Solar PV On-Site Guide
Solar PV On-Site
Installer’s Guide
Solar PV On-Site Guide
On arrival at the site, check and confirm the
following
Scaffolding is in place and safe to use
Materials and equipment are on site
System design documents are available
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Familiarise yourself with the site and confirm the
expected location of the panels and the electrical
fittings
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Internal works
Fix the inverter securely
into the selected
position
Allow correct air spaces
as per manufacturers
instructions
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Internal works
Fix the DC
isolator
switch(es) into
position
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Internal works
Fix the AC
isolator
switch in
position
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Internal works
Attach the cabling
between the
inverter and the
switches
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Internal works
Complete the
installation of
the DC
switch(es) and
label them
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Internal works
Position and install the
generation meter and
main AC isolator switch
Usually this is to be
located adjacent to the
distribution board
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
Use an experienced
roofer to install a
proprietary roof
entry for the DC
cables to pass
through the roof
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External /
Internal works
Feed the DC cables
through the fitting
and into the internal
roof space.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
Record the voltage (VOC)
and current (ISC) values for
each panel.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
Use an experienced
roofer to fit the
brackets in place
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
Measure and
square up the rails
when fitting.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
Position
the
required
length of
DC cable
and
secure
with zip
ties.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
Bring the panels
safely up to the
installation level.
Take extra care if it
is windy.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
Align the first panel
and fix in place.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
Fix the panels in
place ensuring they
are straight and
square. Pay special
attention to
positioning the first
panel in a string.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
Add further panels,
keeping the
alignment.
Connect
the panel
cables as
each one
is fixed in
place.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
Secure each panel
in place.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
External works
With the panel
array(s) in place
and connected,
return to the
inverter for testing
and
commissioning.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Internal works
Complete all AC tests in accordance with
BS7671 Inspection & Test
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Internal works
Complete tests on DC
circuitry including:
IR tests
VOC tests
ISC tests
Irradiance level tests
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Internal works
Ensure all electrical
components are
fully labelled.
Solar PV On-Site Guide
Internal works
Place a system
schematic at the
inverter location,
and at the main
consumer unit
for the property