G98 is the Energy Networks Association engineering recommendation covering the connection of small-scale generation, such as domestic solar, to the distribution network. It sets out what the network operator must be told and the technical requirements the equipment must meet.

Do I have to notify my DNO for a plug-in solar device?

Yes. Network notification remains required for a plug-in solar device in Great Britain. Using a socket rather than a hard-wired connection does not remove the obligation.

Your Distribution Network Operator is determined by your region, not by who you buy electricity from. It is a different company from your energy supplier. We identify the correct operator for your address as part of handling your notification.

Does SocketPower do this for me?

Yes. Our G98 notification handling is included with every kit bought from SocketPower. We collect the required details at or after purchase, submit the applicable notification to the correct network operator and confirm it to you in writing.

Can I notify more than one device?

Under the current G98 arrangements, one plug-in solar device per household. You must not install a second device or combine kits to exceed the 800 VA framework limit.

What if I move house or remove the device?

Tell us. A device that is permanently removed, or a property that changes hands, may require the network record to be updated, and we can handle that for kits we notified.

Guide · G98 & your DNO

G98 notification for plug-in solar: what it is and why it still applies

G98 is the industry framework for connecting small-scale generation to the distribution network. A plug-in solar device is generation, so your Distribution Network Operator must be notified — the requirement does not disappear because the device uses a plug. The current arrangements allow one plug-in solar device per household, and SocketPower handles the applicable notification for kits bought from us.

Last reviewed: 13 August 2026

ShareLinkedIn Facebook X

Notification: Still required
Handled by us: Included with every kit
Devices: One per household
Who is notified: Your regional DNO

What G98 is, in plain terms

Distribution Network Operators run the cables, substations and infrastructure that deliver electricity to your street. When a property starts generating as well as consuming, the operator needs to know: it affects how they model the local network and how they plan for what is connected to it.

G98 is the Energy Networks Association engineering recommendation that covers small-scale generation of this kind. In practice, for a domestic plug-in solar device, it means a notification containing the property details and the technical characteristics of the device.

Why it still applies to a device with a plug

The plug is a connection method, not an exemption. A compliant plug-in solar device is generating equipment feeding the same distribution network as any other domestic solar, and the framework that begins on 27 August 2026 in Great Britain sits alongside the existing network notification arrangements rather than replacing them.

The framework also sets the boundary the notification assumes: single-phase solar PV, maximum inverter apparent output of 800 VA, and one plug-in solar device per household under current arrangements. SocketPower kits are limited to 799 VA continuous AC output, comfortably inside that ceiling. Plug-in batteries and battery-integrated devices are outside the framework entirely and are not part of what we notify or sell.

The process and the timing

How the notification runs for a SocketPower kit
Stage	What happens	Who does it
1. Purchase	You buy a complete kit; G98 notification handling is included in the price.	You
2. Details	We collect the installation address, contact details and confirmation of the device and its intended installation date.	You provide, we request
3. Operator lookup	We identify the correct Distribution Network Operator for the address.	SocketPower
4. Submission	We submit the applicable notification with the device's technical characteristics.	SocketPower
5. Confirmation	We confirm the submission to you in writing and keep a record against your order.	SocketPower
6. Changes	If the device is permanently removed or the property changes hands, tell us so the record can be updated.	You tell us

What we need from you

Details required for the notification

The full installation address, including postcode, and the property's meter point where available.
Your name and contact details as the person responsible for the device.
Which kit you have, so the device's technical characteristics are stated correctly.
The date the device is, or will be, installed and in use.
Confirmation that there is no other plug-in solar device at the property.

You can start that process on our DNO notification service page.

What stays your responsibility

Notification is an administrative obligation about the network. It is not a safety certificate and not a permission to install. Alongside it you still need to:

Alongside notification

Follow the instructions supplied with your product exactly.
Confirm the socket and circuit are suitable, with modern residual-current protection, and never use an extension lead or any adaptor.
Obtain any permission required by your tenancy, lease, landlord, freeholder, managing agent or relevant authority.
Keep to one plug-in solar device per household, and never extend, modify or combine kits.
Use a qualified electrician for any work on fixed wiring, including installing or certifying an outdoor socket.

Start your notification Safety checks first See the kits

G98 questions

Sources

Energy Networks Association — connecting small-scale generation (G98)(opens in a new tab) — Energy Networks Association
The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/848)(opens in a new tab) — legislation.gov.uk
Plug-in solar: government response (July 2026)(opens in a new tab) — DESNZ (PDF)
Final Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification(opens in a new tab) — DESNZ (PDF)

Keep reading

Editorial note · Last reviewed 13 August 2026

Written and reviewed by SocketPower, a trading name of Storm Renewables Ltd (SC802881). This guide is general information about plug-in solar in Great Britain, not electrical design advice for your property. Always follow the instructions supplied with your product and use a qualified electrician for any work on your fixed wiring.

Plug-in solar in Great Britain: the framework covers single-phase solar PV with a maximum inverter apparent output of 800 VA, and SocketPower devices are limited to 799 VA continuous AC output. Plug-in batteries and battery-integrated devices are outside the framework and are not sold by SocketPower. The current G98 arrangements allow one plug-in solar device per household, and network notification remains required — SocketPower handles the applicable notification for kits bought from us. This framework applies in Great Britain from 27 August 2026 and not in Northern Ireland. Always follow the instructions supplied with your product, check that your socket and circuit are suitable, never use extension leads, multiway adaptors, travel adaptors or plug-in RCD adaptors, and obtain any permissions you need before installing.