Scotland-specific

DNO Notification When You Replace a Solar Inverter in Scotland

Scotland has two DNOs with different processes. Here is exactly what is required for each scenario.

Last updated: August 2026 · Next review: February 2027

Short answer

A like-for-like inverter swap (same kW rating) needs only a G98 notification — submitted after the work, no waiting. If you change capacity or add a battery, you need G99 approval first (2–6 weeks). Scotland has two DNOs: SPEN (Central Belt) and SSEN (Highlands, north-east, islands).

The Two Scottish DNOs

SP Energy Networks (SPEN)

Glasgow, Edinburgh, Central Belt, Ayrshire, Borders, Dumfries & Galloway

  • G98 submissions via online portal
  • Typical turnaround: 5–10 working days
  • G99 applications: 20–45 working days

SSEN Distribution

Highlands, Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Fife, Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles

  • G98 submissions via online form
  • Typical turnaround: 5–15 working days
  • G99 applications: 30–65 working days (longer in constrained areas)
  • Island connections may require network study

Which Notification Do You Need?

Scenario 1: Same make, same model, same kW rating

Notification required: None

A true like-for-like swap. No DNO paperwork. No FIT notification. Quickest route back to generating.

Scenario 2: Different make or model, same kW rating (up to 3.68 kW/phase)

Notification required: G98

A G98 is a notification, not an application — you do not need approval before installing. Submit within 28 days of commissioning. We handle this as standard.

Scenario 3: Different kW rating, or total exceeds 3.68 kW/phase

Notification required: G99 application

A G99 requires approval BEFORE energising. Common when upgrading to hybrid with battery. SSEN constrained zones (islands) can take 4–6 weeks.

Scenario 4: Adding battery storage

Notification required: G99 (usually)

Most battery additions push total capacity above the G98 threshold. Also requires FIT/SEG licensee notification.

Highland and Island Logistics

Next-day delivery is not next-day north of Inverness or on any island. Parts from European distributors take 5–10 working days to reach Fort William, 7–14 days to reach Orkney or Shetland. We stock common replacement units (Solis, SolarEdge, Huawei, Fox ESS) at our central hub and ship direct, but lead times to remote areas are honest: typically 1–2 weeks from diagnosis to installation. We will not promise next-day when the freight reality is different.

We Handle All DNO Paperwork

No extra charge. G98 or G99, SPEN or SSEN — included in every quote.

0141 230 0198
0141 230 0198Get a diagnosis