Installations of photo voltaic panels both retrospectively and in new-builds continue to grow as the use of renewables increases, and SER Auditors are encountering a growing number of issues in audits of projects where PV panels have been used.
Approved Certifiers and Approved Bodies should be aware that there have been a number of CROSS reports on the topic, notably CROSS Report 1015: Safety issues when adding PV panels to existing roofs and the CROSS (SCOSS) Safety Alert PV installations: structural aspects. BRE have also provided guidance in Digest 489: Wind loads on roof-mounted photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. Approved Certifiers should be satisfied that they have sufficient competence to allow them to certify the design of the PV panels fixings and supports, and in reviewing this aspect of the design prior to certification, Certifiers should see that an adequate risk assessment has been carried out to identify all critical aspects of the design.
Certifiers should also see that the loads have been adequately assessed as required in Performance Criterion B2.1 Loading Assessment and that the supports and fixings for the PV units have been suitably designed and detailed as required in Performance Criterion B6.3 Fixings and supports for building services.
In all cases Approved Certifiers and Approved Bodies should ensure that an adequate record of the certification process is maintained to demonstrate how compliance with the standards was established