Solar supply on test reports

The circuit up to the inverter isolator is just another circuit that should be included in the EICR.  

From there on exclude it from the EICR unless you have access equipment available to get onto the roof and appropriate training.

Specialist knowledge and equipment is required, so if the client wants an EICR to cover the PV installation additional charges are applicable.

To add...

If the PV arrangement has individual microinverters connected to each panel directly rather than a central "string" inverter in say the garage all you are going to be able to access reasonably without climbing on the roofs is the combined AC output cable from the panels/inverters as it comes into the house

Even if you did get climbing, having a look at say some of the connectors for any corrosion/water ingress is going to be a bad idea as the manufacturer often specifies that if disassembled these must be binned and new ones fitted.

Unless you cover the PV panel with an light impervious cloth then the DC output cables from the panel will ALWAYS be live.

I'd agree and say its a job for specialist solar companies.

Hi All

Since my original post I have looked around for CPD courses and watched 3 of them. They all talk about the technologies, what to consider when specifying them and some high level stuff on mechanical and electrical installation but nothing really addressing my original question.

Sparkingchip said:

if the client wants an EICR to cover the PV installation additional charges are applicable.

And for private rented sector properties ... two separate EICRs for each inspection, 3 with battery storage? There is a possibility that won't last very long before the landlords kick up about competence of electrical contractors being unable to cover the scope of BS 7671 for domestic installations !

lyledunn said:

I do think that some of the top guys setting rules and regulations or otherwise pontificating, ought to have a good look at what’s going on at the lower levels where most of the safety inspections are conducted. 

Well, I can vouch for the fact that it's not the case for all in that position ... but I did notice you used the word "some".

The European Union Social Fund paid for me to do the City and Guilds PV installation and maintenance training and qualifications, it also paid for me to do the Working at Heights training course, both of those are presumably required for climbing a ladder to inspect the PV installation on a house roof?

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

Alan B  this will brief you on the basics

www.amazon.co.uk/.../0080970648

Thanks just ordered it, some quite cheap second hand ones available. I think I will also end up buying the iet guide as well but may wait until next edition comes out.

Thanks, I will certainly be looking in to the course at some point in the next 12 months, I am sure I will also need to formally take the working at height course as well. Getting funding would be nice but I suspect I wont qualify for whatever is available now post EU. Focusing on improving my efficiency and experience with EV installs and other more standard work at the moment. Which is where this all started when I took some time out to consider if my EIC's were correct when working on installs that included solar.