--- title: "Solar Install Delayed — Who Pays for Scaffolding? (2026)" description: "Solar install delayed — who pays for extra scaffolding hire? DNO delays, G99 approval, contract clauses and extension rates explained." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://nwscaffold.co/#website", "url": "https://nwscaffold.co/", "name": "NW Scaffold Co", "publisher": { "@id": "https://nwscaffold.co/#org" } }, { "@type": [ "HomeAndConstructionBusiness", "LocalBusiness" ], "@id": "https://nwscaffold.co/#org", "name": "NW Scaffold Co", "legalName": "NW Scaffold Co Ltd", "url": "https://nwscaffold.co/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://nwscaffold.co/assets/logo-D4KRz8Pb.png" }, "image": "https://nwscaffold.co/assets/hero-solar-B5HFbteT.jpg", "description": "Professional scaffolding contractors based in Brierfield, Lancashire. Domestic, commercial, solar and roof scaffolding across the North West. 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DNO delays are typically treated as third-party events outside the installer's control. Installer-caused delays should be the installer's responsibility. The fix is to agree extension terms in writing before work starts." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does G99 DNO approval take in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Standard G99 review takes 4-8 weeks in 2026 due to record demand. The G99 Fast Track (for systems up to 7.36kW) offers a 10-working-day window. G98 systems (under 3.68kW per phase) need no pre-approval." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What should my contract say about scaffolding extension costs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Look for: flat weekly extension rate (not daily), which party covers DNO-delay extensions, maximum idle period before scaffold is dismantled and re-erected, and who contacts the scaffolding company if dates change." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the typical hire extension rate in Lancashire?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "NW Scaffold Co charges £40-£80 per week flat rate depending on job size. Avoid per-day pricing — at £35/day, a two-week overrun costs £490 vs £80 on a flat weekly rate." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I get compensation if my installer causes the delay?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. If the delay is within the installer's control, you have recourse under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. MCS-certified installers are also bound by the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) which offers free dispute resolution." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When should scaffolding go up relative to the install date?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Scaffolding should be erected the day before the installation crew arrives — not weeks in advance during the DNO waiting period. Only erect once you have a confirmed installation date from your solar installer." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![NW Scaffold Co](/assets/logo-D4KRz8Pb.png)](/) [Services](/domestic-scaffolding) [Domestic Scaffolding](/domestic-scaffolding)[Roof Scaffolding](/roof-scaffolding)[New Build Scaffolding](/new-build-scaffolding)[Commercial Scaffolding](/commercial-scaffolding)[Solar Panel Scaffolding](/solar-panel-scaffolding)[Industrial Scaffolding](/industrial-scaffolding)[Temporary Roof Scaffolding](/temporary-roof-scaffolding)[Scaffold Hire](/scaffold-hire)[For Solar Installers](/scaffolding-for-solar-installers) [Projects](/projects) [Areas](/areas-we-cover) [Guides](/guides) [Cost calculator](/scaffolding-cost-calculator) [About](/about-us) [Contact](/contact-us) [01282 501589](tel:+441282501589)[Free Quote](/request-a-free-quote) [Services](/domestic-scaffolding)[Domestic Scaffolding](/domestic-scaffolding)[Roof Scaffolding](/roof-scaffolding)[New Build Scaffolding](/new-build-scaffolding)[Commercial Scaffolding](/commercial-scaffolding)[Solar Panel Scaffolding](/solar-panel-scaffolding)[Industrial Scaffolding](/industrial-scaffolding)[Temporary Roof Scaffolding](/temporary-roof-scaffolding)[Scaffold Hire](/scaffold-hire)[For Solar Installers](/scaffolding-for-solar-installers)[Projects](/projects)[Areas](/areas-we-cover)[Guides](/guides)[Cost calculator](/scaffolding-cost-calculator)[About](/about-us)[Contact](/contact-us)[Request Free Quote](/request-a-free-quote) ![Solar panel scaffolding in Lancashire](/assets/solar-delayed-hero-Dun2jCnp.png) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Guides](/guides) 3. Solar install delayed Scaffolding guide # My solar install is delayed — who pays for the extra scaffolding hire? It depends on who caused the delay. Here's how DNO waits, installer slips and contract clauses decide who picks up the extension bill. **Short answer:** It depends on who caused the delay. Installer-caused delays should be the installer's cost. DNO delays (G99 approval taking 4-8 weeks in 2026) are usually third-party events. The key protection is a contract clause agreeing extension terms upfront — and never erecting scaffold until a confirmed install date exists. ### Key Takeaways - Scaffolding should only go up **once a confirmed install date exists** — not during DNO waiting periods. - G99 approval takes **4-8 weeks** in 2026 due to record MCS-certified install volumes in 2025. - Hire extensions should be at a **flat weekly rate** (£40-£80 in Lancashire) — not per-day. - Agree who covers extension costs **in writing before signing** your solar contract. - If the installer causes the delay, escalate via **RECC** for free dispute resolution. - G98 systems (under 3.68kW per phase) need no pre-approval — DNO is notified within 28 days post-install. ## Why do solar installations get delayed — and what does it mean for scaffolding? Most solar delays fall into one of four categories. Each has a different implication for who carries the extension cost. Delay cause Responsible party What to do G99 DNO approval wait Third party (DNO) Never erect scaffold until G99 is granted and a date is confirmed. This wait is not a scaffold hire issue. Installer crew unavailability Installer Installer should cover extension costs. Get this in your contract before signing. Weather postponement Force majeure Usually neither party's fault. One-week standard hire covers 2-3 day delays with buffer. Kit/inverter delivery failure Installer/supplier Installer is accountable for their supply chain. Request written confirmation of cover. Homeowner rescheduling Homeowner Extension costs fall on you. Give maximum notice to keep costs down. ## How does G99 DNO approval affect scaffold timing? ![Solar delay key facts 2026](/assets/solar-delayed-stats-CdR_41T9.png) NW Scaffold Co 2026 For most modern domestic solar systems — particularly those with battery storage — G99 approval is required before grid connection. In 2026, with UK rooftop solar installations hitting record volumes, DNO application queues have lengthened considerably. The standard G99 process takes 4-8 weeks. The G99 Fast Track (for systems up to 7.36kW, 32A) offers a 10-working-day window. G98 systems (under 3.68kW per phase) bypass this entirely — install proceeds and the DNO is notified within 28 days. **Important:** Scaffolding should go up the day before the installation crew arrives — never during the G99 wait. Scaffold erected prematurely runs up hire costs and may need dismantling and re-erecting if dates shift significantly. See our guide on [how long solar scaffolding stays up](/guides/how-long-solar-panel-scaffolding). ## What should your solar contract say about scaffolding extensions? Before signing, ask for these clauses explicitly: - **Extension rate:** Flat weekly, not per-day. Request the specific rate in writing. - **Delay responsibility:** Which party covers extensions for DNO delays, weather, and installer-caused delays — each defined separately. - **Maximum idle period:** If the install slips beyond a set number of weeks, scaffold is dismantled and re-erected when dates are confirmed. - **Notification obligation:** Either party must notify the other (and the scaffolding contractor) within 24 hours of a known delay. For more on what to push installers on before signing, see our [8 questions to ask about scaffolding in a solar quote](/guides/questions-to-ask-about-scaffolding-solar-quote) and [is scaffolding included in your solar quote?](/guides/is-scaffolding-included-in-solar-panel-quote) ## What are your rights if the installer causes the delay? Under the **Consumer Rights Act 2015**, services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill within a reasonable time. If the installer causes an unreasonable delay, you can request they cover extension costs in writing. If they refuse, [RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code)](https://www.recc.org.uk/) offers free alternative dispute resolution for complaints against member installers. **NW Scaffold Co approach:** If your install is delayed for any reason, call us as soon as you know. We hold the scaffold at a flat weekly rate (£40-£80 depending on job size) with no pressure to dismantle prematurely. We'd rather you get your install done right than rush a dismantle that leaves you paying for two mobilisations. See our full [solar panel scaffolding service](/solar-panel-scaffolding). ## Frequently asked questions ### Who pays for extra scaffolding hire if my solar install is delayed by the DNO? This depends on your contract. DNO delays are typically treated as third-party events outside the installer's control. Installer-caused delays should be the installer's responsibility. The fix is to agree extension terms in writing before work starts. ### How long does G99 DNO approval take in 2026? Standard G99 review takes 4-8 weeks in 2026 due to record demand. The G99 Fast Track (for systems up to 7.36kW) offers a 10-working-day window. G98 systems (under 3.68kW per phase) need no pre-approval. ### What should my contract say about scaffolding extension costs? Look for: flat weekly extension rate (not daily), which party covers DNO-delay extensions, maximum idle period before scaffold is dismantled and re-erected, and who contacts the scaffolding company if dates change. ### What is the typical hire extension rate in Lancashire? NW Scaffold Co charges £40-£80 per week flat rate depending on job size. Avoid per-day pricing — at £35/day, a two-week overrun costs £490 vs £80 on a flat weekly rate. ### Can I get compensation if my installer causes the delay? Yes. If the delay is within the installer's control, you have recourse under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. MCS-certified installers are also bound by the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) which offers free dispute resolution. ### When should scaffolding go up relative to the install date? Scaffolding should be erected the day before the installation crew arrives — not weeks in advance during the DNO waiting period. Only erect once you have a confirmed installation date from your solar installer. Lancashire coverage BB, PR, BL, BD postcodes. Fixed-price quotes within one working day. [Get a free quote](/request-a-free-quote)[Call 01282 501589](tel:+441282501589) Related guides - [Solar scaffold cost guide](/guides/solar-panel-scaffolding-cost) - [How long does it stay up?](/guides/how-long-solar-panel-scaffolding) - [Is it included in solar quotes?](/guides/is-scaffolding-included-in-solar-panel-quote) - [All guides →](/guides) ## Scaffold with clear extension terms Fixed-price quotes with flat weekly extensions. No surprises if your install slips. [Get my free quote](/request-a-free-quote)[Try the cost calculator](/scaffolding-cost-calculator) [![NW Scaffold Co](/assets/logo-D4KRz8Pb.png)](/) Scaffolding contractors. Lancashire & the North West. CISRS-certified, fully insured, family-run from Brierfield since day one. 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