Solar PV Compliance Check

What is a compliance check?

SANS 10142-1-2 is the compliance standard that largely governs installations of solar PV and back up inverter systems in South Africa. In addition to this, various different equipment manufacturers have warranty support conditions that request component or space installation criteria. Add to this basic electrical installation standards, best practice and correct inverter/battery programming and a inverter based system may seem like quite a minefield to navigate.

Ultimately all the above mentioned standards are based around two common themes, the first of which is safety and the second system longevity. Hence the first two criteria on our compliance check covers the following:

Electrical Compliance – is the system safe and has it been correctly installed?

• we check every component, every join and all cables thoroughly.
• we test all the components, all the joints, all the connections.
• we thermal image the primary joins and log all voltages.

Longevity – is the system correctly programmed and sized correctly?

• we check through all the inverter settings.
• we check through all the battery settings.
• we check the loading on the inverter, demand from the battery and supply from the PV array.
• we check the install environment.

Naturally outside of the above primary criteria their are two other important components that need to be taken into account. Both are detailed below:

Performance

• is everything working? No dimming lights? No change over hang.
• are the PV panels correctly positioned for maximum performance.
• is the loading on the battery conducive to lifespan.

Aesthetics

• are the finishes up to standard?
• has cable trays been used in the roof?
• are the panels secure and straight?
• is the conduit straight and correct utilized for maximum safety

Reporting

The end result of this process is to create a comprehensive documented report that will be issued to both client and installation company to bring about an improved installation that creates safety and peace of mind for everyone.

Remedial Action

The primary objective here is to allow the installer an opportunity to bring the installation up to standard and depending on the severity of any issue encountered a time frame in which to do so. Should only minor issues be encountered, compliance inspection team will affect the changes with the permission of both the home owner and the installation company. If the installation company fails to address reported installation defects the Sunshine care can quote the home owner to bring system into compliance or assist the home owner in getting items remedied with an external installation company.