Are there building regulations for solar panels?

There are building regulations for solar panels, as there are for most home improvements. These government regulations are frequently updated to ensure that any alterations made to properties don’t threaten the safety or health of people who live or work in them.

Are there any UK standards relating to a PV installation?

While many UK standards apply in general terms, at the time of writing there is still relatively little which specifically relates to a PV installation. However, there are two documents which specifically relate to the installation of these systems that are of particular relevance:

Do I need a building regulations approval for a PV system?

Building Regulations approval may require the product to have passed the wind uplift, water penetration and spread of flame tests (see section 2.1.1.2). These will usually be applicable only where the PV is integrated into the fabric of the building.

Are all PV products covered by IEC61730 'photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification?

In future it is expected that all PV products will increasingly be covered by International standard IEC61730: 2004 ‘Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification’.

When did solar panels become a building regulation?

In 2005, household electrical work was absorbed into the UK government’s official Building Regulations. A year later, the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 brought microgeneration systems like solar panels under the umbrella of the Building Regulations. Should you receive a building regulations certificate for your solar panels?

What is a roof mounted photovoltaic system guidance?

The guidance refers only to the mechanical installation of roof mounted integrated and stand-off photovoltaic systems; it provides best practice guidance on installation requirements and does not constitute fixing instructions.