@GavinA, the challenge is it's not just the integrated ones that need certification - MC012 relates to any system that uses a roof hook (or hanger bolt...)
for example every system must be provided with:
"Guidance must be given on compatible solar panels and roof systems. The information provided to the installer must clearly indicate how the kit is installed with different solar panels and roof types including the type and number of fixings and maximum recommended spacing of brackets/rails.
In particular, the following information shall be clearly and prominently shown in the product installation instructions:
- The maximum wind load the system achieved when assessed according to this document, using the standard procedure and fixing details as described in the manufacturer’s instructions;
- For products that can be used with a variety of different solar panels these instructions should clearly describe the array design constraints (e.g. maximum module area, fixings per m² etc) that need to be met in order to achieve the stated wind load result."
I've been asking for that information for two years - only 3 companies have provided it to me - K2, Schletter and ClickFit
also they need to provided a certificate with:
"8. CERTIFICATE CONTENT
Certificates shall contain the name and address of the manufacturer/supplier, model and reference number of the roof installation kit or components the test standard, a unique certificate reference number and the issue number and date.
In addition, the certificate will include the following information:
- Roofing substrates compatible with the system and any minimum requirements e.g. minimum timber size;
- Minimum permissible roof pitch;
- Whether the product is suitable for use as in roof or above roof installations;
- Maximum design wind uplift resistance as defined in Section 4.2.1 of Appendix A (this may be a single value or a table of values for different installation configurations);
- The value of the partial (safety) factor(s) that have been used in determining the wind uplift resistance for the product as defined in section 4.2.1 of Appendix A;
- Fire test result in accordance with Section 5 of Appendix A (for roof integrated only or where an above roof system is assessed for use on combustible substrates)."
and on top of that they need to specify which type of tile the system can be used with:
"The presence of the solar panel system must not decrease the weather performance of the roof covering or the roof structure.
The manufacturer/supplier shall declare which generic product classes their system can be used with:
- Profiled or flat single lapped tiles (profiled are recommended for test)
- Plain tiles (double lapped product)
- Double lapped slates (natural or synthetic)
- Profiled metal sheets or standing seam roof coverings
- Any other generic roofing type"
The thing is we have been ordering direct from the manufacturers now for nearly 4 years and when shipped direct to us (not via a wholesaler) we have always received FULL, COMPREHENSIVE written installation instructions, and certification (usually TUV) certificates - so we know they can do it.
HOWEVER, as I understand it, (and I may have this wrong) I am lead to believe that any system that is already TUV certified will automatically get an MCS certification, so it may not be as bad as it seems.
