Fewer questions from the DNO
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- Residential Solar.
- Battery Storage.
- DNO Documentation.
- UK SOLAR PV DESIGN SUPPORT
Residential solar design for the UK
Residential solar PV design for UK homes.
Solar PV Design Services UK from PTOEdge: every document your grid-connected system needs, from roof layout to handover pack. Built for homes first, with support for commercial rooftops, batteries and solar plants. Clean packs mean fewer DNO queries and faster connection.
- UK-focused design documentation
- One point of contact
Project preview
Residential PV design packPVRoof layout
SLDElectrical design
DNOConnection pack
Technical reviewDrawings checked against project data
G98 / G99 supportDocumentation matched to the project route
Our UK services
Solar PV Design Services UK: Every Document a Grid Connection Needs
Every UK project must satisfy the network operator, the installer’s certification scheme and the wiring rules. Therefore, accurate drawings and forms matter as much as the panels themselves.
Fewer queries
Faster connection
Installers keep crews busy
Switch on sooner
Homeowners get power flowing earlier
Residential solar PV design
Roof layouts, string and inverter sizing, shading review, and installer notes.
Electrical drawings and SLDs
Single-line diagrams, cable calculations, protection schedules and labelling.
DNO applications: G98 / G99
Route selection, forms, portal submission and answers to DNO engineer queries.
Battery storage design
AC- or DC-coupled layouts, siting, backup circuits and handover notes.
EV charger support
Load checks, DNO notification and combined solar-and-battery drawings.
Commercial and plant design
Three-phase rooftops, ground-mounted plants with G99 documentation.
Read on to see each service, or request a quote for your UK solar project today.
Residential solar, in focus
Designed for the roofs UK homeowners live under
From traditional tiled roofs to modern homes and integrated battery systems, each design starts with the actual property, available roof space and electrical setup.
Photography is illustrative. Final system design depends on site measurements, roof structure, shading, equipment and the property’s electrical supply.
Why PTOEdge
Why Choose Our Solar PV Design Services UK
Installers choose us because we understand how UK connections work. First, we design to BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations, and follow MCS installation standards. In addition, we prepare forms in line with the Energy Networks Association (ENA) engineering recommendations G98 and G99. As a result, your pack aligns with the requirements of each Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Beyond compliance, our team understands the practical challenges of UK projects. For instance, UK roofs range from tight Victorian terraces to wide new-build estates. Similarly, a single-phase supply can limit export on many homes. Therefore, we check the supply type and inverter size before preparing the designs.
Equally important, we prioritise clear communication throughout the process. To ensure a smooth workflow, you receive a defined scope and one point of contact from the initial brief to handover. Moreover, we flag missing site data early, helping your team avoid unnecessary delays. Ultimately, this practical approach reduces rework and helps keep approvals moving.
Our Solar PV Design Services UK also link with wider guidance on this site. For instance, you can read about solar plan set requirements across the USA, UK and Canada before you order. Furthermore, our article on what to look for in a solar design partner in the UK explains how to compare providers. Meanwhile, installers who weigh cost can compare in-house solar engineering against outsourcing.
Quality First
Quality Checks Behind Our Solar PV Design Services UK
Careful review costs us minutes but saves your team days.
Second engineer review
A second engineer reviews every drawing before it leaves our desk.
Cross-check the data
We compare the design against the datasheets, the site data and the DNO route.
Final label check
We check labels, ratings and references one final time, so small slips never reach the network operator.
Residential-first
Residential Solar PV Design Services UK
Homes are the heart of the UK solar market, so residential design is where we put most of our effort. First, we collect the facts that shape the system. Then, we turn those facts into a safe, compliant and efficient layout. Finally, we package the result for your installer and the DNO.
SITE DATA
Start with accurate site data
For this reason, we ask for the following. If any detail is missing, we tell you straight away.
- Roof photos, measurements and roof covering
- Rafter details
- Position of the consumer unit
- Supply type: single-phase or three-phase
- Meter details
- Loft access and cable routes, which affect cost
PLANNING
Planning rules also matter
Most domestic roof arrays fall under permitted development in England, although listed buildings and some conservation areas need extra checks.
Therefore, we flag these points before the install date, not after.
MOUNTING
Roof Types and Mounting in Solar PV Design Services UK
Roof type shapes both the design and the install method.
Pitched roof
Slate, concrete tile, clay tile and metal sheet each need different fixings. Therefore, we record the roof covering and rafter size before we finalise the layout. In addition, we note rafter spacing, because it controls where the rails can sit.
Flat roof
Flat roofs need a separate approach. Here, ballasted frames or fixed mounts raise the panels at a set angle. However, extra weight needs a structural check. Consequently, we flag the load early, so your installer can confirm the roof can carry it.
Wind exposure
A coastal bungalow faces higher uplift than a sheltered terrace. Likewise, a tall building sees stronger gusts at the roof edge. As a result, we suggest edge setbacks and fixing counts that suit the site.
LAYOUT AND YIELD
Layout and Yield in Solar PV Design Services UK
Layout directly affects how much energy a roof can produce. Therefore, we position modules according to roof pitch, orientation and fire-safety setbacks. At the same time, we plan string lengths to match the inverter’s voltage window. Additionally, because shading can quickly reduce system output, we assess chimneys, dormers, trees and neighbouring buildings before finalising the layout.
Next, we estimate annual generation in kWh using the roof angle, orientation and shading. As a result, homeowners see realistic figures rather than best-case numbers. Moreover, the estimate helps size a battery later, if the household wants one.
If your team also needs a full drawing set, our solar plan set drafting service can build it around the same design. In addition, our guide to solar engineering services for residential and commercial projects shows how the work fits together from survey to sign-off.
Our team also knows the practical side of UK work. For example, UK roofs range from tight Victorian terraces to wide new-build estates. Likewise, a single-phase supply limits export on many homes. Therefore, we check supply type and inverter size before we draw anything.
Clear communication matters just as much. Specifically, you receive a defined scope and one point of contact from brief to handover. In addition, we flag missing site data early, so your team avoids delays later. Overall, this approach keeps rework low and approvals moving.
EQUIPMENT
Equipment Choices in Solar PV Design Services UK
Equipment choice affects cost, approval and warranty. Therefore, we select modules and inverters that suit the roof and the supply. As a result, installers order the right kit the first time.
ENA type-test certificate
We check that the inverter carries a valid ENA type-test certificate.
MCS product list
Products appear on the MCS list where the customer wants to claim payments.
Warranty terms
We compare warranty terms, because a long warranty protects the homeowner for years.
technical document
Solar Electrical Drawings and Single-Line Diagrams in Solar PV Design Services UK
A single-line diagram (SLD) is the one drawing every reviewer reads first. It shows how power flows from the panels to the grid, so errors here cause the most delays. Therefore, we draw each SLD with care and check it against the equipment datasheets.
Beyond the SLD, our electrical drawing sets include a site plan, roof layout and cable route plan. In addition, we add voltage-drop and cable-rating checks, because installers need proof that cables stay within limits. Likewise, we include labelling schedules so the finished system carries the correct warning signs under BS 7671 Section 712.
calculations
Calculations Behind Solar PV Design Services UK Drawings
Good drawings rest on sound numbers.
Voltage window
We check that the string voltage stays inside the inverter window.
Input current
We check that the current stays within the inverter input limit.
Cable sizing
We size each cable for the current it carries.
Protection
We confirm that protective devices suit the cable and the fault level.
Who Uses Our Solar PV Design Services UK Drawings
The DNO
Uses the drawings to assess the connection.
Your MCS certification body
Can use them to confirm the design.
The homeowner
Receives a clear record of the installer.
For deeper reading, see what a solar permit plan set should include. The same quality standard runs through all our Solar PV Design Services UK. Consequently, a drawing that passes one review rarely fails another.
GRID CONNECTION
DNO Application Support in Our Solar PV Design Services UK
Your DNO owns and runs the local electricity network. Because each operator uses its own portal and forms, applications can feel confusing. Therefore, we handle that work for you.
14
Licence areas in Great Britain
6
DNO groups
G98/G99
Connection routes we prepare
The six groups include UK Power Networks, SSEN, National Grid Electricity Distribution, Northern Powergrid, Electricity North West and SP Energy Networks.
Confirm DNO and route
We confirm which DNO covers the property and which route applies.
Collect the data
SLD, site location details, inverter ratings and protection settings.
Complete and submit
We complete the forms and submit them through the correct portal.
Track and respond
We track the application and answer technical queries from the DNO engineer.
BUSY NETWORKS
Limited heardoom
Support matters most when the network is busy. Some areas have limited headroom, so the DNO may request export limits or ask for reinforcement works. In such cases, we review the options with you.
Sometimes a lower export limit keeps the project on the faster G98 route, while self-consumption stays high. Consequently, the customer avoids long waits and extra network costs.
TIMING
Submit early
G99 applications can take longer than G98 notifications, and response times vary between operators. Therefore, we advise installers to submit early.
Meanwhile, we keep the customer informed, so nobody is surprised by a delay. Consequently, crews book the install only when the approval is in sight.
Once the system is live, many owners can claim payments for exported power through the Smart Export Guarantee on the Ofgem website. In addition, our article on what a solar interconnection agreement is explains how grid connection terms work. Meanwhile, our permission to operate support shows how we manage utility sign-off on larger projects.
Avoiding Common DNO Queries in Solar PV Design Services UK
| Common mistake | What it causes | Our check |
|---|---|---|
| Missing type-test reference | Stops many G98 notifications. | Cross-check every form against the SLD and the datasheets before submission. |
| Wrong MPAN | Sends the form to the wrong record. | Verify property details against the form before submission. |
| Unclear export limits | Slows down G99 reviews. | State limits clearly and match them to the SLD. |
HANDOVER
Solar PV Handover Documentation in Solar PV Design Services UK
Handover closes the project, yet many teams rush it. Therefore, we prepare the pack before the crew leaves site. Meanwhile, the homeowner gets a clear record of the system. Later, that record helps with warranty claims, insurance and a future house sale.
A complete UK handover pack includes:
- As-built single-line diagram and roof layout
- Installation certificate and test result templates for the installer to complete under BS 7671
- G98 or G99 confirmation from the DNO
- MCS certificate details, where the installer holds MCS certification
- Module, inverter and battery datasheets with warranty terms
- User guide, shutdown procedure and maintenance notes
- Smart Export Guarantee guidance for the homeowner
DIGITAL FILES
Digital Records in Solar PV Design Services UK Handover
Paper packs get lost, so we also supply tidy digital files. Specifically, each folder holds the drawings, certificates and datasheets in clear PDF format. In addition, we name every file in plain language. Therefore, an installer, a homeowner or an engineer can find any document in seconds. Moreover, one shared folder keeps every party working from the latest version.
Commissioning
A simple commissioning checklist
- The installer confirms polarity, insulation resistance and earth continuity
- The installer records the inverter settings and the date of the first export
- We file the results with the final drawings
For more detail on drawing standards, read our guide to solar plan set requirements in the UK, USA and Canada.
BATTERY STORAGE
Battery Storage Design and Handover Documentation in Solar PV Design Services UK
Batteries are now common in UK homes. However, they add design questions that a solar-only job never raises. First, we decide between AC-coupled and DC-coupled layouts. Next, we size the battery against the household’s daily use. Then, we check where it can sit safely, such as a garage or utility room.
Fire safety matters here. Therefore, we follow the manufacturer’s rules and the IET Code of Practice for Electrical Energy Storage Systems.
Because a battery changes the generation rating, we update the DNO paperwork. Otherwise, the application may not match the equipment on the wall.
SAFETY
Battery Safety and Siting in Solar PV Design Services UK
Safe siting protects the home. For this reason, we keep batteries away from escape routes and living spaces wherever the layout allows. In addition, we check ventilation, temperature limits and clearances against the manufacturer’s rules. Likewise, we plan cable routes and isolation points so a firefighter or engineer can shut the system down quickly. Consequently, the install passes the installer’s own checks with fewer surprises.
BACKUPS AND TARRIF
Know what stays live
Backup circuits need careful planning. For example, we agree which essential loads stay live during a power cut. Consequently, the homeowner knows exactly what the battery will power.
We also explain time-of-use tariffs at handover. As a result, owners can charge cheaply overnight and use stored power at peak times. For related drawing support, see our solar plan set drafting service.
EV CHARGERS
EV Charger DNO Application Support in Solar PV Design Services UK
Many households add an EV charger alongside solar. As a result, the supply faces new demand. Therefore, we assess the main fuse and the existing load before the charger goes in. BS 7671 Section 722 sets the wiring rules for EV charging equipment. Furthermore, PME supplies need protection against an open-PEN fault, so we check the earthing arrangement.
DNO rules depend on the size and number of chargers. For instance, many single home chargers need notification only. By contrast, larger loads or several chargers may need an application first. We confirm which route applies and complete the form for you.
Smart charging adds another useful option. Many chargers can follow solar output, so the car charges from surplus power. As a result, the household uses more of its own energy. Moreover, the single-line diagram shows exactly how the charger, the solar array and the battery connect.
A shared design helps the whole site. Solar can supply the charger in daylight, while the battery covers the evening. Consequently, the household cuts grid imports and avoids a second round of paperwork. If you need help with a mixed project, send us your site details today.
commercial
Commercial Solar PV Design Services UK
Commercial rooftops differ from homes in several ways. First, supplies are often three-phase. Second, energy use follows a business pattern rather than a household one. Therefore, we review half-hourly meter data before we size the array. Consequently, the system matches real demand, and the payback stays realistic.
We design for warehouses, factories, schools, farms and retail parks. In addition, we coordinate with structural engineers, because roof loading controls the module count. Likewise, we plan safe access and fire setbacks under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
METERING
Three-Phase Systems and Metering in Commercial Solar PV Design Services UK
Business sites often run three-phase supplies and half-hourly meters. Therefore, we match the inverter size to the site’s real load profile. In addition, we balance the generation across all three phases, because uneven export can trigger DNO limits. Likewise, we plan meter positions and monitoring points so the finance team can track savings. As a result, owners see clear data from the first month.
COMMERICIAL PACK
Commercial packs normally include
- Roof layout, string design and inverter schedule
- Three-phase single-line diagram with protection details
- Cable calculations and voltage-drop checks
- G99 application documents, plus G100 export limits where needed
- Yield estimate and self-consumption analysis
- Handover documents for the facilities team
CONSENTS
Planning and export limits
Some commercial projects need planning permission or landlord consent. Therefore, we flag those steps in the project brief. In addition, we help owners compare export limits against the cost of network upgrades. For example, a modest limit can save thousands in reinforcement charges.
To learn more about this work, read our guide to commercial solar system design in the UK.
Operations
Plan for life after handover
Operations need attention too. Therefore, we plan monitoring, cleaning access and spare-part storage during design. In addition, we agree a simple maintenance schedule with the owner. Consequently, the system keeps its yield for years after handover.
Ground-mount and carports
Solar PV Plant Design Within Our Solar PV Design Services UK
Ground-mounted plants and large carports follow a different path. Here, the grid connection often decides the whole project. Therefore, we start with the point of connection and the available network capacity. Next, we draft the site layout, row spacing and cable routes. Then, we model yield with realistic losses for shade, temperature and cable resistance.
Plant design also covers the electrical backbone. For example, we prepare the high-level single-line diagram, the transformer and switchgear layout and the protection scheme. Additionally, we support the G99 application, which needs more evidence for larger generators. As a result, the DNO offer arrives with fewer queries.
We also balance the DC to AC ratio against inverter cost and export limits. Likewise, we plan maintenance tracks, fencing, drainage and monitoring points. Consequently, the plant is easier to build and cheaper to run.
Capacity
Grid Connection and Yield for Solar PV Plant Design
Connection capacity often limits plant size. Therefore, we compare the available export capacity with the proposed array before we finalise anything. In addition, we review the DNO connection offer, including costs, timelines and reinforcement works. Meanwhile, our yield model tests different layouts, so the developer sees how each choice affects output. Consequently, the final design balances generation, cost and network limits.
Consent
Planning is the other major hurdle
Most large schemes need permission from the local planning authority. Therefore, we align the design with environmental and landscape limits early. Finally, we give the developer a clear design pack for tender, consent and construction.
You can pair this work with the advice in our commercial solar design guide.
How it works
Our Process for Solar PV Design Services UK, Step by Step
At PTOEdge, every UK project follows the same clear steps. Because of this, you always know what happens next.
Send your brief
Site photos, roof details and supply information.
We review the data
We flag any gaps straight away.
We design
Layout, strings and the single-line diagram.
We prepare documents
G98 or G99 documents and any battery or EV paperwork.
You review
You review the pack, and we make the agreed changes.
Submit and hand over
We submit to the DNO, answer queries and prepare the handover pack.
Together, these steps keep rework low. Moreover, they give your installer one point of contact from start to finish. Because every step has a clear owner, projects rarely stall. In addition, you can ask for updates at any stage and receive a straight answer.
Because every site differs, we also adapt the process to your needs. For example, an installer with a busy pipeline can send several projects at once. Likewise, a homeowner with a single roof gets the same careful review. As a result, both customers receive packs that DNOs can approve quickly.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs on Solar PV Design Services UK
They cover site data review, layout design, single-line diagrams, DNO applications and handover packs. In addition, we add battery, EV charger and commercial support when your project needs it.
It depends on the size. Systems up to 16 amps per phase usually follow G98, while larger systems need G99 approval first. However, a battery or second inverter can change the route, so we check the total rating.
Timing depends on the scope and on how quickly we receive complete site data. Simple homes move fastest. Therefore, we confirm a delivery window when we quote.
Yes. We design the whole site together, so the drawings, DNO forms and handover notes all match. Consequently, you avoid repeat applications later.
We mainly support UK installers, and we also help homeowners and developers. Either way, you get a defined scope and one point of contact.
Most domestic roof arrays fall under permitted development in England. However, listed buildings, some conservation areas and ground-mounted systems need extra checks. Therefore, we flag these points early.
Contact PTOEdge
Get Your Solar PV Design Services UK Quote Today
Ready to move your next UK project forward? Send us your site details today, and PTOEdge will return a clear scope and quote. Our team will check your supply, choose the right G98 or G99 route and prepare a pack your DNO can approve. Furthermore, you get one contact from brief to handover.
Email our team
Send project information, roof details or a request for a quote.