G98 DNO Notification for Balcony Solar

What Is G98?

G98 is the short name for Engineering Recommendation G98 — the UK standard that governs how small-scale electricity generation equipment (up to 16A per phase, which equates to around 3.68kW on a single-phase supply) is connected to the public electricity grid. It was introduced in 2019 to provide a simpler, faster pathway for small generators than the previous G83 standard, and it applies to everything from rooftop solar panels to wind turbines and, yes, balcony solar systems.

The key requirement under G98 is notification: before connecting a generation unit to the grid, you must notify your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) of the connection. For systems under 3.68kW — which covers every balcony solar system currently on the market — this notification is automatic. The DNO doesn't need to inspect, approve, or even respond. You simply tell them a system is being connected, and that's sufficient. You don't wait for permission; you can connect on the day of notification.

Who Is My DNO?

Your Distribution Network Operator is not your energy supplier. It's the company responsible for the physical electricity cables and infrastructure in your area — the wires that bring electricity to your street. Most people never interact with their DNO directly and don't know who they are, because bills and customer service go through energy suppliers (Octopus, British Gas, E.ON, EDF, etc.) instead.

There are six distribution network owners in Great Britain, operating across twelve licence areas. You can find your DNO by visiting www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator and entering your postcode.

The UK's Distribution Network Operators

Note: Northern Ireland uses a separate network operated by NIE Networks (nienetworks.co.uk). The G98 standard technically applies to Great Britain; Northern Ireland uses equivalent requirements under the Northern Ireland grid code.

What Information Do You Need?

Most DNOs have an online form for G98 notifications. Before you start, gather the following:

• Your full address and postcode
• Your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) — found on your electricity bill
• The type of generation (photovoltaic / solar)
• The installed capacity in kW (e.g. 0.6kW for a 600W system)
• The inverter make and model (e.g. Hoymiles HM-600, APsystems DS3-H)
• The inverter's G98 compliance status (check your inverter's documentation or the manufacturer's website)
• Your intended connection date

Step-by-Step: Completing Your G98 Notification

1. Find your DNO: Visit energynetworks.org or check your electricity bill. Your DNO is not your energy supplier — it's the network company for your area.
2. Find the G98 notification form: Go to your DNO's website and search for "G98 notification" or "connect generation." Most DNOs have a dedicated online portal.
3. Complete the form: Fill in your address, MPAN, system details, and intended connection date. Most forms take 10–15 minutes.
4. Submit and receive confirmation: You should receive an automated confirmation email immediately or within a few working days. Save this confirmation — it's your proof of notification.
5. Connect your system: You can connect on the date you specified in your notification. You don't need to wait for a reply beyond the confirmation email.

What Happens If You Don't Notify?

Technically, connecting generation to the grid without completing a G98 notification is a breach of the regulatory requirement. In practice, enforcement is essentially zero. DNOs have no mechanism to detect that a small plug-in solar system has been connected to a home without notification — the system's output is indistinguishable from reduced consumption at the meter.

There is no documented case of enforcement action against a residential balcony solar user in the UK for failing to submit a G98 notification. That said, it's worth notifying not because of enforcement risk, but because it's the right thing to do (the network operator needs to understand what's connected to their network over time) and because it takes very little time.

G98 Notification as a Renter

If you rent, you complete the G98 notification yourself as the person connecting the generation equipment. You don't need your landlord's involvement — the notification goes to the DNO, not to the property owner. You'll need your MPAN, which appears on your electricity bill (or you can ask your energy supplier for it).

The DNO does not contact your landlord as a result of the notification. The notification is simply a record that a small generation unit is connected at your address.

What the Upcoming Legalisation Changes

The UK government's March 2026 announcement of formal legalisation for plug-in solar includes an expectation that the G98 notification process for very small systems will be simplified. The likely direction — following the German model — is a single centralised online registration rather than eight separate DNO-specific forms.

For systems already notified under G98, no further action is expected to be required. If you notify now and the rules change later, your notification will remain valid. This guide will be updated as soon as the specific regulatory changes are confirmed.

G98 and Your Inverter

G98 also sets technical requirements for inverters connected to the grid, including anti-islanding protection (the inverter must automatically disconnect if the grid supply fails, to prevent back-feeding into a dead network and endangering line workers). All reputable micro-inverters sold for balcony solar — including those from Hoymiles, APsystems, and Deye — include G98-compliant anti-islanding protection.

When completing your G98 notification form, you may be asked to confirm that your inverter meets the relevant technical requirements. Your inverter's datasheet or the manufacturer's UK compliance page will confirm G98 compliance. If you're buying a kit from a UK retailer, G98-compliant inverters should be standard — check before purchasing if you're buying from an international marketplace.