How to register plug-in solar with your DNO

latest deadline after plugging in: 28 days
DESNZ estimate to register: 5–10 min
per household: 1 kit

Is registering mandatory?

Yes. Three primary sources say so:

The network rules. Ofgem’s approval of the G98 change says it “requires customers to notify their DNO of installation or decommissioning of a Plug-in Micro-generator”.
The law. ESQCR regulation 22(2) requires the distributor to be advised when a small generator is used in parallel with the network.
The product. The Interim Product Specification makes manufacturers mark each kit with a statement that DNO notification “is mandatory”, with a link and a QR code to the registration process.

When do you have to register: 28 days or before use?

The sources don’t agree:

Source	What it says
DESNZ Impact Assessment, para 25	A short online form “within 28 days of installation”
G98 consultation draft, §8.3	“no later than 28 days (inclusive of the day of commissioning) after commissioning”. For plug-in kits, the customer can act as installer
ESQCR reg 22(2)(c)	“before, or at the time of, commissioning”. G98 relaxes this to 28 days under a 2008 HSE exemption
Electricity North West (a DNO)	“You’re legally required to register any plug-in solar panel devices before you use them”

It costs nothing to do it early, and it meets every version of the rule.

How do you register?

Check your kit is listed as Compliant. Our device list shows every plug-in entry on the ENA register and its status. Registering a non-compliant kit doesn’t make it compliant.
Check it’s your only plug-in device. G98 allows one per household.
Find the exact model name. Many kits are listed as several variants (by panel count or mount), so match the one you bought.
Register at myplugin.solar. Electricity North West links to it as “Register your plug-in solar” and says you’ll need your name, postcode and the make and model of the device.
Keep the confirmation with your kit paperwork. Your landlord or insurer may ask for it.

The DESNZ Impact Assessment describes the intended process: a short online form with your name, email address and installation address. The system uses your address to find your MPAN (your meter’s supply number), and you pick your device from a drop-down list drawn from the ENA Type Test Register. DESNZ expected it to take “around 5 to 10 minutes”. If your model isn’t in the list, stop and check it’s Compliant.

What we couldn't confirm

Ofgem says the ENA is developing a consumer notification journey on its Connect Direct platform. We haven’t confirmed from a primary source who operates myplugin.solar or the exact steps on the site, because it blocked our automated checks. The paper forms below come from the G98 draft; the final text wasn’t available to us, and Ofgem says later changes included “simplified customer facing forms”. We’ll update this guide when we can confirm.

Is there a paper form?

The G98 consultation draft includes Form B2, “Installation Document for a Plug-in Microgenerator under G98”. On it you declare that no more than one plug-in microgenerator is connected in your installation. The draft says you “may use the connect and notify process through the Connect Direct platform” instead. Your DNO can tell you which forms are in use now.

What if you remove the kit or move house?

You must also notify the DNO when you decommission a plug-in device (Ofgem). The G98 draft uses Form D2 for this. If you move and take the kit with you, notify the removal at the old address and the installation at the new one.

Does registering get you paid for export?

Not by itself. Plug-in kits generally don’t qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee. The DESNZ Impact Assessment notes that getting any export tariff “would be contingent on registering their devices” with the DNO. So registration is a precondition, not a guarantee. See export.

What to do next

Look up your kit with the compliance checker before you register. If you haven’t bought one yet, in stock now shows Compliant kits by default.