Navigating DNO Connection Offers: Why Timing is Critical for PV Installations

When developing a site for a new photovoltaic (PV) installation, one of the most important early steps is applying to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for a grid connection. The DNO is responsible for approving (or declining) the connection and will issue a formal offer letter to confirm whether the project can go ahead.

This offer is an essential milestone—but it comes with conditions. A DNO connection offer is typically valid for a 12-month period, and it assumes that the installation will be completed and connected within that timeframe. Only once the installation is finished and the system is live is the connection truly secured.

What Happens if Projects Are Delayed?

In reality, PV projects don’t always proceed exactly to plan. Sometimes funding takes longer to secure, grants may be delayed, or other business priorities put the project on hold. In such cases, it has been common practice to request an extension from the DNO. Up to now, many operators have been willing to grant additional time if a project is delayed, allowing developers and site owners more flexibility.

A Shift in DNO Policy

However, we recently encountered a situation that highlights a shift in approach. In this case, the DNO rejected our request for an extension unless we could provide guaranteed start and end dates for the installation. Their reasoning was simple: grid capacity is becoming increasingly scarce.

As more and more businesses, developers, and households apply for new connections to support renewable generation, the DNO must balance competing requests. If too many projects sit in limbo with unconfirmed timelines, it prevents other viable projects from securing the capacity they need. To manage this, DNOs are starting to tighten up on extensions and in some cases may even withdraw an offer if a project cannot demonstrate clear progress.

The Risks of Delay

This new stance has real implications for anyone with an outstanding connection offer. If your project is delayed and your extension is refused, you could face:

• Withdrawal of your connection offer – meaning you’d need to reapply, with no guarantee of approval.

• Export limitations – the DNO may restrict how much power you can export to the grid, reducing your ability to earn from surplus generation.

• Uncertainty over income – without a secured connection, projected revenues from exporting unused power could be at risk.

What This Means for Site Owners

If your DNO offer has already been extended once, you may soon receive correspondence from your network operator with stricter requirements. This is why it’s important to stay proactive rather than reactive.

We recommend engaging early and keeping your project on track so that you’re ready to proceed when the time comes. The sooner you can confirm your installation schedule, the less likely you are to lose your grid connection offer.

Final Thoughts

The message is clear: grid capacity is tightening, and DNOs are responding by enforcing stricter deadlines. If you’re considering a PV installation, it’s better to act decisively rather than risk losing your place in the queue. By managing your installation timeline carefully and staying ahead of correspondence from the DNO, you’ll avoid last-minute complications and ensure that your system delivers the returns you’re counting on.

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