PVSOL G98 G99 Smart Solar Design are three essential components of UK solar system planning. Understanding the difference between PVSOL modelling, G98 compliance, and G99 applications helps ensure proper solar project approval, inverter sizing, and grid connection performance.
PVSOL G98 G99 – Critical Overview of UK Solar Design Standards
To design a compliant and efficient solar energy system, installers and engineers must understand how PVSOL G98 G99 are used at different stages from simulation to grid approval.
UK Grid Standards
PVSOL G98 G99 Smart Solar Design and Simulation Software
PVSOL is a powerful software used to design and simulate photovoltaic (PV) systems. It allows engineers to evaluate energy yield, shading loss, inverter performance, layout optimisation, and financial returns.
Key Benefits of PVSOL:
- Visualising real-world energy yield
- Accurate shading analysis
- Inverter and string design
- Cable loss calculations
- ROI and payback modelling
Key Use of PVSOL G98 G99 Smart Solar Design in Pre-Installation Design
PVSOL is used before installation to create a verified PVSOL G98 G99 Smart Solar Design .
Internal Link (Solar Surveys):
https://solarsurveys.co.uk/solar-design/
G98 – Small-Scale Grid Connection Standard
G98 applies to small solar installations up to 16A per phase, such as residential or light commercial systems. It ensures the system can connect safely without causing voltage instability.
Key Use Case of G98
- Domestic installations
- Small commercial PV
- Microgeneration systems
Approval Requirement for G98
✔ Only post-installation notification to the DNO is required.
More details available on the official G98 page:
https://solarsurveys.co.uk/solar-design/
G99 – Large-Scale Grid Connection Standard
G99 applies to systems above 16A per phase, commonly found in commercial, industrial, and large-scale solar installations.
Key Use Case of G99
- Large commercial solar systems
- Industrial PV
- Solar farms and multi-inverter systems
Approval Requirement for G99
✔ Pre-installation DNO approval is mandatory
✔ Additional engineering tests and documentation required
More details available here:
https://solarsurveys.co.uk/electrical-surveys/
PVSOL G98 G99 – Standard / Tool Comparison
PVSOL
- Purpose: Solar design, modelling, and performance simulation
- Use Case: All project sizes
- Approval: No DNO approval required
- Notes: Layout, shading, inverter configuration, financial modelling
G98
- Purpose: Grid connection for small systems
- Use Case: Residential and small commercial PV
- Approval: Post-installation DNO notification
- Notes: Applies to systems under 16A per phase
G99
- Purpose: Grid connection for large systems
- Use Case: Commercial, industrial, large-scale PV
- Approval: Pre-installation DNO approval required
- Notes: Applies to systems above 16A per phase
Conclusion – Why PVSOL G98 G99 Matter for Solar Installations
While PVSOL is the industry-leading software for accurate solar system design, energy simulation, shading analysis, and inverter optimisation, the G98 and G99 engineering standards define the essential rules for safely connecting PV systems to the UK electricity grid. Together, PVSOL G98 G99 Smart Solar Design form the backbone of every professional solar installation ensuring the system is designed correctly, approved by the DNO, and fully compliant with UK grid connection standards.
Using PVSOL, engineers can model panel layouts, calculate energy yield, evaluate shading losses, optimise inverter performance, estimate cable losses, and validate long-term system output. This allows EPCs and installers to predict annual generation, avoid design errors, and deliver solar systems that perform accurately in real-world conditions.
However, even the most well-designed system must still meet the UK grid’s safety requirements, and this is where G98 and G99 become crucial.
- G98 applies to small-scale PV systems (typically under 16A per phase), providing a simplified connection process for residential and small commercial installations.
- G99 governs larger systems above 16A per phase and requires detailed engineering studies, system modelling, witness testing, and full DNO pre-approval before any grid connection is allowed.
Understanding how PVSOL design integrates with G98/G99 grid connection rules is essential for preventing delays, reducing technical non-compliance, and ensuring every installation meets safety and performance expectations. As solar adoption continues to grow across the UK, projects that combine accurate PVSOL modelling with correct G98/G99 engineering documentation achieve faster approvals and fewer installation issues.
A strong grasp of PVSOL G98 G99 Smart Solar Design ensures:
✔ Smooth and predictable solar project execution
✔ Faster DNO application approval
✔ Full compliance with UK grid connection standards
✔ Optimised solar performance from commissioning onwards
✔ Reduced installation risks and engineering errors
✔ Lower chances of costly redesigns or project delays
✔ Stronger collaboration between EPCs, installers, and DNOs
✔ Long-term reliability and maximum energy yield