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Do Solar PV Systems need Testing and Inspecting?
Yes
- The frequency depends on whether the system is residential, commercial, industrial, or a public building. Commercial/Industrial/Public sites: "The law requires electrical equipment to be maintained to prevent danger. The type and frequency of user checks, inspections and testing needed will depend on the equipment, the environment in which it is used, and the results of previous checks."
- It may be a requirement of the building's insurance company.
- Testing is required to "To ensure a compliant safely installed system at installation, with all the necessary paperwork in place."
Ref. Fire Protection Association – RC62: Recommendations for fire safety with PV panel installations
How often does a Solar PV System require Testing and Inspecting?
With high demand for Solar PV installations and low numbers of experienced and trained industry personnel, it is becoming more critical that Solar PV systems are tested and inspected for compliance and ongoing safety.
| Property Type | Frequency | Frequency | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Privately Owned | 1 Year | 10 Year | 15 year |
| Domestic Rented (Private or Social Landlord) | 5 Years | 10 Years | |
| Public Building (e.g. School, Hospital) | 6 Monthly | 1 Year | 5 Years |
| Commercial & Industrial | Monthly | 1 year | 2 Years |
Ref. MCS 3002 – Schedule Service Interval
Consider system design and installation
- Correct design, equipment selection, inspection, and installation are fundamentally important in minimising the risk of losses from PV fires.
- Issues associated with installation have been identified as the largest single cause of PV fires. A study undertaken by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in 2017 identified PV DC connectors, inverters, and DC isolators as accounting for 84% of PV system related fires (P100874-1004, 2017).
Consider inspection, testing, commissioning, and handover
- Product failure has been identified as the second largest cause of PV fires. Correct installation, inspection, and verification that the products installed are compliant – together with rigorous testing and commissioning – will reduce the potential for product failure and fire risk.
- Good handover and communication of the details of the PV system (both in hard copy or read-only electronic and conveyable form), along with operational training and inductions, will aid system owners’/stakeholders’ understanding of the PV system. This will allow early identification of any performance changes or unusual observations which may indicate that a more serious issue is imminent.