Commissioning documents

[Pablo68]

I have a question regarding the provision of commissioning information to my UK Power Networks following a successful G98 application.

I have recently self-installed a 1.7kWp grid tied solar PV system, which consists of five 340Wp panels and a Sunny Boy SB1700 grid tied inverter, all installed in compliance with BS7671 and connected via a dedicated RCBO in the consumer unit, on the roof of my house. The design and fitting was done in compliance with the MCS solar Pv standard document and all components, including Renusol fixings, are MCS certified.

 

An assessment of the structural loading on the roof rafters (which had previously been reinforced with additional 150mm x 47mm C16 joists bolted to them as part of a loft conversation) was undertaken prior to installation, however, Building Control have not been involved and their approval has not been sought.

 

I am a chartered engineer with many years experience in power electronics and electrical engineering, so was confident with all aspects of the MCS standards document and installation process. As the system was self-installed, I do not have an MCS installation certificate.

 

I submitted the completed G98 form to my DNO, along with a schematic wiring diagram, grid tied inverter certificate etc. via email and received an acknowledgment email inviting me to track my application via their Smart Connect Portal. When I logged into the portal I found that an account had been set up in my name, but there were no details of my application.

A couple of weeks later a received three email at the same time from SmartConnect. The first gave a reference number and thanked me for my application. The second stated that my application had been approved and had a PDF attachment giving the installation details; this email also included a statement reminding me not to forget to provide the commissioning documents using an integrated link by the end of January. It also stated that my export MPAN would be provided after commissioning documents had been submitted. The third email stated that UK Power Networks had updated their records and confirmed that the application, approval and commissioning procedure specified in Engineers Recommendation G98 for this type of connection had been followed correctly.

 

The following day I received an email containing my export MPAN.

 

My question: Given that the third email stated that the application had been application, approval and commissioning procedure had been followed correctly, do I still need to attach commissioning details or was this a request which they automatically include in their email? If so, what exactly is it they want to see?

 

I had originally intended for the installation to help reduce our electricity consumption, whilst also doing the right thing for the planet, but now that I have an export MPAN and Octopus are trialling a non MCS accredited installed feed-in tariff, I would welcome suggestions as to whether this is worth pursuing, especially if I decide to add an additional array in the future?

 

Many thanks in advance.

[Dillsue]

If your install has been done under G98, it's a notification that you need to do(have done) rather than an application- you tell them what you've done rather than ask their permission to do it. If your DNO is referring to a G98 submission as an "application", they're getting their wires crossed!

 

If you Google G98 commissioning form, you'll find the commissioning form that you need to send them but it sounds like you've already sent it?

 

Certainly for our DNO, SPEN, they don't seem to issue an export MPAN until all the paperwork is in place, they didnt for me at least!

 

Last I heard from Octopus If you want them to buy your non MCS export you have to- pay them a £250 fee, get building control approval for the install, get a part P electrical installation cert, get a smart meter installed, get a confirmation letter/email from your DNO.  With a 1.7kw system there's a fair chance its not worth it for the amount you'll export at 15p/kwh

[Pablo68]

Dillsue,

 

Many thanks for your helpful response.

 

Sorry for the delay in responding; I didn't receive any notification from the forum and assumed that nobody had responded.