It is important to determine at the outset what the value of the electricity generated by the scheme will be, i.e. to whom the power will be sold.

The electricity generated by a scheme may be used at the point of generation, in place of electricity supplied by the local electricity company.  Alternatively it may be exported via the local distribution network by agreement with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

It is nearly always financially advantageous to consume as much of the power as possible on site, and only export the surplus into the network. 

If the scheme is to produce power for export to the local network, there should be early discussions with the DNO who will specify the system protection and metering equipment, and will also provide an estimate of connection costs and the best location for feeding into their system.