Microgeneration renewable technologies, such as solar panels, can generate electricity, lower consumption, and even allow surplus electricity to be exported to the grid. These microgeneration systems are generally connected to homes, farms, and small commercial properties and are installed using a streamlined connection process known as G98/NI. The G98/NI process is a ‘fit and inform’ process, meaning you do not require prior approval from NIE for the system to be installed.
To qualify for the G98/NI connection process, the microgeneration system must be installed in a certified manner, remain below a specified size, and use equipment that meets G98/NI certification standards. Solarfix only use products that meet such requirements and are approved on the ENA register.
Inverter regulations
As of 1 March 2014, microgeneration systems must adhere to the updated Electricity Safety, Quality, and Continuity Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012. These regulations are designed to minimize potential impacts on the grid and bring NIE Networks' G98/NI limits in line with those across the UK.
The G98/NI limits are as follows:
· 3.68kW for single phase installations
· 11.04kW for three phase installations
Panel regulations
These limits apply specifically to the inverter size. For single-phase installations, the maximum power that can flow through the inverter into the property is 3.68kW at any time, while for three-phase installations, it's 11.04kW.
When it comes to solar panels, the system can be oversized. Given Northern Ireland's weather conditions, a solar system rarely reaches the full 3.68kW or 11.04kW output with the exact number of panels. To maximize the system's potential to reach these limits, we oversize the panels.
Oversizing limits depend on the inverter manufacturing specification. It is not uncommon to allow DC oversizing from 50-100%. For instance, 7.2kW of panels feeding a 3.68kW inverter.
Oversizing the system will inevitably lead to what is commonly known as ‘clipping’. This means that the system is producing more than the respective inverter limit but is unable to use it due to such limit. This commonly occurs during the summer months, when longer days and more sunlight increase energy production. However, clipping shouldn't be viewed negatively. Oversizing the system is necessary to ensure optimal performance year-round, especially in Northern Ireland, where minimal sunlight requires additional panel wattage to maximize the system's efficiency.
A solution to minimize clipping is adding a DC battery. This battery, positioned on the DC side of the inverter (before the power conversion), can store excess energy without being restricted by the inverter's capacity.
An example of this in action:
A single-phase solar panel system with a 3.68kW inverter, 7.2kW of panels, and 10kW of home battery storage is generating 7.2kW of power on a sunny July day.
If the household is using 3kW, the remaining 4.2kW can be stored in the battery. This setup allows the system to store more energy, increasing savings. Keep in mind, however, that any stored power must pass through the inverter to convert from DC to AC (usable in the home), meaning it will still be limited by the inverter's capacity (3.68kW for single-phase, 11.04kW for three-phase systems).
Export
All G98/NI solar panel systems are approved for export, allowing the system owner to sell any excess power back to the grid, with the proceeds going directly to the owner's pocket. Export payments are made once per year, usually in the autumn and are separate from the import payments you pay to your electricity supplier throughout the year.
At Solarfix, we help all our customers set up their export account via Power NI, supplying all the necessary documentation to them directly, ensuring a smooth process. Each year, you simply send Power NI a photo of your meter, and they transfer the payment directly to your bank as compensation for the surplus energy exported.
The export tariff changes yearly and often reflects the price changes of import electricity that year, for example when you are spending more money buying electricity in, you will be paid more for the electricity you export. For instance, during the 2022-23 energy crisis, customers received around 17p per kW exported, while in 2023-24, as prices stabilized, the rate dropped to about 14p per kW.
Planning permission & Building Control
Planning permission:
In most cases, solar panel installations in Northern Ireland are considered ‘permitted development,’ so planning permission is not always required. However, there are exceptions, particularly for listed buildings, properties in conservation areas or ground mounted systems. Our team will be able to advise you at survey whether or not you require planning permission for your solar panel system.
Building Control:
Like most major home improvements, solar panel installations require approval from building control after the system is installed. At Solarfix, we can handle the building control application on your behalf. Once the system is installed, you only need to arrange the inspection at a time that suits you. If building control requests additional information, we will provide everything needed directly to you or the relevant authorities.
EV Car Chargers
The My Energi Zappi Car Charger can be installed at either single phase or three phase properties, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.
· For single-phase installations, the 7kw Zappi Car Charger will be installed.
· For three-phase installations, the 22kw Zappi Car Charger will be installed.
NIE requires information on all EV chargers installed in Northern Ireland through two processes: ‘connect and notify’ or ‘apply to connect.
Connect and notify enables the Zappi Car Charger to be installed without prior notification to NIE, whereas apply to connect requires approval from NIE before the Zappi Car Charger can be installed.
Many factors are taken into consideration to determine which process each customer will need to follow, however, we collect all the necessary information required at survey and handle the entire application process for you.
We’ve got you covered
There are many rules and regulations that make up a solar installation as you can see, however, with our solar experts to guide you through your solar journey, you can ensure that you’ll be fully compliant.
Get in touch with our solar experts now to set up a complementary survey on 0800 246 5198 or get in touch via the website.
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