Specifications and standards for the installation of photovoltaic panels on flat ground

What are the standards for flat plate PV modules?

Standards for flat plate PV modules – covers rack mounting systems, clamping devices, mounting grounding/bonding devices for specific flat plate PV panels that comply with the standard for PV UL1703 or UL 61730–1 (describes the fundamental construction requirements for PV modules for safer operation) and UL61730-2 (for safety qualification test).

How many standards are there for photovoltaic systems?

There are nearly 80 standards applicable to photovoltaic and five working groups in IEC TC82. For necessary safety requirements ‘Quality and Standards’ technologically need to be revised and up to date.

Are there any UK standards relating to a PV installation?

While many UK standards apply in general terms, at the time of writing there is still relatively little which specifically relates to a PV installation. However, there are two documents which specifically relate to the installation of these systems that are of particular relevance:

What is a roof mounted photovoltaic system guidance?

The guidance refers only to the mechanical installation of roof mounted integrated and stand-off photovoltaic systems; it provides best practice guidance on installation requirements and does not constitute fixing instructions.

What are the requirements for a PV installation?

Virtually all domestic PV installations will fall under the scope of Part P. Part P requires the relevant Building Control department to be notified and approve the work. There are two routes to comply with the requirements of Part P: Notify the relevant Building Control department before starting the work.

What are IEC standards in photovoltaics?

IEC standards in photovoltaics were developed by TC82 “Solar photovoltaic energy systems” . The U.S technical advisory group (USTAG) feeds the input to IEC TC82 standards time to time. Both IEC and American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) International had published numerous PV standards in which many are similar and redundant.