Planning a commercial solar or battery system over 17 kW anywhere in the UK? You need a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) application before you can install. Most installers will not run a standalone DNO check — they only do the paperwork once you have already committed. We do it as its own service.
A DNO application is roughly a day of skilled admin work spread over four to ten weeks of back-and-forth. Installers do not charge for it because they assume you will sign with them once the offer lands — so they only invest the time after you have already committed.
That works if you are confident in your installer choice. It does not work if you are running procurement, comparing quotes, or want capacity certainty before you negotiate. We sell the DNO step as its own service so you can buy that certainty without committing to an install you have not approved.
Site address, intended system size (kW PV, kWh battery), any existing generation at the MPAN. A 15-minute call is usually enough.
We check DNO records, current network conditions at the substation, and any existing connections registered to your MPAN.
We prepare the G99 (or G98) form, the Single Line Diagram, equipment data sheets, and the supporting documents your DNO requires.
We lodge the application with your DNO and confirm the reference number back to you within 24 hours.
We chase status weekly until the offer is issued — typically 28 to 65 working days depending on the DNO and system size.
We explain the offer in plain English: accepted capacity, any conditions, any reinforcement costs, and what your options are next.
We are based in Nottingham, but the application process is identical regardless of postcode. We submit to whichever Distribution Network Operator covers your site — anywhere in England, Wales or Scotland.
G98 is the simpler notification process for installations under 16 A per phase (~3.68 kW single-phase or 11 kW three-phase). G99 is the full application required above those thresholds and for most commercial systems. We file whichever is correct for your site.
Typically 28 to 65 working days from submission to a written offer. Larger systems and sites needing reinforcement studies can take longer. We chase weekly and keep you informed.
Refusals are unusual — most outcomes are an accepted offer, sometimes with conditions (curtailment, reinforcement contribution, time-of-day limits). If your DNO requires reinforcement, we explain the cost and the alternatives, including resubmitting at a lower capacity.
The £500 service is set up for commercial prospects. Residential G99 applications are bundled into our standard install quote rather than priced separately.
Credited to your installation invoice if you choose Spectrum for the install. It is not a cash refund — it comes off the install cost as a £500 line-item credit. If you decide to install with someone else, the £500 covers our application work and is not returned. Either way you keep the DNO offer and can take it to any installer.
It depends on your postcode. The six UK DNOs are UK Power Networks (London, South East, East), NGED (Midlands, South West, South Wales), Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire, North East), Electricity North West, SP Energy Networks (Manchester, North Wales, southern Scotland), and SSEN (Northern Scotland and central southern England). We confirm yours on the brief call before any work starts.
Tell us about your site — we will come back to you within 24 hours.