Contents:

1. Accessing ENA Connect Direct
2. Filling Out Application Details
3. Review & Submit
4. Tracking Application Status 
5. Amending Application
6. Commissioning

The ENA Connect Direct integration on OpenSolar streamlines the process of submitting DNO applications by pre-filling customer and project details, making it faster and easier to comply with grid connection requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the application submission:

1. Accessing ENA Connect Direct

• Within a project in OpenSolar, navigate to the Manage page > Integrations section.
• Select ENA Connect Direct and click Send Application to ENA to begin the application process.

2. Filling Out Application Details

The ENA application form is divided into several sections. Each section requires specific information about the installation project. Here’s an overview of each step:

• LCT Selection: Choose the type of Low Carbon Technologies that are being installed on site. You can select multiple options for a single application.
• Basic Details: Enter installer and customer contact information. Most of this will be pre-filled for you based on the data entered in the project. 
• Property Supply: Provide details about the supply at the customer’s address, such as phase type and metering details.
• Existing Devices: If applicable, include details of any existing devices at the property.
• New Devices: Add details for the new devices you plan to install. You can search for devices in ENA’s Low Carbon Technology registry and select relevant options like Solar Panel, Battery, or EV Chargers.
• Cut-Out Image Upload: Upload a clear and focused image of the property’s cut-out point, which meets the ENA’s requirements (such as size and file format).
• Supporting Files: Attach any additional files needed for your application, such as technical data sheets or single-line diagrams.

Here is an example screenshot during the form-fill out

Note: Whilst your application is a draft, you can easily save & exit at any point so that you can return to the application form later. Do this by clicking the pencil icon to the right of your application:

3. Review & Submit

• Once all sections are complete, navigate to the Review and Submit tab for a final check.
• Confirm that all details are accurate, and then submit the application. OpenSolar will send the completed form to ENA.

4. Tracking Application Status

After submission you will see the application ID, and you can monitor the application’s progress directly within OpenSolar. The Application Status will update to show stages like Draft Started, In Review, and Outcome, giving you real-time visibility into the application process.

In this example, the app was escalated to the DNO

Here is a list of all the possible application status outcomes:

• Awaiting Assessment - Connect Direct is assessing the application

• Scanning Cut-Out Image - The cut-out image is being assessed

• Under Assessment - Connect Direct is assessing the application

• Escalated to DNO - The application has been escalated to a DNO and may not proceed until a response is received

• Auto-Approved - The application has been auto-approved by Connect Direct and can proceed

• DNO Approved - The application has been approved by the DNO and can proceed

• DNO Approved with Limit - The application has been approved by the DNO but with conditions 

• Further Information Required - The DNO requires further information in order to be able to make a decision on this application. They will contact the installer directly to collect this information. No further information is required to be submitted via Connect Direct

• Failed too Large - The application is too large for Connect Direct (see below)

• Failed - Connect Direct Failed to Process the Application. Please raise a support ticket to proceed.

• Failed - Invalid Cut-Out Image - the cut out image provide is invalid. Please resubmit the application with a valid image. Images must be within a meter of the cutout

• Image Scan Failed - The image scan failed. Please raise a support ticket to proceed

• Commissioning Submitted - Commissioning information has been sent by the installer to the DNO

• Commissioning Accepted - The DNO has accepted the commissioning information

• Commissioning Update Required - The DNO has not accepted the commissioning information. The installer must review DNO feedback and re-submit

• (Re) Auto-Approved - The application was resubmitted due to a change in details post the initial approval. It has been auto-approved by Connect Direct and can proceed

• (Re) Escalated to DNO - The application was resubmitted due to a change in details post the initial approval. The application has been escalated to a DNO, who will re-review and get back to you

5. Amending Application

After submission, you may receive a notification from the DNO that the application needs amending or you may require an amendment for another reason. You can amend your application by returning to the Integrations container and clicking 'Amend' which is located under step 1: 

This will open the form with all of your original data populated and allow you to amend the details as required, and resubmit. 

6. Commissioning

Once your application has received an Approval status, you are free to launch the Commissioning step. Launch this by returning to the Integrations container and clicking 'Launch' under the Commissioning step:

This will load the final step of the application form for you to populate and submit. Similarly to the previous steps, you will receive a status update that is reflected in the Integrations container and if amendments are required, you will be able to amend the submission as needed.