DIY solar — looking for PV array test report

[mrdent]

I did a DIY solar install without appreciating the need for building regs. Yep that was daft, but here we are.

Hopefully will get the structural side sorted out.

On the electrical side, building control are asking for an 'electrical certificate/report regarding the electrical installation and connection of the panels', which is a bit too vague for my liking, but I'm thinking translates into a PV Array Test Report.

Amazing if someone happens to have a contact (Cambridge area, UK). But main thing I'm looking for advice on is:

Is it reasonable to assume the PV Array Test Report is what is needed? (It isn't the inverter circuit that's wanted — have already got that bit Part P'ed.)

And, it the sort of thing that can be asked for? Of course, one can ask for anything! But being realistic, is it the sort of thing that can be asked for separate from the panel install? (I am a bit worried that I'll be asking for something that, in practice, can't really be done.)

 

[Dan]

Oooo I think you have demonstrated why it doesn't pay in the end to DIY something dealing with power there mate, to be frank!

You had any solar companies in to rectify, check everything (as they won't just do one part and have their name / risk on it) and certify it. And now you will need update building control again at x per visit.

So you've still not finished paying to have it installed mate.

Think you've still managed to save anything compared to getting a company in to do it all in a few days?

 

[wookey]

I did a DIY solar install without appreciating the need for building regs. Yep that was daft, but here we are.

On the electrical side, building control are asking for an 'electrical certificate/report regarding the electrical installation and connection of the panels', which is a bit too vague for my liking, but I'm thinking translates into a PV Array Test Report.

Amazing if someone happens to have a contact (Cambridge area, UK).

Is it reasonable to assume the PV Array Test Report is what is needed? (It isn't the inverter circuit that's wanted — have already got that bit Part P'ed.)

I think they are just asking for details of the install, including any calculations, such as max voltage and current checks. So yes the MCS PV Array Test Report would be a reasonable format to use, but anything showing the electrical layout and demonstrating that the cabling and isolators are correctly sized for the current and the inverter/MPPT controller correctly sized for the max voltage, that the correct (DC spec) cabling has been used, that voltage drops are reasonable, that overheating will not occur, and of course that any AC cabling and battery cabling is also correctly sized/specified/terminated.

Part P has made it very difficult to get electricians/installers to come and test/certify things after the fact if you don't already have a relationship, but it's not impossible. And building control in my experience no longer do their job in this area, and just say 'go ask an electrician', but it sounds like you might be getting more useful treatment (depending what exactly they are requiring).

As for Cambridge electricians with solar experience, I am aware of Artisan and Oy (mostly because the put their work on youtube). Artisan are not cheap but they are competent and might be prepared to check your work, or at least advise what is typically required.

I'd be interested to hear how you get on.

 

[mrdent]

Hey wookey. Thanks for the reply. And sorry for the lateness of follow-up.

I think they are just asking for details of the install, including any calculations, such as max voltage and current checks. So yes the MCS PV Array Test Report would be a reasonable format to use

The array test format was a part of the details I eventually supplied.

[...] showing the electrical layout and demonstrating that the cabling and isolators are correctly sized for the current and the inverter/MPPT controller correctly sized for the max voltage, that the correct (DC spec) cabling has been used, that voltage drops are reasonable, that overheating will not occur, and of course that any AC cabling and battery cabling is also correctly sized/specified/terminated.

This was also provided, but not in the format of making a demonstration of it (as in, diagrams, evidence of calculations or sizing of wiring, connectors, etc.; although, interestingly, that is more what the DNO want to see, but the DNO will take the word of self-installers), rather it was in the form of an assertion against the Solar PV Code of Practice (IET) checklist (i.e., it's a competent person signing off against a list of items).

I can't find any public resources that example that checklist (there are many checklists thrown up by google, but none that very closely match what I got), so I am presuming that it's a pay-for resource. Talking to the electrician, it seems that the list changes frequently, and has done so recently again.

[...] building control in my experience no longer do their job in this area, and just say 'go ask an electrician', but it sounds like you might be getting more useful treatment (depending what exactly they are requiring).

Yes. As to whether building control knew that's what they needed to see, and would have refused anything else... well, there I'm less sure. My feeling, having been through it, is that they rarely see residential solar.

I'd be interested to hear how you get on.

(Thanks also for the references.)

I found a good qualified person, and he pointed out (and fixed) a few places where I'd missed minor items that the code of practice asks for, so that's a good return. BC accepted what was provided, so all now solved. I certainly won't be doing it again in the wrong order!

Thanks again for the reply.

 

[brianmoooore]

BC want to see signatures on pieces of paper with the appropriate title, so that they can tick a box. No one is ever going to look at the contents of that piece of paper or really care who provided the signature.

 

[wookey]

BC want to see signatures on pieces of paper with the appropriate title, so that they can tick a box. No one is ever going to look at the contents of that piece of paper or really care who provided the signature.

This does appear to be true. I did all the structural calcs for my extension (to Eurocode 5), but I was a little surprised when BC quite happily just took the document and had no interest in the qualifications of the author.

 

[brianmoooore]

I did all the structural calcs for my extension (to Eurocode 5),

I've always been mildly amused by the pages and pages of calculations for RSJs in domestic extensions and alterations, that accompany my copy of the plans when I get them. There's only a very limited range of sizes of RSJs that are likely to be used in domestic premises, and any half decent, experienced builder could take one look at a proposed job and say "that's going to need a 10 X 8 RSJ" or whatever.

 

[MikeM3]

I built a solar system on wheels, I live in a ground floor flat
and I don't have a roof, so I have an "Off Grid", system, but
unfortunately, the light won't work because there is no earth
on my system, I am waiting to find out if I can attach an earth,
as my alternator has a "Floating Neutral" and nobody can tell
me what that is, not even the manufacturers in China.

So a mobile system doesn't need permission, as it is not connected
to the mains in my flat.

Mike