It Only Takes a Minute
How to Connect Your Solar Panel System to the National Grid
Solar Panel System to the National Grid: Essential Steps for Longevity
Don't waste surplus power!
More and more homeowners are choosing to use cleaner and more reliable sources of energy such as solar energy. However, surplus solar power can be wasted if you don't connect your solar panel system to your home’s grid-power electricity.
Some people choose to not connect their solar panel systems to the National Grid, however, there are many benefits to connecting, including benefits from the government's Feed-In Tariff incentive scheme. Connecting your solar panels is a relatively simple process involving just your local District Network Operator. In this blog, we look at how to connect your solar panel system to the National Grid.
What connecting your solar panel system means
The process of connecting solar panels to the National Grid is easier than it seems. If you’re eligible to connect, your solar installer will supply all the necessary information about your local District Network Operator. The DNO will then assess your property and determine the best way to connect your system. You will then be able to start generating and exporting solar power to the grid. If you’re thinking about connecting your solar panel system, you need to bear in mind the different requirements for connecting distributed generating systems. Laws regulate things like safety and power quality, your contract, metering and the prices of your system.
UK District Network Operators
Click on your area in the map below to visit your DNO's website.
Eligibility requirements
There are a few eligibility requirements to connect to the grid. One of the main ones is your system’s output has to be less than 3.68kW to be connected to the grid if they run at 100% efficiency. Larger systems can be eligible if they run at a lower efficiency such as 81% at 4.5kW. Your DNO will see if the grid in your area can handle the energy your system generates. They will also identify any needed improvements, however, you’ll be responsible for the cost of any improvements.
The benefits
There are many benefits to connecting your solar panel system to the National Grid for both yourself and your local environment. This includes the comfort of knowing that you are providing others with a greener, renewable and more sustainable form of energy. Connecting to the grid and joining the Feed in Tariff scheme will also help to lower your energy bills, saving you money.
The Feed in Tariff scheme
Another huge benefit to connecting your solar panel system to the National Grid is the government’s Feed in Tariff scheme. It was originally established to help promote the uptake of renewable energy sources and low-carbon electricity. Anyone who installed the eligible installation with a capacity of up to 5MW. There are 2 types of participants, FIT generators and FIT licensees. Generators register with their choice of licensee, to receive quarterly payments for their electricity.
For more information on how you can connect your solar panel system to the National Grid and the benefits you can get out of it, contact us today to speak to a friendly advisor.
