What is the Difference Between a G98 and G99 Application?

If you’ve been researching solar panels or larger renewable energy systems, you may already have come across the terms “G98” and “G99”.

For a lot of homeowners and businesses, this is often the point where solar suddenly starts to feel far more technical than expected.

In reality, G98 and G99 applications are a standard part of installing solar panels in the UK. They’re simply different types of grid connection applications used to make sure the local electricity network can safely handle any excess electricity your system may export back to the grid.

The good news is that this is usually handled entirely by your installer, so it’s not something most customers need to manage themselves.

Whether you’re planning a smaller domestic solar setup, adding battery storage, installing EV charging or looking at a larger commercial system, understanding the difference between G98 and G99 can make the whole process feel much more straightforward.

 

What Are G98 and G99 Applications?

 

Both G98 and G99 are types of applications submitted to your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

Your DNO is the company responsible for managing the local electricity network in your area. Their role is to make sure the grid remains stable and capable of safely handling electricity flowing both into and out of properties.

When solar panels generate more electricity than your property is using, the excess energy can be exported back to the grid. G98 and G99 applications exist to make sure the local network can safely accommodate that exported power.

The main difference between the two comes down to the size of the system and how much electricity it may export.

Why Do Solar Panel Installations Need DNO Approval?

 

While solar panels reduce reliance on grid electricity, they don’t work completely independently from the network.

During sunny periods, many systems generate surplus electricity. If large numbers of homes or businesses export power back into the grid at the same time, it can place additional pressure on local infrastructure.

This is especially important in rural areas across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, where parts of the grid may have been designed long before modern renewable energy demand increased.

DNO approval helps:

• maintain grid stability
• prevent local overloads
• ensure systems operate safely
• manage larger export capacities properly.

While this can sound technical, it’s really just a safety and planning process. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with your installation.

 

What is a G98 Application?

 

A G98 application is typically used for smaller renewable energy systems.

In simple terms, this usually applies to systems with an inverter capacity of up to 3.68kW per phase. Many standard residential solar panel installations fall into this category.

With G98, installers can generally complete the installation first and notify the DNO afterwards. This makes the process relatively straightforward for smaller domestic systems.

For many homeowners installing standard domestic solar panels, the entire process is fairly simple behind the scenes, and you may never need to deal with the application directly yourself.

Smaller battery storage systems may also fall within G98 limits, depending on the inverter size and overall system configuration.

 

What is a G99 Application?

 

A G99 application is generally required for larger systems that exceed G98 export limits.

Unlike G98, G99 approval usually needs to be granted before installation can begin. This allows the DNO to assess whether the local grid can safely handle the additional export capacity.

G99 applications are more commonly associated with:

• larger residential systems
• properties with substantial battery storage
• commercial solar installations
• farms and agricultural buildings
• systems designed for future expansion.

It’s important to remember that needing G99 approval does not mean something is wrong or unsuitable. In fact, many modern renewable energy systems naturally fall into G99 territory, particularly as homeowners increasingly add batteries, EV chargers and larger inverter setups.

For businesses and farms considering commercial solar panels, G99 applications are often a normal part of the installation process.

G98 vs G99: What’s the Actual Difference?

 

While the technical details can become quite involved, the practical differences are usually much easier to understand.

Feature	G98	G99
Typical system size	Smaller domestic systems	Larger domestic or commercial systems
Approval timing	Notify after installation	Approval before installation
Export capacity	Lower	Higher
Most common for:	Standard homes	Farms, businesses, larger homes
DNO involvement	Simpler notification	Full application review
Batteries & EV integration	Sometimes	More commonly involved

The inverter size often plays a bigger role than the number of panels themselves.

This means two homes with similar solar panel arrays could potentially require different application types depending on:

• battery storage
• inverter capacity
• export limitation settings
• future expansion plans.

That’s why system design matters just as much as the panels themselves.

 

Which Solar Systems Usually Need G98 or G99?

 

One of the easiest ways to understand the difference is to look at real-world scenarios.

Typical Domestic Solar Systems

Many standard residential solar systems fall comfortably within G98 limits.

If you’re installing a relatively modest solar setup designed mainly to reduce household electricity bills, there’s a good chance a G98 notification will be sufficient.

This is common for many homes across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire installing smaller rooftop systems.

Larger Homes With Battery Storage

As battery storage becomes more popular, more residential systems are moving into G99 territory.

Larger inverters and battery systems can increase export capability, even if the number of solar panels themselves remains fairly typical.

For homeowners looking at solar battery storage, future-proofing the system from the beginning often becomes an important consideration.

Commercial & Agricultural Installations

Commercial properties like warehouses, farms, and agricultural buildings are far more likely to require G99 approval due to their larger generation capacity.

Large roof spaces, daytime electricity demand and bigger inverter systems naturally increase export potential.

This is especially common for rural businesses looking to reduce operational energy costs while improving long-term energy independence.

 

Can You Still Install Solar if You Need G99 Approval?

 

Absolutely.

One of the biggest misconceptions around G99 is that it somehow prevents solar installations from going ahead. In reality, it’s simply a different approval route.

In many cases, the DNO may:

• approve the application immediately
• request export limitations
• suggest minor adjustments to the system design
• provide upgrade recommendations if required.

Most homeowners and businesses won’t need to handle these conversations themselves. Experienced installers usually manage the application process directly with the DNO as part of the installation.

This is one reason why choosing an installer with experience in system design, batteries and larger renewable setups can make the process feel significantly smoother.

 

How Long Do G98 and G99 Applications Take?

 

G98 notifications are generally quite quick because the installation can usually proceed before the DNO is formally notified.

G99 applications can vary more depending on:

• local grid capacity
• system size
• property type
• whether batteries or export limitations are involved.

Some approvals happen relatively quickly, while larger commercial or agricultural projects may take longer.

This is why planning ahead can be helpful, particularly for larger systems or projects with more complex energy requirements.

 

Do Batteries, EV Chargers or Future Upgrades Affect G98 and G99?

 

Increasingly, yes.

Modern renewable energy systems are no longer just about solar panels alone. Many homeowners now want:

• battery storage
• EV charging
• hot water diverters
• future system expansion.

All of these can influence overall system export capacity and potentially affect whether G98 or G99 applies.

For example, adding:

• larger batteries
• EV charging infrastructure
• additional solar panels later

may move a system beyond standard G98 limits.

That’s why future-proofing the system from the start often makes sense.

A properly designed system should account not only for today’s energy usage, but also how the property may use electricity in the future.

 

Why Choosing the Right Installer Matters

 

G98 and G99 applications are one of the reasons solar panel installation is about far more than simply mounting panels onto a roof.

Correct system design, inverter sizing and export management all play an important role in ensuring the installation works properly both now and long-term.

An experienced MCS certified installer can:

• assess the most suitable system size
• manage DNO applications
• avoid unnecessary delays
• design around future expansion
• explain the process clearly without overcomplicating it.

This becomes especially valuable for:

• larger homes
• farms and agricultural properties
• commercial buildings
• battery storage systems
• EV charging integration.

At Lincs Renewables, we handle G98 and G99 applications as part of the wider installation process, helping homeowners and businesses across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire navigate the technical side of renewable energy with clear, practical advice.

 

Final Thoughts

 

While G98 and G99 applications may initially sound confusing, they are really just standard parts of connecting renewable energy systems to the grid safely.

For many homeowners, a smaller domestic solar setup will fall under G98 and involve a relatively simple notification process. Larger systems, battery storage or commercial installations may require G99 approval instead.

Neither option is necessarily better or worse. The correct route simply depends on the design and export capacity of the system itself.

Most importantly, the application process is usually managed by your installer, meaning you can focus more on understanding the benefits of the system rather than worrying about technical paperwork.

If you’d like to find out more: get in touch, call us on 01472 511487, or email us at info@lincsrenewables.co.uk.