How do I measure the amount of electricity I generate?
All generators must have a Microgeneraion Certification Scheme (MCS) certified meter that measures its total generation. Your MCS installer should be aware of this and you'll need to speak to them to ensure the meter they connect is certified. If your meter is not certified then the generator is not eligible to receive Feed-in Tariff payments.

What about generators that may be too big for HomeGen or SmartGen?
If your generator is over 30kW in size Good Energy can still pay your Feed-in Tariff and for your exported electricity. To learn more, call us on 0845 456 1640 or email generation@goodenergy.co.uk.

Should I install an Export Meter as well as a Total Generation Meter?
An Export Meter measures the electricity you export to the grid. For generators under 30kW it would only be worth installing an Export Meter if you calculate that you will be exporting significantly more than 50% (75% for hydro sites) of your total generation. Once we have received your completed Good Energy Feed-in Tariff sign up form, we will help you to assess your need for an Export Meter.

What is ‘deemed export’?
The term ‘deemed export’ is an industry term for ‘estimated export.’ The Feed-in Tariff pays generators for their total generation and for their exported electricity. For many generators – a domestic scale solar photovoltaic (PV) system for example – measuring exactly the units of electricity that are exported to the grid is currently agreed by the Government as unnecessary. Instead, the amount of exported electricity will be ‘deemed.’ For micro hydro systems the level of export is ‘deemed’ to be 75% of the total generation. For all other technologies the level of export is ‘deemed’ to be 50% of total generation.

Do I need permission to connect to the grid?
If your generator is approximately 4kW in size or under you do not need permission, but you must notify the distribution company that you are connecting a domestic generator to the grid. There is a form called a G83 that you must complete and submit to formally notify the distribution company.

For most generators above 4kW in size you will need to get permission from the distribution company to connect to the grid. To apply for permission you will need to complete and submit a G59 form. Depending on how far the generator is from appropriate connections, there may be costs associated with this. Your MCS installer will be able to give you further guidance and information about connecting to the grid.

Can you estimate how many units I will generate?
We can estimate how many units may be generated based on the size and type of generation as well as the energy source (wind, solar etc). Your installer should also give you a figure for the average annual output.