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# Solar Panel Certification UK: MCS, DNO, Building Regs & Warranty Explained (2026)
- URL: https://www.logbook.co.uk/solar-panel-certification-uk-mcs-dno-building-regs/
- Published: 2026-06-08T15:04:44.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-17T18:09:34.000Z
- Description: Every certificate a UK solar installation needs, MCS, DNO notification (G98/G99), Building Regs, electrical EIC, and manufacturer warranties. What each proves and how to replace lost ones.
- Author: Jamie Dawson
- Tags: Property Logbooks

> **Quick answer:** A UK solar PV installation needs five core certificates: the **MCS certificate** (proves installation standards, required for SEG payments), **DNO notification confirmation** (G98 for small systems, G99 for larger, authorises grid connection), **Building Regulations sign-off** (electrical Part P and structural load), the **electrical installation certificate (EIC)** for the solar circuit, and **manufacturer warranties** for panels (10-25 years) and inverter (5-10 years). Together they form your solar paperwork pack, essential for SEG income, property sale, insurance, and warranty claims.

## The five certificates explained

### 1\. MCS Certificate, the foundation

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme certificate proves your installation was completed by a certified installer to UK standards. It's the gateway document:

- Required to register for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- Required for manufacturer warranty validity
- Expected by buyers and solicitors at property sale
- Increasingly required by home insurers

Issued by your MCS-certified installer at commissioning. See our [MCS certificate guide](https://www.logbook.co.uk/mcs-certificate-solar-panels-uk-homeowner-guide/) for full detail.

### 2\. DNO Notification (G98 / G99)

The Distribution Network Operator manages the local grid. Connecting solar requires notification:

- **G98**: for systems up to 16A per phase (3.68kW single-phase). "Connect and notify", install then tell the DNO within 28 days.
- **G99**: for larger systems. Requires DNO approval *before* connection.

Your installer submits the notification and provides confirmation. This document proves your grid connection is authorised, essential for SEG and for legal grid feed-in.

### 3\. Building Regulations sign-off

Solar PV usually falls under permitted development (no planning permission needed), but Building Regulations still apply:

- **Part P (electrical safety)**: the solar electrical work must comply; usually self-certified by the MCS installer through a competent person scheme
- **Part A (structural)**: the roof must bear the additional load; the installer assesses this
- A Building Regulations compliance certificate is issued, often via the competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT)

### 4\. Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)

The solar circuit is a new electrical installation requiring an EIC under BS 7671\. This:

- Confirms the solar wiring, isolators, and connection to the consumer unit are safe
- Is issued by the installing electrician
- Should be kept with your other electrical records

Related: our [EICR codes guide](https://www.logbook.co.uk/eicr-codes-c1-c2-c3-fi-uk-landlord-guide/) and [consumer unit certificates guide](https://www.logbook.co.uk/consumer-unit-replacement-certificates-and-building-regs-uk/).

### 5\. Manufacturer warranties

- **Panels**: typically 10-25 years (product warranty) plus 25-30 years (performance warranty)
- **Inverter**: typically 5-10 years, extendable
- **Mounting system**: often 10-20 years
- **Battery (if fitted)**: typically 10 years

Keep all warranty documents with serial numbers, they're claimed via the manufacturer using the installation date and serial.

## The complete solar paperwork pack

- ☐ MCS certificate
- ☐ DNO notification confirmation (G98 or G99)
- ☐ Building Regulations compliance certificate
- ☐ Electrical installation certificate (EIC)
- ☐ Panel manufacturer warranty + serial numbers
- ☐ Inverter manufacturer warranty + serial number
- ☐ Mounting system warranty
- ☐ Battery warranty (if applicable)
- ☐ SEG agreement with energy supplier
- ☐ Installer commissioning report
- ☐ System schematic / single-line diagram
- ☐ Photos taken at commissioning

## What each certificate unlocks

| Certificate   | Unlocks                                      |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| MCS           | SEG payments, warranty validity, sale value  |
| DNO (G98/G99) | Legal grid connection, SEG eligibility       |
| Building Regs | Sale conveyancing, legal compliance          |
| EIC           | Electrical safety evidence, insurance        |
| Warranties    | Free repair/replacement of faulty components |

## Replacing lost certificates

- **MCS**: contact your installer (£25-£50 duplicate) or search the MCS database at mcscertified.com
- **DNO**: contact your network operator (find via Energy Networks Association postcode lookup)
- **Building Regs**: local authority Building Control department
- **EIC**: the installing electrician or their competent person scheme
- **Warranties**: manufacturers, using panel/inverter serial numbers (photograph these now if you can access them)

## If your installer wasn't MCS-certified

Some 2010-2015 FIT-era installations were done by non-certified installers. Without MCS you lose SEG eligibility and warranty validity. The fix: an MCS-certified installer can sometimes issue a retrofit certificate after inspection (£300-£600, may require remedial work).

## At property sale

Buyers' solicitors routinely request solar certificates. Missing documents:

- Reduce sale value (1-3%)
- Prevent SEG account transfer to the new owner
- Slow conveyancing as enquiries are raised

Assemble the full pack before listing. See our [property logbook and house sales guide](https://www.logbook.co.uk/property-logbook-house-sale-uk-2/).

## FAQs

### Is MCS legally required to install solar?

No. You can legally install non-MCS solar. But without MCS you lose SEG income and warranty validity, and harm your property value. In practice MCS is essential.

### Who submits the DNO notification?

Your MCS installer submits it as part of the installation. You should receive a copy of the confirmation.

### Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Usually no, solar PV is permitted development for most homes. Exceptions: listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flat-roof or ground-mounted systems. Always check with your local planning authority if unsure.

### How long should I keep solar certificates?

For the life of the system and beyond. They transfer to the next owner at sale. MCS and DNO documents don't expire.

## Related guides

- [MCS certificate for solar panels](https://www.logbook.co.uk/mcs-certificate-solar-panels-uk-homeowner-guide/)
- [Solar panel installation records](https://www.logbook.co.uk/solar-panel-installation-records-what-uk-homeowners-must-keep/)
- [Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) guide](https://www.logbook.co.uk/smart-export-guarantee-seg-uk-solar-owner-guide/)
- [Consumer unit replacement certificates](https://www.logbook.co.uk/consumer-unit-replacement-certificates-and-building-regs-uk/)

*Last reviewed 2026-06-08 by Jamie Dawson, Editor.*

## Related solar guides

- [MCS certificate for solar panels: homeowner’s guide](https://www.logbook.co.uk/mcs-certificate-solar-panels-uk-homeowner-guide/)
- [Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): application guide](https://www.logbook.co.uk/smart-export-guarantee-seg-uk-solar-owner-guide/)
- [Solar panel documentation & records to keep](https://www.logbook.co.uk/solar-panel-installation-records-what-uk-homeowners-must-keep/)