DNO Approval for Solar: What It Is and Why It Matters

Distribution Network Operator (DNO) approval is a vital safety process that ensures your solar installation integrates seamlessly with the local power grid without destabilizing the neighborhood supply. While standard domestic systems under 3.68kW typically only require a post-installation notification (G98), larger or more complex arrays necessitate prior “G99” permission, which can take four to eight weeks to process. This regulatory step is essential for securing your ability to export surplus energy and qualify for payments, yet it is a technical hurdle that homeowners rarely need to navigate alone.

Microinverters vs String Inverters: Which Solar Inverter Works Better for Your Roof?

Choosing between a string inverter and microinverters depends entirely on your roof’s “personality”—specifically its shape, orientation, and potential for shading. String inverters act as a single, cost-effective “engine” for your entire solar array, making them ideal for simple, south-facing roofs with no obstructions. Conversely, microinverters place an individual processor under every panel, ensuring that if one is shaded by a chimney or tree, the rest of the system continues to perform at 100% capacity.