HOMEOWNER ADVICE
DNO Approval & Your Solar PV System
If your solar PV system has been installed but is currently switched off, it may be because approval is still required from the electricity network operator. Find out why your system may be switched off, what Clarkson Evans is doing on your behalf, and what you can do if you want to check the progress of your application.
DNO Approval Guidance
Solar PV System Switch-Off
Before some solar PV systems can be connected to the electricity network and export electricity, approval is required from your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) or Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO).
Your network operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the electricity network that supplies your home. The approval process allows the network operator to check that your solar PV system can operate safely alongside the local electricity network, including the amount of electricity it may export.
If approval is required and has not yet been confirmed, your solar PV system may need to remain switched off until the process is complete.
The Clarkson Evans DNO Approval Process
As your installer, Clarkson Evans manages the DNO/IDNO notification or application process on your developer's behalf.
This includes:
- submitting the technical information required by the network operator;
- providing commissioning information once your installation is complete; and
- responding to any requests for further information where required.
The time taken to complete the approval process depends on the network operator and the type of application. Formal connection offers can typically take 45–65 working days, although this can take longer where additional network operators or other approvals are involved.
We understand that waiting for approval can be frustrating. We'll continue to progress the application and provide any information required from us.
Securing your Solar PV System
If your solar PV system has been switched off and secured, this is because we are waiting for the network operator to confirm that the installation can safely export electricity to the network. Securing the system off is a normal safety measure where DNO/IDNO approval is required and has not yet been confirmed.
Please do not attempt to switch the system on yourself or interfere with any equipment that has been secured.
Once the required approval has been received, the appropriate steps can be taken to bring your system into operation.
Contacting your DNO or IDNO
You can contact your local network operator if you want to check the progress of an application or request a copy of an acceptance or approval letter. You can identify your network operator using your postcode through the Energy Networks Association's network operator finder.
If your application is still being processed, the network operator may refer you back to Clarkson Evans as the installer managing the application on your developer's behalf. The final decision and processing timescales sit with the network operator and are outside Clarkson Evans' control. We will continue to progress the application and provide any information required from us.
Finding your DNO
There are six regional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) covering Great Britain. The network operator responsible for your property depends on where you live.
You can find your DNO by entering your postcode into the Energy Networks Association's network operator finder.
National Grid Electricity Distribution
Area: East Midlands, West Midlands, Southwest, and South Wales
SP Energy Networks
Area: Central and Southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales
Finding your IDNO
An Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) operates electricity networks independently of the six regional DNOs. Some new-build developments are connected to an IDNO network rather than directly to the regional DNO network. If this applies to your property, the relevant IDNO will be responsible for the network serving your development.
If you're unsure whether your property is connected to a DNO or IDNO network, you can use the Energy Networks Association's network operator finder or contact your developer or network operator for further information.
Advanced Electricity Networks
Aurora Utilities
Eclipse Power Networks
Energy Assets Networks
Harlaxton Energy Networks
Independent Distribution Connection Specialists
Indigo Power
Last Mile Asset Management
Leep Utilities
mua Group
Optimal Power Networks
Stark Infra-Electricity
Export MPAN
An Export MPAN is the electricity supply number associated with electricity exported from your solar PV system to the electricity network. Your electricity supplier may need your Export MPAN when setting up an export tariff or payment arrangement for surplus electricity generated by your solar PV system.
The Export MPAN is separate from the MPAN associated with the electricity you import from the network.
If you need your Export MPAN, this information may be provided as part of the DNO/IDNO approval process. Please refer to your approval documentation or contact your electricity supplier for advice.
Approval Still Pending
If your solar PV system has been installed but is still switched off, there is no need to be concerned. Where DNO/IDNO approval is required, the system may need to remain secured off until the network operator has completed its checks and confirmed that it can export electricity safely.
Clarkson Evans will continue to manage the application process on your developer's behalf.
If you have received correspondence from your network operator or electricity supplier that you think we need to see, please provide this to your developer or the Clarkson Evans team managing your installation.
Thank you for your patience while the approval process is completed.
