What is G98?
G98 is the Engineering Recommendation published by the Energy Networks Association that governs how small-scale electricity generators — including plug-in solar systems — connect to the UK grid. Its official title is Engineering Recommendation G98: Requirements for the Connection of Fully Type Tested Micro-generators (up to and including 16A per phase) in Parallel with a Public Low Voltage Distribution Network.
In practice, for a standard 800W plug-in solar kit connected via a single-phase 13A socket, G98 means two things: your equipment must meet the technical standard, and you must notify your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) that you've connected a generator to their network.
The rule is "connect and notify" — not "seek permission." You connect, then notify. The DNO does not need to approve your installation before you switch on.
Who needs to notify?
Any grid-connected inverter system needs G98 notification. For plug-in solar, this means:
- Any system up to 3.68kW (16A per phase) on a single-phase supply — which covers all domestic plug-in kits
- Systems connected to the public low-voltage distribution network (i.e., any standard UK domestic property)
Systems with a total AC output of 800W or less that comply with BS 7671 Amendment 4 fall squarely within G98. A CPS-registered electrician who handles your connection will typically assist with or complete the G98 notification as part of their service. Always confirm this with them before work begins.
When to notify
You must notify your DNO within 28 days of connecting the system to the grid. The 28-day clock starts when the system first exports electricity to the network. If a CPS-registered electrician completes the connection, day 1 is the day they finish the installation.
There is no penalty structure currently prescribed for late notification in most areas, but failing to notify could affect your insurance position, any future feed-in tariff claims, or your ability to access the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) — though most current plug-in kits do not yet qualify for SEG due to MCS certification requirements.
Finding your DNO
The UK has six major electricity distribution companies, each covering a geographic area. Your DNO depends on your postcode — not your electricity supplier. The quickest way to find yours is to enter your postcode at energynetworks.org/electricity/whose-network.
| DNO / Network | Coverage area | G98 notification |
|---|---|---|
| UK Power Networks | London, South East, East of England | ukpowernetworks.co.uk/connections |
| Electricity North West | North West England (Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria) | enwl.co.uk/connections |
| Northern Powergrid | Yorkshire, North East England (Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle) | northernpowergrid.com/connections |
| National Grid ED (formerly WPD) | Midlands, South West, South Wales (Birmingham, Bristol) | nationalgrideso.com (connections portal) |
| SP Energy Networks | Scotland, Merseyside & North Wales (Edinburgh, Glasgow) | spenergynetworks.co.uk/connections |
| SSE Networks | North of Scotland, Southern England (some areas) | ssepd.co.uk/connections |
What to include in your notification
G98 notifications for micro-generators are short. You'll typically need:
- Your address and MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number — on your electricity bill, sometimes called your supply number)
- Installer details — name and CPS registration number of the electrician who connected the system
- Equipment details — inverter make, model, rated AC output (in watts), and the G98 certificate number. EcoFlow STREAM kits come with this documentation.
- Connection date — the date the system was first connected
Some DNOs ask for a single-line diagram. For a basic plug-in system, this is a very simple schematic: panels → microinverter → socket. Your CPS electrician can provide this.
What happens after you notify
For a standard G98 system under 3.68kW, the DNO registers your installation on their network records. You don't receive a formal approval document — just confirmation that the notification has been received. Some DNOs send a reference number; keep this for your records.
Occasionally, a DNO may make additional enquiries for systems in areas with high concentrations of solar generators on a particular network segment. This is rare for single 800W plug-in systems and does not mean your installation is refused — just that they need to check local network capacity.
If you move home and reinstall your system, you must re-notify the new property's DNO within 28 days of reconnection.
Does G98 notification qualify me for SEG?
No — not by itself. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for electricity you export to the grid, but requires your system to be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or equivalent. Most current plug-in kits are not yet MCS-certified. G98 is a separate, simpler notification that covers the grid connection requirement only.
Separately, most plug-in solar systems currently consume almost all of their generated electricity in the home rather than exporting — so SEG income would be small regardless. The main financial benefit is avoided import cost.
Frequently asked questions
- Usually yes — confirm with them before they start. Most CPS-registered electricians who work on plug-in solar installations are familiar with G98 notification and include it (or assist with it) as part of their service. Ask explicitly: 'Will you complete the G98 DNO notification as part of this job?'
- G98 certification applies to the inverter, not the whole system. EcoFlow STREAM microinverters are designed for the European and UK market and come with compliance documentation. Check the technical documents in your kit's box or download them from EcoFlow's website. If your equipment lacks a G98 certificate, do not connect it to the grid.
- No. G98 only applies to grid-connected systems. A system that doesn't connect to the electricity network (using batteries only, with no grid export) doesn't require G98 notification. However, all current EcoFlow STREAM kits are grid-connected, so they require notification.
- For systems under 3.68kW (G98 threshold), there is no charge for the notification itself. Some DNOs previously charged for G99 applications (above 3.68kW), but G98 micro-generator notifications have always been free for the installer or homeowner to submit.
- Yes, if you have all the required information. The DNO online form is public-facing. However, your CPS electrician will have the installer registration number and equipment certification documents to hand, making it easier for them to complete. Confirm the arrangement before work starts.
Got your system connected?
Use our city guides to find your specific DNO and get the right contact details for your region.