Solar PV Module Fire Classifications

[LnP]

Link here to MCS Update.

And I got an email from GSE. Not sure if this will work but it says it can be viewed in a browser, here.

 

Any thoughts on what this means?

[SteamyTea]

2 hours ago, LnP said:

Any thoughts on what this means

Seems to mean that the regulation of building structures have changed regarding fire, MCS has had lots of meetings and told BSI that unless they (BSI) issue certification, they (MCS) will have trouble fitting systems.

So normal buck passing by MCS.

 

So if you are installing, via MCS, you can only fit the modules that have been certified (the 4 on the list).

[LnP]

It seems to go farther than that:

 

"where solar products form a roof covering (i.e. roof-integrated) a fire classification is required so that compliance with Building Regulations can be demonstrated (specifically Regulation B4: External fire spread).

Any new products brought to market are currently unable to obtain a fire classification and therefore cannot be integrated into roofs in compliance with the Building Regulations. This also prevents them gaining MCS certification."

 

So Building Control will in future not be signing off roof integrated PV panels until fire certification is sorted out. Seems unbelievable?

 

 @SteamyTea the 4 on which list. I missed that.

[SteamyTea]

5 hours ago, LnP said:

I missed that.

5

 

[LnP]

Indeed, but GSE say that is a list of panels they have tested and received positive, indicative test reports from the Warrington Fire certified laboratory. They go on to say that while solar modules can still be tested, the challenge lies in obtaining classification under BS EN 13501-5 BROOF (T4).

 

So I'm confused. Will BC sign off roof integrated roof PV panels without the classification?
 

[-rick-]

I read it as talking about new panels. So panels that have been around for a while and already have cert are ok. Though of course how long older panels are available is a question.

[JohnMo]

27 minutes ago, -rick- said:

I read it as talking about new panels. So panels that have been around for a while and already have cert are ok. Though of course how long older panels are available is a question.

That's exactly what I was about to say.

[joth]

18 hours ago, SteamyTea said:

Seems to mean that the regulation of building structures have changed regarding fire, MCS has had lots of meetings and told BSI that unless they (BSI) issue certification, they (MCS) will have trouble fitting systems.

So normal buck passing by MCS.

 

So if you are installing, via MCS, you can only fit the modules that have been certified (the 4 on the list).

 

OK maybe stupid question, but why does this only impact installs via MCS? Building regs are building regs and need to be complied with, regardless of whether going an MCS route on the installation.

In that respect I don't see this so much as buck passing by MCS, as MCS not wanting to have buck passed onto them for something that already has plenty of others taking some responsibility for.

 

[LnP]

2 hours ago, joth said:

 

OK maybe stupid question, but why does this only impact installs via MCS? Building regs are building regs and need to be complied with, regardless of whether going an MCS route on the installation.

 

It doesn't and MCS didn't say that. They highlight the problem with Building Regs compliance.

2 hours ago, joth said:

 

In that respect I don't see this so much as buck passing by MCS, as MCS not wanting to have buck passed onto them for something that already has plenty of others taking some responsibility for.

 

I agree. I don't read it as buck passing. Looks to me like MCS are trying to sort the problem.

 

Still trying to figure out what this means for a new installation.

[joth]

1 hour ago, LnP said:

It doesn't and MCS didn't say that. They highlight the problem with Building Regs compliance

Indeed they didn't, my question was directed to @SteamyTea specifically responding to his comment "if you are installing, via MCS, you can only fit the modules that have been certified (the 4 on the list)"