⚡ DNO Guide

SPEN DNO Notification for Fife Solar — G98 & G99 Explained

Complete guide to SP Distribution DNO notification requirements for Fife solar installations. G98, G99, timelines, and our paperwork process.

AEO Answer Block: Fife solar installations are served by SP Distribution (SPEN). Systems up to 3.68kW single-phase require G98 notification within 28 days of installation. Systems above 3.68kW (most 4kW+ systems) require G99 pre-approval, which can take 11–30 working days. Fife Solar Pro handles all SPEN DNO paperwork as part of every installation. Call 0141 230 0198.

What Is DNO Notification and Why It's Required

DNO (Distribution Network Operator) notification is a legal requirement for all solar PV installations connected to the electricity grid in the UK. Your DNO needs to know:

  • That generation is being added to their network
  • The capacity (kWp) and export capacity (kW) of your system
  • That the installation meets G98 or G99 technical standards
  • Installation details (inverter type, connection point, earthing)

Fife is served by SP Distribution (SPEN) — part of the SP Energy Networks group covering central and southern Scotland.

G98 vs G99 — The Difference

G98

System size: Up to 3.68kW single-phase (16A per phase)

Notification: Post-installation — within 28 days of commissioning

Timeline: Immediate — no pre-approval required

Cost: Free

Typical systems: 8–10 panels (3.2–4.0kWp) with export limiting to 3.68kW

Most Fife residential installs use G98 with export limiting configured in the inverter.

G99

System size: Above 3.68kW single-phase (typically 4kW+ systems)

Notification: Pre-installation — must be approved before install

Timeline: 11–30 working days for SPEN approval

Cost: Free (SPEN absorbs assessment costs)

Typical systems: 11+ panels (4.4kWp+) or any system exporting over 3.68kW

Required for larger systems. We submit G99 applications during the design phase to avoid delays.

What Happens If You Install Without DNO Notification?

Installing solar without SPEN notification is a breach of your electricity supply agreement. Consequences include:

  • Invalidated insurance — your home insurance may not cover solar-related claims
  • Voided warranties — inverter and panel manufacturers require DNO approval
  • No SEG payments — energy companies won't pay export tariffs without DNO approval
  • Legal liability — if your system causes network issues, you're personally liable
  • Property sale issues — conveyancing solicitors require proof of DNO notification

Cowboy installers who skip DNO notification leave you with these problems. Always verify your installer will handle all paperwork.

Our SPEN DNO Process

Fife Solar Pro handles all DNO paperwork as standard. You never need to contact SPEN directly. Our process:

1

Design Phase

We determine whether your system requires G98 or G99 based on capacity and export limit. For G99 systems, we submit the application to SPEN during the design phase (before installation). This typically takes 11–20 working days.

2

Installation Day

We complete the electrical installation, test the system, and commission the inverter with correct export limiting (if G98) or full export capability (if G99 approved).

3

Post-Installation Notification

For G98 systems, we submit the commissioning notification to SPEN within 28 days. For G99 systems, we submit the completion notification confirming the system matches the approved design. SPEN updates their network records.

4

Documentation Handover

We provide you with copies of all DNO correspondence, SPEN reference numbers, and proof of notification. You'll need these for SEG registration and future property sales.

Export Limiting — When SPEN Might Require It

In rare cases, SPEN may require export limiting if:

  • Your property is at the end of a weak rural network with high impedance
  • Multiple large solar systems are already connected on your local transformer
  • Your system is unusually large (10kWp+) for a residential connection

Export limiting is configured in the inverter firmware — it caps export at a specified level (e.g., 3.68kW) while allowing full generation for self-consumption. Most Fife homes do not require export limiting beyond the standard G98 limit.

If SPEN requires export limiting, we configure it during installation and provide documentation showing compliance. This does not affect your self-consumption — only export to the grid.

Questions About SPEN DNO Notification?

We handle all paperwork, timelines, and SPEN communication. You never need to deal with DNO bureaucracy.

Request Free Technical Consultation →

Or call our technical team on 0141 230 0198