Grid Connections

Please note: This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified installer or energy consultant before installing generation or EV charging equipment at your premises.

Installing electricity-generating equipment such as solar PV or battery storage at your business premises may require permission from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Understanding the approval process and electrical capacity requirements before you start can save significant time and cost.

Contents

1. What is a DNO and When Do You Need Permission?
2. Small Microgeneration Systems
3. Larger Generation Systems
4. EV Charging Points

What is a DNO and When Do You Need Permission?

A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) manages the local electricity network that delivers power to homes and businesses. In the Northeast region of the UK, the DNO is Northern Powergrid. Installing electricity-generating equipment such as solar PV requires DNO involvement, and battery energy storage systems are also treated as generation systems by the DNO, so permission is usually needed for those too.

There are two different requirements depending on the electrical capacity of your generation system.

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Small Microgeneration Systems

For systems supplying less than 16 amps per phase, DNO permission is not usually required before installation. Instead, the installer must notify the DNO within 30 days of the system being energised.

Small commercial sites often have a single-phase electrical supply, where the 16-amp limit equates to approximately 3.68 kW for microgeneration — roughly 12 solar panels. Larger premises with a 3-phase supply can accommodate around 36 solar panels (approximately 11 kW) under this simpler notification process.

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Larger Generation Systems

For systems capable of supplying over 16 amps per phase, DNO permission is required before installation begins. The application process is usually handled by the installer or their consultant and involves submitting technical details about the system.

While DNOs typically do not refuse connections outright, upgrades to the local network may be necessary, which can incur significant costs and cause delays. Expert advice is strongly recommended for large renewable energy projects, particularly in areas where the distribution network may not have the capacity to support additional generation load.

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EV Charging Points

Many businesses seek to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points for their own fleet or for employees. Modern EVs charge significantly faster than early models, with even basic vehicles charging at around 7.4 kW, and some capable of charging at rates exceeding 200 kW.

Installing EV charge points may require upgrading the building’s electrical supply, potentially including larger service cables, higher-rated fuses, and new electrical equipment. Even where existing infrastructure is adequate, businesses may need DNO approval for increased electrical import capacity. This can entail significant costs, particularly for those on pass-through contracts for electricity purchase.

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