Frequently Asked Questions – closure of the Renewables Obligation (RO) to large-scale solar PV

Guidance

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RO

Frequently Asked Questions – closure of the Renewables Obligation (RO) to large-scale solar PV

This page is for operators of solar photovoltaic (PV) generating stations in England, Wales and Scotland affected by the closure of the RO scheme to large-scale solar PV on 1 April 2015. It should be read alongside the ‘RO: Guidance on the closure of the scheme to large-scale solar PV’ and the RO: Guidance for generators.

1. How can I ensure my application is assessed as quickly as possible?

So we can make decisions in a timely manner, you must understand the legislation and guidance before submitting an application to us. You also need to respond to our queries as soon as possible. Please refer to chapter 4 of our guidance for further details on applying. You can find tips on completing an application in Appendix 1 of the guidance.

If applications for accreditation and the grace periods are right first time this will allow us to assess them more efficiently. Where evidence is not clear or is missing and if applications appear to be speculative, it will take us longer to assess them, and delay our final decision.

2. Can I submit my grace period evidence to Ofgem for assessment before I build my project?

No. The legislation is clear that the grace period assessment is to be carried out alongside the accreditation application; we cannot advise on grace period eligibility before accreditation.

3. Does Ofgem need to have finished assessing my application by 31 March 2016 for my station to gain accreditation?

No. Your accreditation date is the later of the date you submitted your application and your commissioning date. The time it takes for us to review your application does not affect this. Please refer to chapter 4 of the guidance for information on submitting a complete application to us on or before 31 March 2016.

4. How is Total Installed Capacity (TIC) calculated?

As confirmed in DECC’s government response, in the case of solar PV, the TIC of the generating station is to be calculated by multiplying the rated output of the solar PV modules by the number of modules. Refer to chapter 1 of the guidance for an example calculation.

5. Can I split a large-scale station into several 5MW stations?

No, all stations must be entirely separate. In reviewing applications we will take a view on whether the station is a single generating station or makes up part of a larger station. We take several things into consideration when determining ‘a generating station’ – including the commercial arrangements and the interaction of the plant and apparatus used at the sites in question. See chapter 1 of the guidance for further details.

6. I have built a solar PV station >5MW which isn’t eligible for a grace period. Can I apply for accreditation for the first 5MW?

No. The legislation is clear that generating stations >5MW are not eligible for the RO unless they are eligible for a grace period.

7. When is an application for planning permission ‘made’?

We would expect this to be the date that the original application for the generating station was submitted to the relevant planning authority. The relevant planning authority must confirm when the application for planning permission was made.

8. There have been variations to my grid connection offer since I accept it, or changes to my planning permission since I submitted it. Is my station still eligible for a grace period?

We are aware that variations may be made to grid connection offers and planning permission applications. If the original offer or planning permission is for the same station that you are seeking accreditation for and the dates of these documents are in line with the requirements of legislation, the station will still be eligible. Please refer to chapter 3 of the guidance for further details.

9. What if the distribution network operator (DNO) won’t provide the required evidence?

The legislation is clear about the information you need to gain from the DNO and we encourage you to speak to them about the required evidence. We cannot grant a grace period without this information.