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Solar supply on test reports

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?

Parents
  • Think like Gas Safe, core competencies plus specific training for specialist installations and appliances.

Reply
  • Think like Gas Safe, core competencies plus specific training for specialist installations and appliances.

Children
  • Think like Gas Safe, core competencies plus specific training for specialist installations and appliances.

    Well, yes for Solar PV (to an extent), but no (for some prosumer's electrical installations with capability of operating in island mode)!

    If a prosumer's installation supplies some (but not all) of an installation with island mode capability, and not all electricians (or the general public) know that there isn't a single point of isolation ... then sadly, "turning off the main switch" won't help you.

    ... and neither can you determine whether BS 7671 requirements are met for all final circuits in this type of installation, for all modes of operation of the installation.

    ... unless you have the "update" or "limited competency".

    It's not just an "installer" thing, or a "limited competency" thing we're talking about here - I believe it's a "core competency" that's changing.