with the installation of your solar panel system.
Benefits of G99 approval:
• Ensures that your solar panel system is safely connected to the electricity grid.
• Helps you to get the best possible export tariff from your energy supplier.
• Helps to avoid any potential problems with your solar panel system in the future.
Step 4: Register your solar panel system with the Energy Efficiency Scheme (EES)
What is the Energy Efficiency Scheme (EES)?
The Energy Efficiency Scheme (EES) is a government scheme that helps to promote and support renewable energy. By registering your solar panel system with the EES, you become eligible for certain financial incentives, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
What are the benefits of registering my solar panel system with the EES?
The main benefit of registering your solar panel system with the EES is that it will make you eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The SEG is a government scheme that pays homeowners for the electricity they export from their solar panel systems to the grid.
In addition to the SEG, there are a number of other benefits to registering your solar panel system with the EES, such as:
You will be able to access information and advice on renewable energy.
You may be eligible for other financial incentives, such as grants and loans.
You will be helping to support the development of renewable energy in the UK.
How do I register my solar panel system with the EES?
To register your solar panel system with the EES, you can follow these steps:
Go to the EES website and create an account.
Once you have created an account, log in and click on the "Register my system" button.
Enter the details of your solar panel system, such as its size, location, and type of equipment.
Pay the registration fee.
Once your registration is complete, you will be issued with a registration number.
You can use your registration number to apply for certain financial incentives, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Here are some additional tips for registering your solar panel system with the EES:
Make sure that your solar panel system is MCS certified. This will help to ensure that your system meets the technical requirements of the EES.
Have all the necessary information ready before you start the registration process. This will help to speed up the process.
Be responsive to any requests from the EES. This will help to ensure that your registration is processed as quickly as possible.
Step 5: Complete the necessary paperwork
Contract with your solar panel installer
Once you have chosen a solar panel installer, you will need to sign a contract with them. The contract will set out the terms and conditions of the installation, such as:
The scope of work, including the size and type of solar panel system to be installed, the location of the system, and any other associated work, such as electrical upgrades.
The price of the installation, including any applicable taxes and fees.
The payment schedule.
The start and completion dates for the installation.
The warranty on the solar panel system and the installation.
It is important to read the contract carefully before signing it, and to make sure that you understand all of the terms and conditions. You should also ask your solar panel installer any questions that you have.
Connection agreement with your DNO
Once you have obtained permission from your DNO to export electricity from your solar panel system to the grid, you will need to sign a connection agreement with them. The connection agreement will set out the terms and conditions of your connection to the electricity distribution network, such as:
The fees that you will need to pay.
The timescales for installation.
The technical requirements for your solar panel system.
It is important to read the connection agreement carefully before signing it, and to make sure that you understand all of the terms and conditions. You should also ask your DNO any questions that you have.
Additional paperwork
In addition to the contract with your solar panel installer and the connection agreement with your DNO, you may also need to complete other paperwork, such as:
A building regulations completion certificate. This is required to confirm that your solar panel system has been installed in accordance with building regulations.
A Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) registration form. This is required if you want to receive payments for the electricity that you export from your solar panel system to the grid.
You can find more information about the paperwork required for solar panel installations on the websites of the following organizations:
Energy Efficiency Scheme (EES)
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
UK Planning Portal
Step 6: Get your solar panel system installed
Once you have signed the contract with your solar panel installer and the connection agreement with your DNO, your solar panel installer will be able to install your system.
The installation process will typically take a few days, depending on the size and complexity of your system.
Here is a step-by-step overview of the solar panel installation process:
Site survey: Your solar panel installer will visit your property to conduct a site survey. This will involve assessing the suitability of your roof for solar panels, as well as the best location for the panels and other equipment.
Installation of the mounting system: The solar panel mounting system is the frame and base that the solar panels will be attached to. It is important to have a sturdy and well-designed mounting system, as it will need to support the weight of the solar panels and withstand all types of weather conditions.
Installation of the solar panels: Once the mounting system is in place, the solar panels can be installed. This is typically a straightforward process, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Electrical wiring: The solar panels need to be wired to an inverter, which converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity that can be used in your home. The inverter is also connected to your home's electrical system.
Testing and commissioning: Once the solar panel system is installed, it needs to be tested and commissioned to make sure that it is working properly. This will involve checking the electrical connections, as well as testing the system's output.
Once the solar panel system is installed and commissioned, you can start generating and exporting electricity. You may also be able to claim financial incentives, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Here are some additional tips for getting your solar panel system installed:
Make sure that you use a qualified solar panel installer.
Get multiple quotes from different solar panel installers before making a decision.
Ask about the warranty on the solar panel system and the installation.
Be prepared for the installation process to take a few days.
Step 7: Start generating and exporting electricity
Once your solar panel system is installed and commissioned, you can start generating and exporting electricity. If you have signed up to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you will be paid for the electricity that you export to the grid.
How does the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) work?
The SEG is a government scheme that pays homeowners for the electricity they export from their solar panel systems to the grid. The amount of money that you are paid will depend on the size of your solar panel system and the amount of electricity that you export.
How do I claim payments under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
To claim payments under the SEG, you need to register your solar panel system with the Energy Efficiency Scheme (EES). You can then choose an energy supplier that offers a SEG tariff. Your energy supplier will measure the amount of electricity that you export to the grid and pay you accordingly.
Additional tips for generating and exporting electricity:
Monitor your solar panel system's output to see how much electricity you are generating and exporting.
Consider using a smart meter to track your energy usage and exports.
Switch to an energy supplier that offers a good SEG tariff.
Maintain your solar panel system regularly to ensure that it is operating efficiently.
Conclusion
Getting a solar panel system fitted to your house in the UK can be a great way to save money on your energy bills and help the environment. By following the steps in this guide, you can make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.