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

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.

Comments

  • Screwdriva
    Screwdriva Posts: 1,486 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 23 November 2023 at 10:37AM
    Generally speaking, the DNO Notification and MCS Certificate should be provided upon payment being made in full and system operation being confirmed.
    -  10 x 400w LG + 6 x 550W SHARP BiFacial Panels + SE 3680 HD Wave Inverter + SE Optimizers. SE London.
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  • 94JDH
    94JDH Posts: 146 Forumite
    Third Anniversary 100 Posts Name Dropper
    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.
    PV total 19.8 kW system:
    23 x 420W East/West split over two flat roof areas at 10 degrees inclination.
    13 x 390W South spit over two flat roof areas at 5 to 20 degrees inclination.
    6 x 390W south wall mounted at 90 degrees inclination.
    7 x 390W West wall mounted at 90 degrees inclination.
    2 x 5 kW hybrid inverters
    4 x 9.5 kWh batteries (38 kWh total)
  • Qyburn
    Qyburn Posts: 3,505 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper
    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
    94JDH Posts: 146 Forumite
    Third Anniversary 100 Posts Name Dropper
    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.
    PV total 19.8 kW system:
    23 x 420W East/West split over two flat roof areas at 10 degrees inclination.
    13 x 390W South spit over two flat roof areas at 5 to 20 degrees inclination.
    6 x 390W south wall mounted at 90 degrees inclination.
    7 x 390W West wall mounted at 90 degrees inclination.
    2 x 5 kW hybrid inverters
    4 x 9.5 kWh batteries (38 kWh total)
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