Solar PV and Octopus- DNO, MCS, MPAN (etc) Formalities

Qyburn

We're not there yet but I want to understand in advance as much as possible about the formalities around getting set up for an export tariff. We're an existing Octopus customer and will be going initially with their fixed export.

The installation has a G99 application approved. At what stage do we get the "DNO Letter" that Octopus refers to? Should that be available at this stage, or is there a sign off or inspection or something once the installation is complete?

MCS comes from the installer so I need to confirm from them when that's issued.

Screwdriva

Generally speaking, the DNO Notification and MCS Certificate should be provided upon payment being made in full and system operation being confirmed.

94JDH

Qyburn said:

We're not there yet but I want to understand in advance as much as possible about the formalities around getting set up for an export tariff. We're an existing Octopus customer and will be going initially with their fixed export.

The installation has a G99 application approved. At what stage do we get the "DNO Letter" that Octopus refers to? Should that be available at this stage, or is there a sign off or inspection or something once the installation is complete?

MCS comes from the installer so I need to confirm from them when that's issued.

You should really have sight of DNO offer before your installation and definitely before paying. If it's not in place it's your responsibility (even though the  installer has said they'll do it) and then all the potential hassle as well.
MCS should be within 10 days of commissioning.

Qyburn

94JDH said:

You should really have sight of DNO offer before your installation and definitely before paying. If it's not in place it's your responsibility (even though the  installer has said they'll do it) and then all the potential hassle as well.

OK thanks I'll ask for it. All I've seen first hand from the DNO is an email explaining that they would approve a 7kW system export limited to 4kW. The actual application was from the installer an presumably they received a written reply before telling me it was approved.

For G99 is there a subsequent acceptance or anything, or is that approval at the application stage all that's needed.

I must say I was disappointed in the answers from Octopus which were very contradictory, one moment all they need is the MCS certificate, then she said they need the export MPAN, then she said they apply for the MPAN, and at one stage she said the MCS certificate will show the MPAN. In the end she said she was "just going by what she's seen" and would pass my question on. 

94JDH

Qyburn said:

94JDH said:

You should really have sight of DNO offer before your installation and definitely before paying. If it's not in place it's your responsibility (even though the  installer has said they'll do it) and then all the potential hassle as well.

OK thanks I'll ask for it. All I've seen first hand from the DNO is an email explaining that they would approve a 7kW system export limited to 4kW. The actual application was from the installer an presumably they received a written reply before telling me it was approved.

For G99 is there a subsequent acceptance or anything, or is that approval at the application stage all that's needed.

I must say I was disappointed in the answers from Octopus which were very contradictory, one moment all they need is the MCS certificate, then she said they need the export MPAN, then she said they apply for the MPAN, and at one stage she said the MCS certificate will show the MPAN. In the end she said she was "just going by what she's seen" and would pass my question on. 

For Octopus I uploaded the DNO approval letter (no further letter received), entered the MCS certificate Number -they recover an Export MPAN that will have been created by the DNO. I've recently done the same for a colleague at work and the Export tariff was live within a few days (it does say up to 6 weeks if I remember). They then only need a photo of the export meter reading.