If you have recently installed solar panels or are planning to, you have probably heard about the NC6 form. Maybe your installer mentioned it. Maybe you saw it on the ESB Networks website. Or perhaps you are staring at a blank PDF right now wondering what on earth a “ROCOF setting” is.
This guide is for you.
I will walk you through exactly what the NC6 form is, why it matters, what information you need to gather, where to find that information, and the most common mistakes that delay applications. By the end, you will have a simple checklist to follow and confidence that your application will be accepted.
What Is the NC6 Form?
The NC6 form is the official notification document that you submit to ESB Networks after installing a micro-generation solar PV system (or before connecting a new system). It is your way of telling the grid: “I have solar panels, and I want to export excess electricity.”
Hybrid Inverters may have a battery connected and it will be Surplus or Excess energy exported to the grid. (Priority Order – self consumption, charge battery, export to grid)
If it is a String inverter there will be no battery. (Priority Order – self consumption, export to the grid)
The ESB Networks DAC requires the information requested on this notification form to manage your electricity supply connection. As the Distribution System Operator, this information is also required to enable ESB Networks to manage the electricity network safely and reliably.
In plain English: You cannot get paid for the electricity you export to the grid until ESB Networks knows your system exists and has confirmed it meets their safety and technical standards. The NC6 form is how you start that process.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Micro-generation Notification Form |
| Purpose | Notify ESB Networks of your solar PV installation |
| Who submits | Your registered electrical installer (usually) |
| When to submit | After installation, before expecting export payments |
| Where to send | networkservicesbureau@esb.ie |
Who Submits : Registered Solar Installation company sends on your behalf.
When to Submit : Prior to Installation for Approval from ESB Networks (to allow export to the grid)
Who Needs to Fill Out the NC6 Form?
The short answer is: anyone with a solar PV system that exports electricity to the grid.
More specifically, you need an NC6 form if:
- You have an existing micro-generation unit installed before January 28th, 2022 (EN50549 or EN50438)
- You want to receive export payments for excess electricity
- You need to be approved by ESB Networks firstly, before carrying out the installation and connecting to the grid.
The form must be completed by a registered Safe Electric installer. Do not try to fill this out yourself unless you are a qualified electrician. Your installer should handle the technical sections.
However, as the homeowner, you will need to provide certain information to your installer.
What Information Do You Need Before Starting?
Before your installer can complete the NC6 form, you need to gather several pieces of information. Having these ready will speed up the process considerably.
1. Your MPRN Number
The MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is the unique 11-digit number for your electricity connection. You can find it on:
- Any electricity bill from your supplier (top right corner, usually)
- Your ESB Networks connection paperwork
- Your smart meter (sometimes printed on a sticker)
Important: The MPRN must be registered in your name (the applicant’s name). If the meter is still in the previous owner’s name or a landlord’s name, contact your electricity supplier to change it before submitting the NC6 form. ESB Networks will reject applications where the MPRN name does not match the applicant name.
2. Your Personal Details
The form asks for:
- Full legal name of the applicant (you, the homeowner)
- Site address (where the solar panels are installed, including Eircode)
- Email address (required for confirmation of application)
- Phone number
Why your email matters: ESB Networks sends a confirmation email when they receive your application. Without a valid email, you will not know if your application has been accepted or if there are issues.
Tip: Details need /must be as per Electricity Bill – Name, Address most importantly
3. Your Installer’s Details
Your Safe Electric registered installer will provide:
- Their full name
- Their Safe Electric registration number
- Their mobile number and email
- Their address including Eircode
Do not proceed without a registered installer. ESB Networks will reject forms from unregistered electricians.
4. Your Solar PV System Technical Data
This is the section most homeowners find intimidating. Your installer will provide the following for each inverter unit:
| Data Point | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Single or Three Phase | Most homes are single phase. Your installer will know. |
| Energy Source | PV (photovoltaic – solar panels) |
| Manufacturer | e.g., SIGENERGY, SOFAR, SAJ |
| Model Reference Number | Found on the inverter label |
| Inverter Capacity (kVA) | Up to 5.5kw |
| Rated Current (Amps) | Must not exceed 25A on single phase |
| Generator capacity behind inverter (kVA) | Your panel array size |
| Storage capacity (kVA) | Battery size if installed |
| Type Test Certificate | Provided by the manufacturer |
Where to find this information: Your installer has it. The inverter box has a label. Your quotation or invoice should list these specifications.
Why Does the NC6 Form Matter So Much?
You cannot get export payments without an accepted NC6 form. That is the simple truth.
| Consequence of No NC6 | Impact |
|---|---|
| No export payments | Your supplier will not pay you for excess electricity |
| No grid connection confirmation | ESB Networks may not have registered your system |
| Potential compliance issues | Your installation may not meet legal standards |
| Delays to SEAI grant completion | SEAI may require confirmation of connection |
It is illegal to connect to the grid without permission from ESB Networks
Delays to SEAI grant completion – SEAI grants require an approved NC6 Application.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application
I have seen the same mistakes delay applications for weeks or even months. Avoid these.
Mistake 1: MPRN Name Mismatch
The problem: The MPRN is registered to a different name (previous owner, landlord, spouse’s maiden name).
The fix: Contact your electricity supplier before submitting the NC6 form. Ask them to update the MPRN registration to your name. This can take 5-10 working days.
Mistake 2: Missing Type Test Certificates
The problem: The installer submits the form without attaching the required Type Test Certificates from the inverter manufacturer.
The fix: Your installer must request these from the manufacturer or distributor. Keep digital copies ready before starting the form.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Protection Settings
The problem: For EN50549 installations after January 28th, 2022, the protection settings table must be completed correctly. Common errors include wrong voltage or frequency trip settings.
The fix: Your installer should confirm the settings match Table 1 in the NC6 form. If they are unsure, they should contact the manufacturer.
Mistake 4: Incomplete Sections
The problem: Leaving sections blank instead of marking them “N/A” (not applicable).
The fix: ESB Networks explicitly states: “Do not leave any section blank; N/A to be used if it doesn’t apply.” Every field must have an entry or “N/A.”
Mistake 5: Wrong Version of the Form
The problem: Using an old version of the NC6 form (pre-2022) for a new installation.
The fix: Download the current form from the ESB Networks website or ask your installer for the latest version (revised September 2022 or later).
Mistake 6: Sending to the Wrong Email Address
The problem: Sending the form to a generic ESB Networks email or to your electricity supplier.
The fix: The correct email is networkservicesbureau@esb.ie. Double-check before hitting send.
What Happens After You Submit the NC6 Form?
Once your installer submits the completed NC6 form with all attachments, here is what happens next:
| Step | Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Confirmation email | 1-3 working days | ESB Networks acknowledges receipt |
| 2. Initial review | 5-10 working days | They check for completeness |
| 3. If accepted | 10-15 working days | You receive confirmation that your system is registered |
| 4. If rejected | Varies | You receive explanation of errors; resubmit corrected form |
| 5. Export payments begin | After acceptance | Your electricity supplier can start paying for exports |
Delays happen when forms are incomplete or incorrect. A clean form with all required attachments can be processed in 2-3 weeks. A messy form with missing certificates can take 2-3 months.
A confirmation e-mail is not provided. When the NC6 Form is submitted, a copy is saved by the installer and kept for records – they may pass on a copy to the homeowner for proof of submittal if the homeowner requests.
When accepted the ESB Networks in the past would not respond at all, but only respond when there is an issue.. nowadays they do respond somewhere between 15-21 working days with the following confirmation to the Installer who made the NC6 Submission:
How the NC6 Form Affects Your SEAI Grant
The SEAI domestic solar PV grant and the NC6 form are separate processes, but they connect in an important way.
| SEAI Grant Requirement | NC6 Connection |
|---|---|
| System must be installed by SEAI registered installer | Same installer completes NC6 |
| System must be commissioned and operational | NC6 submission is part of commissioning |
| Grant claim submitted after installation | NC6 acceptance confirms grid connection |
| Final payment after energisation | NC6 enables export and final sign-off |
In practice, your installer will not submit the final SEAI grant claim until the NC6 has been accepted and your system is fully connected. A delayed NC6 means a delayed grant payment.
NC6 Form Checklist: Your Step-by-Step Guide
In practice , the best method as part of the installation timeline is as follows:
Once the Solar PV Proposal has been accepted, a deposit payment is paid (usually 40%) and once received the installer should forward an NC6 on the customers behalf immediately. This in many cases where there is a 4-6 week timeline for installation, the NC6 has been approved and in place before installation is complete allowing export repayments to start immediately.
Before You Start
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Confirm your MPRN is registered in your name | ☐ |
| Gather your latest electricity bill (for MPRN and address) | ☐ |
| Contact your installer to confirm they will complete the form | ☐ |
| Your installer will get the appropriate type test to suit your inverter installed | ☐ |
Information Required
(Homeowner will gather some info and installer will gather the rest)
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Your full name as it appears on electricity bill | ☐ |
| Your site address with full Eircode | ☐ |
| Your email address (for confirmation) | ☐ |
| Your phone number | ☐ |
| Your installer’s Safe Electric number | ☐ |
| Your installer’s contact details | ☐ |
| Inverter manufacturer and model number | ☐ |
| Inverter capacity (kVA) | ☐ |
| Number and type of solar panels | ☐ |
| Battery storage capacity (if installed) | ☐ |
Completing the Form
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Use BLOCK CAPITALS throughout | ☐ |
| Complete every section (use N/A where needed) | ☐ |
| Attach Type Test Certificates for each inverter | ☐ |
| Attach manufacturer’s data sheet | ☐ |
| Check protection settings against Table 1 or Table 2 | ☐ |
| Installer signs and dates the form | ☐ |
Submitting the Form
|
Task |
Done? |
|---|---|
| Save form as PDF (not scanned photo) | ☐ |
Email to networkservicesbureau@esb.ie |
☐ |
| Keep a copy for your records | ☐ |
| Wait for confirmation email (follow up if not received in 5 days) | ☐ |
21 working days (usually between 15-21 days)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit the NC6 form myself?
No. The form requires an installer’s Safe Electric registration number and signature. ESB Networks will reject forms submitted by homeowners. Your installer must handle this.
How long is the NC6 form valid for?
The form itself does not expire, but the technical standards it references (EN50549, EN50438) can change. Use the current version from the ESB Networks website. EN50549-IE, this is the irish standard as opposed to the European standard.. (we are limited to 5.5kw export)
What if I make a mistake on the form?
Your installer will need to correct the error and resubmit. ESB Networks will reject the incorrect form and ask for a corrected version. Each rejection adds 1-3 weeks to the process.
Do I need an NC6 if I have a battery but no export?
Yes. Even if you do not plan to export, ESB Networks needs to know your system exists for grid safety reasons. The form still applies.
Any inverter connected to the grid whether String or Hybrid that has the capability/ability to export – EVEN if limited and setup for NO Export will require an NC6. They simply will not allow, as even if it is limited it could be reversed later, technically..
My installer says they will handle everything. Do I need to do anything?
Provide them with your MPRN, address, and email. Ask them to send you the confirmation email when the form is accepted. That is your proof that the system is registered.
Final Thoughts
The NC6 form is not complicated, but it is precise. Small errors cause big delays. The key is having a competent installer who knows the process and having your own information ready before they start.
If your installer is handling everything, great. Just confirm they have your correct MPRN and email address. Then wait for that confirmation email from ESB Networks.
If you are unsure whether your installer has submitted the form, ask them. A simple “have you sent the NC6 yet?” can save weeks of waiting.
And if you are still planning your solar installation, make sure your chosen installer mentions the NC6 form without being asked. That is usually a sign they know what they are doing.
Moontree Solar handles the NC6 form and all SEAI grant paperwork for our customers. We are SEAI registered installers serving Tipperary, Clare, Limerick, Offaly and Laois. Contact us for a free solar assessment.
