A new Code of Practice which sets out the requirements for the design, specification, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the UK is to be published this month by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
The IET Code of Practice for the Grid Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems has been published following widespread consultation. It provides solar PV system designers and installers with the information required to ensure that a solar PV system is designed, installed, operated and maintained to comply with relevant UK and international standards and good practice recommendations.
The Code of Practice updates UK industry practice to ensure safe, effective and fit-for-purpose installation of solar PV systems at all scales of application. Topics such as system earthing, fault alarms, fusing, connectors and fire detection, have been reviewed in detail, with key changes supporting good practice within the UK as well as aligning with international standards where relevant.
Supported by the BRE National Solar Centre as expert technical authors, the Code of Practice is aimed at ensuring safe, effective and competently installed solar PV systems. It will also be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders, including customers, owners, investors, insurers and financiers of solar PV systems.
Ray Noble, who chaired the IET Standards Technical Committee, said: “The popularity of solar photovoltaic systems has increased in recent years to the point that a Code of Practice is essential to meeting the challenges of this maturing industry.
“Key stakeholder involvement is critical to this Code of Practice, and so the development of this document by a respected body such as the IET will increase consumer confidence, while also meeting the needs of solar PV professionals, users and owners.”
The IET would like to thank the technical committee members and industry experts who contributed to the development of this Code of Practice for their support, including representatives from:
- BRE National Solar Centre
- BEAMA
- Chartered Institution of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE)
- Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)
- Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG)
- Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA)
- Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland (SELECT)
- Energy Networks Association (ENA)
- Fire Protection Association (FPA)
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
- National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT)
- National House Building Council (NHBC)
- Renewable Energy Association (REA)
- Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC)
- Solar Trade Association (STA)
- Wales Solar Action Group (Renewables UK Cymru).
The Code of Practice for the Grid Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems is published by the IET onMonday 28 September.
If you plan to visit the Solar Energy UK show, please remember to visit the IET’s stand. We will be at stand J40c, Hall 3, Birmingham NEC (13 – 15 October).
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