Can You Reapply for DNO Permission and Get More Capacity?

When installing a solar PV and battery storage system, securing permission from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is a crucial step. If you’ve been restricted by the DNO in terms of generation or export capacity, you might be wondering whether you can reapply for more capacity in the future. The short answer? Yes, and in many cases, it may be worth doing so. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Does the DNO Restrict Capacity?

DNOs manage the local electricity grid, ensuring stability and safety. If you apply for a system with an inverter larger than 3.68 kW per phase, your installer must submit an application to the DNO. The reason for this is simple: large-scale solar and battery installations can feed excess electricity back into the grid, potentially raising voltage levels beyond safe operating limits.

When assessing your application, the DNO considers the worst-case scenario - your system exporting at full capacity. If the local grid infrastructure, including substations and transformers, isn’t strong enough to accommodate the extra power, the DNO may impose restrictions.

However, the grid is constantly being upgraded. New cables, substations, and transformers are installed over time to meet growing electricity demand and support microgeneration. This means that if you were restricted initially, there’s a fair chance that reapplying in the future could result in a more favourable outcome.

When Should You Reapply?

There’s no strict timeline for reapplying, but here are some general guidelines:

• If your system was installed five or more years ago, it’s definitely worth submitting a new application, as significant upgrades may have been made to the grid in that time.
• If you’ve only recently installed your system, waiting at least a year is advisable unless you notice substantial work being done on your local grid infrastructure, such as upgrades to substations or overhead cables.

Importantly, the DNO cannot revoke your previously granted capacity. If you reapply and the DNO doesn’t offer additional capacity, you still retain your original allowance.

What Happens If You Get More Capacity?

If your DNO reapplication is successful and you’re granted more capacity, your next steps will depend on your inverter setup:

• If your export limitation improves, this may simply be a setting that your installer can adjust in the inverter software—usually a straightforward change.
• If your generation capacity increases, your options will depend on the type of inverter installed.
• Fixed-rated inverters (such as the Sigen Energy 8 kW, Solis 6 kW, or GivEnergy 5 kW) would require replacing the inverter with a higher-rated model to take full advantage of the increased capacity.
• Software-adjustable inverters (such as the Tesla Powerwall 3) can have their capacity remotely adjusted without requiring any new hardware. This flexibility makes them a strong option for those who anticipate needing more capacity in the future.

Future-Proofing Your Solar and Battery System

If you are in the process of choosing a solar and battery system and suspect that you may want to expand your capacity in the future, opting for an inverter with flexible power settings can be a smart move. The Tesla Powerwall 3, for example, has an 11.04 kW inverter that can be throttled down via software by an installer, allowing for an easy upgrade if your DNO permission improves later.

Another promising alternative is the upcoming GivEnergy Hybrid All-in-One, which is expected to offer similar flexibility. Currently, these seem to be the only systems with this feature, making them strong choices for future-proofing your investment.

Key Takeaways

• The DNO may initially restrict your solar and battery capacity based on local grid limitations.
• The grid is continuously being upgraded, so reapplying for more capacity in a few years could be beneficial.
• If granted more capacity, your ability to upgrade will depend on whether your inverter is software-adjustable or has a fixed rating.
• Choosing a system with a flexible inverter, such as the Tesla Powerwall 3, can help accommodate future expansion without requiring expensive hardware upgrades.
• There is no risk to reapplying - the DNO cannot take away your existing approved capacity.

If you’re considering a solar and battery system and want expert guidance on navigating DNO applications, Spirit Energy is here to help. Get in touch with us today for a tailored technical quotation that maximises your energy potential.