MCS Publishes Guidance for Roof Integrated Solar PV Fire Classification

MCS has issued guidance for the testing, classification, and assessment of roof integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems when exposed to external fire sources.

The guidance – Guidance Document for Test Laboratories: Identification and Testing of Roof Integrated Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Mounting Systems to DD CEN/TS 1187:2012 – Test 4 – has been created by MCS in collaboration with its Solar PV and Solar Mounting Technical Working Groups.

The guidance only applies to roof integrated solar PV, that is PV modules integrated into the pitched roof plane, sometimes also referred to as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

A supplementary Interpretation Note will also be issued in the coming weeks, providing further guidance for product certification bodies.

It will clarify how the changes to BS EN 15725: 2023 can be understood in the context of MCS certification and provides a route to certification for products under MCS 012 in the absence of a sufficient BSI standard.

The guidance follows changes to the European standard from September 2023 which left uncertainty over how roof integrated solar PV mounting systems could achieve a fire classification.

Roof Integrated Solar PV Fire Classification

In integrated solar roof systems, where solar PV modules form the roof covering, a fire classification is the main way of demonstrating compliance with the external fire performance requirements of building regulations across the UK. It is also essential for certification under MCS 012: The Solar Mounting Product Standard.

Lisa Cooke, Managing Director at MCS, said: “We know that this is a crucial issue that affects our installer and manufacturer base. The sector needs clarity and guidance to ensure robust certification, market continuity, and quality installations, so we’ve taken steps to work with partners and find a solution.”

Solar PV is the most popular MCS technology, with over 2.1 million certified installations to date across UK homes and small businesses.

With the Future Homes Standard set to make solar PV the default option on new builds from next year, roof integrated solar PV is set to be an increasingly important part of meeting government building requirements and Net Zero targets.

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