Guest Blog

IEC 62446 Grid connected PV systems – minimum requirements for system documentation, commissioning tests and inspection.

As mortgage complications have become apparent with the ‘rent-a-roof’ scheme; a popular and accessible method of upgrading domestic properties with solar panels is under threat. With April’s installation figures indicating a considerable decline in domestic solar installations, the market has clearly been affected by the March feed-in tariff (FiT) deadline. However it’s not all bad news, as the absence of the ‘Free Solar’ outlet presents an opportunity for new and further evolved finance options to step forward. This article will explore the most prominent of these new approaches.

The Solar Trade Association (STA) is carefully watching the significant tail-off in installations since the introduction of energy efficiency requirements on April 1 this year. With DECC publishing weekly data on the feed-in tariff scheme’s capacity, all eyes are on deployment.

Given the growth in solar PV installations in the last couple of years, news of what is believed to be the UK’s first PV system fire should not, perhaps, have been unexpected.

Connecting a solar power system to the grid involves an application process with the relevant Distribution Network Operator (DNO). In the past, domestic systems under 4kWp have required no pre-approval from the DNO and permission granted after the installation without incident.

Since the announcement that there are yet more feed-in tariff cuts on the horizon, many solar companies are being approached by farmers who are keen to install 50kW of solar PV on 1/4acre of land or a barn roof before the rates are reduced on July 1.

Despite this year’s uncertainty around the feed-in tariff cuts, the number of solar module installations on British buildings continues to rise. Whilst this is undoubtedly a positive sign for the industry, an absence of UK or European standards means that consumers need to take more care with the installation and maintenance of these modules to ensure the safety and return on investment (ROI) of the product. One particular concern being discussed most frequently is the fire risks posed by solar installations.

With the April 1 2012 deadline upon us, solar power installations in the UK must now abide by the EPC requirements to access the full solar feed-in tariff rates. One of the pivotal aspects with domestic homes reaching the ‘D’ banded EPC rating is the presence of a condensing boiler. This is because in combination with a solar power system the condensing boiler lifts the majority of properties into the required EPC band.

Over the last couple of years I have been participating in an MCS working group that addresses roofing and mounting issues for solar PV and solar thermal systems. This work has led to the publication of MCS 012 – Product Certification Scheme Requirements: Pitched Roof Installation Kits – Issue 1.0.

The UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) views offshore wind as its “marginal technology” – by which it means that if any renewable energy source comes in cheaper, there is every reason to exploit it to the full – but for anything more expensive than offshore wind, there has to be a very good reason for supporting it.