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Solar supply on test reports

Alan B

How do I document and test existing solar secondary supply when adding or modifying an installation that includes solar but not working on the solar system.

I have worked on a few installations now that have main supply plus solar, I have no training on solar installations.

I look to make sure cabling looks professional and that there are isolators on DC input to inverter and AC output from inverter, use them to isolate the supply while I work.

On the test report I record that there is a second supply and that it's solar but I don't do any testing or open anything up.

Is this enough or do I need to start learning more about solar and doing more?

I haven't worked on an installation with battery but same question.

Also if I was asked to do an EICR do I just agree with the owner that the EICR doesn't include the solar installation or do I need to decline the job until I get more knowledge on solar?

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    Alan B said:
    I haven't worked on an installation with battery but same question.

    If you have not had training in installations with electrical energy storage systems, or switched standby generator systems or UPS, and aren't confident, I would advise to leave the whole installation well alone.

    In some arrangements, some or all of an installation with storage batteries may be energised when you isolate the grid power, and it may take some time (a few seconds - definitely enough for you to prove dead) before automatically switching over to "island mode" (off-grid, or "backup" mode). There should be isolation instructions and notices in the installation, but I guess as always it depends who installed it, as always.

    When testing, certain readings for live tests can be distorted by the presence of inverters, and there will be a need to verify earth electrode resistance if the installation has "island mode", along with ADS.

    This technology is set to go mainstream, along with EV, so if you are seeing installations with this technology regularly, to be honest it's probably a good idea to plan in some courses or other CPD to get up-to-date to stay safe.

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  • 0
    Alan B said:
    I haven't worked on an installation with battery but same question.

    If you have not had training in installations with electrical energy storage systems, or switched standby generator systems or UPS, and aren't confident, I would advise to leave the whole installation well alone.

    In some arrangements, some or all of an installation with storage batteries may be energised when you isolate the grid power, and it may take some time (a few seconds - definitely enough for you to prove dead) before automatically switching over to "island mode" (off-grid, or "backup" mode). There should be isolation instructions and notices in the installation, but I guess as always it depends who installed it, as always.

    When testing, certain readings for live tests can be distorted by the presence of inverters, and there will be a need to verify earth electrode resistance if the installation has "island mode", along with ADS.

    This technology is set to go mainstream, along with EV, so if you are seeing installations with this technology regularly, to be honest it's probably a good idea to plan in some courses or other CPD to get up-to-date to stay safe.

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