Who This Guide Is For And What You’ll Learn
Thinking about solar PV with a battery in Suffolk? This guide is for homeowners and small businesses who want a safe, compliant system without paperwork stress. In Suffolk, UK Power Networks (your local DNO) must be notified of, or approve, any grid‑connected system.
What you’ll learn:
- When G98 applies and when you need G99 pre‑approval
- How export limits and G100 schemes work in practice
- Smart meters, export MPANs and SEG payments
- Typical UK Power Networks timelines in Suffolk
- How Clima Tech manages surveys, applications and commissioning
With 20+ years’ experience and full MCS, NICEIC, REFCOM and Gas Safe accreditations, we put safety and long‑term value first. For local insight, see solar panels in Suffolk and our recognition at the East of England Energy Efficiency Awards.
G98 Vs G99: The Plain‑English Difference
G98 covers small systems where maximum export is up to 16 A per phase (about 3.68 kW on single‑phase). You install type‑tested equipment and notify the DNO within 28 days.
G99 applies when export can exceed 16 A per phase, or the setup is non‑standard. You must obtain DNO approval before installation.
The DNO assesses the maximum possible export from all inverters and controls (PV + battery + hybrids), not just panel size. On three‑phase supplies, the 16 A limit applies per phase. If export limiting is proposed, the limiter and settings must be part of the application. For sizing help, read how to choose the right solar panels for your property and our guide on when Suffolk homes need three phase power.
Do You Need Approval Before Install? The Process Step‑By‑Step
G98 (install then notify):
- We confirm your supply (single/three‑phase) and select type‑tested kit.
- Install and commission the system to manufacturer/MCS standards.
- Notify UK Power Networks within 28 days and issue your handover pack.
G99 (apply then install):
- Pre‑checks: supply characteristics, main fuse rating, and likely export.
- Submit application: site details, MPAN, single‑line diagram, inverter and protection settings, and any export limiting scheme.
- Await UKPN’s written approval, then schedule installation and commissioning.
What we’ll ask for upfront: your address and MPAN, photos of the meter, main fuse and consumer unit, supply phase (if known), roof photos/measurements, and your goals (e.g., EV, heat pump, off‑peak charging). As an MCS and NICEIC contractor, Clima Tech manages the full process and keeps you updated. Ready to start? Contact our team.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Export Limits: How They Affect System Size And Payback
Your connection may have an Agreed Export Capacity (AEC). Where the local network is constrained, UKPN may cap export. A G100 export‑limiting scheme uses certified controls to cap export at a set level while allowing larger PV/battery capacity for on‑site use.
Example: a 5 kW PV + 5 kW battery system can be limited to 3.68 kW export. You prioritise daytime self‑consumption and store surplus for evenings. SEG payments are earned on genuine exports only. See our guide on how long before solar panels to pay for themselves for realistic payback and how export caps shift savings from SEG income to bill reduction.
Smart Meters, SEG And Batteries: Getting Paid And Set Up Right
To receive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments, you need a SMETS2 smart meter and an export MPAN from your energy supplier. Older meters may need an upgrade first.
- Confirm your smart meter is SMETS2 (or SMETS1 enrolled and accepted by your SEG provider).
- Request an export MPAN from your supplier.
- Choose a SEG tariff and submit your MCS certificate and DNO notification/approval.
- Agree battery charge/discharge rules (avoid peak‑rate charging unless on an arbitrage tariff).
- Keep your handover documents safe (commissioning sheets, settings, warranties).
Timelines With UK Power Networks: What To Expect In Suffolk
G98: install and notify — no pre‑approval wait.
G99: UK Power Networks typically responds in 2–6 weeks, depending on local capacity and application quality.
If reinforcement is required (more likely on rural feeders), costs and timescales can increase. We flag risks early and offer options such as export limiting, staged upgrades, or moving to three‑phase where it makes sense. Plan ahead of summer to secure your target go‑live.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
How Clima Tech Handles Your Approvals And Paperwork
Our end‑to‑end service:
- Survey, load assessment and compliant design with type‑tested inverters.
- Preparation of single‑line diagrams, settings schedules and G98/G99 applications.
- G100 design, evidence and commissioning records where export limiting is used.
- Post‑install commissioning, MCS certificate, and DNO notification/approval letters.
- Handover pack: as‑installed drawings, test certificates, inverter/battery settings and warranties.
- Liaison with your supplier for meter or fuse upgrades and guidance on SEG registration.
You get a clear, safe, fully documented system from an accredited local team.
Suffolk Specifics: Conservation Areas, Rural Networks, And Add‑Ons
In conservation areas, we use discreet layouts and low‑profile mounting. Many Suffolk properties are permitted development, but listed buildings or some conservation‑area sites may need planning consent — we can provide drawings to support an application.
Rural networks can be capacity‑constrained. Export limiting and careful inverter selection often reduce delays. We also coordinate PV with EV chargers and heat pumps, aligning controls and tariffs. For larger homes and farms, three‑phase can unlock bigger arrays, faster EV charging and future electrification with fewer compromises.
Costs, Risks And Common Pitfalls (And How We Avoid Them)
Budget for:
- G99 application fees (where applicable)
- Possible main‑fuse or meter upgrades via your supplier
- Occasional network reinforcement if required by UKPN
Common pitfalls:
- Non‑type‑tested equipment or missing certificates
- Incorrect inverter/export limiter settings
- Missed G98 notifications or G99 approvals
- Batteries charging at peak rates or recording false “exports”
How we prevent them: accredited design, verified settings, documented commissioning, and clear handover. The result is safety, compliance, reliable performance and protected SEG income and warranties.
Next Steps: Get Started With A Compliant, Future‑Ready System
For a fast desktop assessment, send:
- A recent electricity bill and your MPAN
- Clear photos of your meter, main fuse/cut‑out and consumer unit
- Roof photos/measurements and any shading notes
- Your goals (e.g., EV, heat pump, off‑peak charging) and typical usage
We’ll confirm the likely G98 or G99 route, outline export options and timelines, and provide a design and quotation. Ask about finance and current promotions. Ready when you are — speak to Clima Tech today, or explore local installs via solar panels in Suffolk.
FAQs
Will My System Be Refused If I’m On A Rural Feeder?
Unlikely. UKPN may set a lower export cap or request export limiting. If reinforcement is needed, we’ll present options and costs before you commit.
Can I Install Under G98 And Upgrade Later?
Yes. You can start under G98 if export stays within 16 A per phase. Increasing export or adding inverters later will require a G99 application.
Do Batteries Change My G98 Or G99 Category?
They can. The DNO considers the combined maximum export from PV and battery inverters and the control scheme. Export limiters often keep projects viable.
How Long Does SEG Setup Take After Commissioning?
Allow 2–6 weeks depending on your supplier’s smart meter and export MPAN process. We supply the technical evidence to help speed this up.
What Documents Do I Receive At Handover?
MCS certificate, DNO notification or approval, as‑installed drawings, commissioning/test records, inverter and battery settings, and warranty details.
Can You Coordinate My Main Fuse Upgrade?
Yes. We liaise with your supplier and UKPN if a fuse or meter upgrade is needed and schedule works to minimise downtime.