Technical disclosure on photovoltaic bracket installation

To whom is the photovoltaic (PV) guide applicable?

This guide is applicable to Clients planning or undertaking installation of Photovoltaic (PV) systems on ‘Large Scale’ buildings. These buildings are typically owned by organisations from the public or private sector, such as educational establishments, local government, a local community, or commercial organisations.

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 guidance is there on the performance of PV systems?

The Good Practice Guide provides some guidance on the performance of PV systems in Section 4 of the updated PV Installers Guide. The PV Specialist should model the system using one of the software simulation programmes available, which have a ‘library’ of modules and inverters and can select the sunlight conditions most representative of the site.

Are all PV products covered by IEC61730 'photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification?

In future it is expected that all PV products will increasingly be covered by International standard IEC61730: 2004 ‘Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification’.

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 solar PV commissioning test?

It also describes the commissioning tests, inspection criteria and documentation expected to verify the safe installation and correct operation of the system. It is for use by system designers and installers of grid connected solar PV systems as a template to provide effective documentation to a customer.