How do I design a solar hot water & photovoltaic system?

Provide an architectural drawing and riser diagram for the homeowner showing the planned location for future solar hot water and photovoltaic system components. Space requirements and layout for solar water heating and photovoltaic system components should be taken into account early in the design process.

What is a roof mounted photovoltaic system guidance?

The guidance refers only to the mechanical installation of roof mounted integrated and stand-off photovoltaic systems; it provides best practice guidance on installation requirements and does not constitute fixing instructions.

How a roofing PV system should be installed?

The roofing PV system shall be installed after being evaluated by construction experts or engineers and with oficial analysis results for the entire structure. It shall be proved capable of supporting extra weight of system racking structures and PV modules.

Is mechanical design of a PV array within the scope of this document?

Mechanical design of the PV array is not within the scope of this document. BRE digest 489 ‘Wind loads on roof-based Photovoltaic systems’, and BRE Digest 495 ‘Mechanical Installation of roof-mounted Photovoltaic systems’, give guidance in this area.

How should a PV system be designed & installed?

From the outset, the designer and installer of a PV system must consider the potential hazards carefully, and systematically devise methods to minimise the risks. This will include both mitigating potential hazards present during and after the installation phase.

Are there any UK standards relating to a PV installation?

While many UK standards apply in general terms, at the time of writing there is still relatively little which specifically relates to a PV installation. However, there are two documents which specifically relate to the installation of these systems that are of particular relevance: