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Plug-in Solar supposedly going to be 'easier'?

Steve Nixon76

Hi all, new to the forum.

I've been reading (various media outlets are running with the story) that the government is planning to make it easier (no mention of safety) for consumers to connect solar PV panel inverter directly to the mains using a 3 pin plug and socket arrangement.

Considering all of the current guidance regarding the connection of a solar PV inverter to the mains (dedicated circuit, own RCD, no 3 pin plug), how is this all of a sudden going to be 'safe'?

The argument that 'Balcony Solar' is all the rage on the continent surely doesn't negate the potential risks all of a sudden. Surely the IET is in discussions with government and arguing that the dangers cannot simply be swept under the carpet?

  • in reply to gkenyon

    Maybe it would be prudent for the BSI to have an up to date list of PAS documents and another which are for Public Consult?.

  • in reply to Sergio Fernandez

    You can browse the BSI Library here for current PASs. (There seems to be no option to put them in numerical order.)

  • in reply to mapj1
    mapj1 said:
    you need to buy to read it

    Not sure about that. Clicking on a faintly random sample gives me a price of zero.

  • in reply to Chris Pearson
    Chris Pearson said:
    Not sure about that.

    They are not all free. PAS 0 is free (so is BS 0). 

    Here is one that's definitely not free: https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/pas-128-underground-utility-detection-verification-and-location-specification

    And another: https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/professional-inspection-maintenance-cleaning-and-restoration-of-textile-floor-coverings-code-of-practice

    I believe that many of the ones that are free are sponsored by government departments.

  • in reply to gkenyon

    As a collective we know Balcony Solar PV(Other names/terms are available) is on the imminent horizon.  We know that they are being termed as an appliance rather than a small GenSet.  Therefore the issue we have is

     - Does BS7671 AMD 3 or 4 cover it properly….No
     - Does BS1363 3 pin UK plug cover it properly….No.  In fact states no GenSet
     - Does BS1362 fuse cover it properly….No
     - Do a PAS or similar cover it properly….No
     - Do the Fire Service sit on JPEL64 to advise….I am unsure
     - Should the Fire Service sit on JPEL64 and advise on Balcony Solar PV before it becomes an issue like Loft battery storage or E-Scotters.  In my opinion Yes
     - Should the Insurance Industry sit on JPEL64 and advise in some capacity on Balcony Solar PV before it becomes an issue like Loft battery storage or E-Scotters.  In my opinion Yes
     - If it is SOLD as DIY Balcony Solar PV then there is nothing to make ME check the CU or the whole installation vs an MCS/BS7671AMD4/PAS6300 approved roof install by a competent electrical engineer.

    It is my honest opinion that we need some rules/regulations/guidance/product standard in place for UK Balcony Solar PV sooner rather than later.

  • in reply to Sergio Fernandez

    They are not sold with a battery pack, and as these are in the region of £2K, the market is not aimed at that. It is a basic starter kit with just panels and inverter.

  • in reply to Ken Fletcher

    but, these are available now and £1200 for the single battery model and falling. 

    https://sunvault.co.uk/jet-greenark-pro-balcony-solar-battery-storage
    Note the bit about plug in only and no electrician needed ...

    "

    Inverter Net Weight / Gross Weight

    11.2 kg / 14.2 kg

    Battery Dimensions / Packing Dimensions (WxHxD)

    480×298×184 mm / 575×395×285mm

    Battery Net Weight / Gross Weight

    26.5 kg / 28 kg

    Connectivity

    Wi-Fi, Cloud App

    Installation

    Plug-and-play, no electrician required

    Mike.

  • in reply to mapj1
    mapj1 said:
    Plug-and-play, no electrician required

    as it stands in the UK at the moment that could/should be

    Plug and Pray

  • in reply to mapj1

    Interesting they describe LiFePO as being:

    advanced semi-solid-state battery, which eliminates the flammable liquid electrolyte found in conventional batteries.

    • White check mark Zero Fire Risk – No thermal runaway, even under extreme conditions

    • White check mark No Smoke or Toxic Fumes – Safe for indoor and balcony installation

  • in reply to AJJewsbury
    AJJewsbury said:
    Interesting they describe LiFePO as being:

    Interesting indeed. I believe all the Electrical Energy Storage System fires we know about, that have occurred here in the UK, have been Lithium Iron Phosphate ... I don't put that at a zero risk of fire!

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