G83/2 concern

Hi,

I am under the impression that my 5.9kw array and 5.0 hy gen1 inverter set up with 16.4kw battery installed in 2021 should have been installed with G99 authorisation?
I am looking at getting payments regarding sending my excess energy back to the grid and looking through my paperwork I can only find a G83/2 form from my installer.
I only have the application that they sent off and no proof of this being granted. I am also concerned that under the PH1 section it is stated as 3.6 as I would have thought it should be higher considering what I have installed.
Any thoughs appreciated, as it's really bugging me and hence this early morning post.

G83/2 - Appendix 2 Application for Connection
SSEG installed capacity in kW at 230V AC Type Testing Ref No
PH1 PH2 PH3
3.6
GIVEN/01102/V1/A2
Edit I also notice that the form has the below email address on the form but my DNO is Western Power?

Send by either:
Post: UK Power Networks, Metropolitan House, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1AG
Email: connections.gateway@ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Fax: 08456 500 248

I think I'll be following this with interest as we have had the same from our installer. As we can't get a smart meter, I'm not panicking about the paperwork but it's interesting to find someone else in a similar position - our set up sounds virtually identical to yours but we've got a 7.1kWp array.

I've been hassling the installer about the G99 issue and 'they are looking into it' - apparently the after sales guy who deals with the paperwork hasn't come across G99 applications and just did his normal paperwork - I'm still waiting to hear about how they intend to sort it out!

Hmm this could get spicy as there are different approvals now.

G99 for anything over 16A - must be done before install
G98 for anything below 16A, but with different rules for a single premesis or multiple.

This is a good explanation:
https://www.northernpowergrid.com/your-powergrid/article/explaining-g98-and-g99

We couldn't even have a system started until the G99 was approved, which turned out to be another ruse to delay things.

kram

Thank you,

So it's confirmed it should have a G99 application then.I will chase them up about this.
Install itself has been really neat and works without a hitch but the rest of the lies and in particular the salesman was a nightmare.

kram We couldn't even have a system started until the G99 was approved, which turned out to be another ruse to delay things

The G98/G99 process is put there so that the DNO can keep track of the network for which they are responsible. Most people would be cheesed off if they had an unreliable power supply because someone down the road had decided to connect a 500kW solar farm or a 500kW glass furnace without involving the DNO.

G98 applications are a formality, they just need to note the installation, that's why they can be done retrospectively. G99 applications have to be approved before installation/connection. However, if you voluntarily choose to limit your export to 16A/3.68kW, your application can be fast-tracked, which should take a matter of a couple of days. A full G99 application will be subject to a survey (which may only be a desktop exercise rather than a walk in the field) and could take weeks while waiting for someone competent to undertake the work. We chose the full G99 route, it took about two weeks and we were limited to 3.68kW anyway.

@derekfairweather it sounds as if your "competent contractor" didn't entirely understand the G98/G99 issue and has installed plant which comes within the remit of G99 without submitting the paperwork. I guess you need to chase them up. I was going to suggest that an appeal through their MCS certification body might help, but apparently PV installers only need to be MCS certified if the customer wants to be paid for their export. Was your installer MCS certified?

Tim
Hi Tim,
I do have MCS certificate from them and I have checked that they are MCS registered.
I have just emailed the managing director of the company regarding it because of the blatent lies and lack of knowledge that the salesman has demonstrated in the past.
It's a nightmare once you get tied in with these sorts and try to get anything rectified once they have your money.
I

derekfairweather I wish you good luck and a quick resolution. One thing that might be worth following is a call to your DNO. Tell them what has happened. It's not your fault that your contractor who is supposed to know what needs doing, didn't. The DNO might accept a retrospective application from you but at the very least, they will be in a position to contact the MD of the company to read him the riot act and hopefully that will spur him into action for you.

It is possible that you grid export was capped at 3.68kw by the installer and they did not bother with a G99. I have 2 solar systems and an AC so my total generation would be 10kw. A G99 was done but I was restricted to 3.68kw export anyway (waste of £99). I am having 6x 545w panels added (October apparently) and the company doing that install says I do not need another G99 they will set the new inverter to cap export to grid. I still get all the generation inside my home though.

No I do not understand how it works or were the excess goes all I have been told is I can use 100% of the generation inside my home but only 3.68kw max will go back into the grid.

THALL grid export was capped at 3.68kw by the installer and they did not bother with a G99

The G98/G99 issue is all about installed capacity. If you have more than 3.68kW/16A installed capacity, you need to make the application under G99. Whether you volunteer to restrict yourself to 3.68kW export, or they impose it on you, you still have to use G99. Since you already have a G99 and 3.68kW export limit in place, then increasing your capacity may not need another/updated application. If your contractor says not, then I'd take their advice and refer your DNO to them if ever they challenge the increased capacity.

Tim Fair enough :-)

Tim
I have had a response back from the MD apologising and also one from the 'salesman' who attached a form to fill in, regarding them working on my property to install the system ( just over a year ago).
They have said 'we can get this sorted for you. Apologies the wrong application was made'
Fingers crossed the DNO grant it retrospectively.

THALL I have just paused the battery charge and eddi heating and started to export @ 4.14kw so I guess it's not restricted.

Thanks for the help guys and I will update on the success/failure of the G99 form after it's install last Aug.

derekfairweather export @ 4.14kw so I guess it's not restricted.

Ours does overshoot to quite high levels but the inverters ramp down to 3.68kW. However the software limit had to be set by Givenergy for me as my installer had forgotten to do it.

Tim I will have to try out if we get some more sunshine this year,
although it breaks my heart to even try lol

derekfairweather Do it anyway. Since you don't yet have a SEG tariff, it's of no benefit to you, only the network, not even a specific energy company. One thing I do now (as we are on a SEG tariff) is to limit battery charge rates on days promised to be sunny until dusk. This means that surplus energy is available for export sooner in the day, even if clipping occurs at peak production.

derekfairweather

I’d ask your installer or DNO as you said it’s a 3.6kW inverter which is 16A so may be ok on a g98, but that has to be sent within a certain time of installation.

I’m no expert, but without either approval it’s certainly not correct.

Tim

By ruse I don’t mean at the DNO end, I meant by the installer who screwed us over after promising things physically in stock.

They’d made so many excuses then claimed to have sent the g99 to the wrong DNO, then blamed the new DNO but failed to realise I was already talking to the DNO about something else. Essentially the installer trying to blame the DNO.

kram you said it’s a 3.6kW inverter

derekfairweather 5.9kw array and 5.0 hy gen1 inverter

It's a G99 application but anyway he's had a very positive response from the MD of the installation company, so fingers crossed.

Finally received my G99 after many chases and over 7 month wait. They still only declared I had 1x 8.2kw battery instead of two but assure me thats fine.
It also looks like they got permission for a Gen 2 invertor as it is rated for 5kw and not 2.6kw (They installed a GEN 1 as GEN 2 didn't exist in Aug21), so I can upgrade in the future without applying again.
Not sure what the 2.5 is for as I have an array of 5.9kw and only have an Eddi to compliment the set up.