MCS publishes guidance to address solar PV module fire classification challenges

In late 2023, the MCS Solar Mounting Working Group became aware of a change to a European standard that had taken effect in September 2023. The change left considerable uncertainty over how roof integrated solar PV mounting systems could achieve a fire classification.

Where solar PV modules form the roof covering, a fire classification is the principal means of demonstrating compliance with the external fire performance requirements of building regulations across the UK and is essential for certification under MCS 012: The Solar Mounting Product Standard.

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, integrated solar PV is set to play an important role in meeting key Government targets. It is critical that this issue is addressed to support the industry’s continued growth and mitigate the impact on installers, manufacturers and consumers.

MCS takes its role as the UK’s quality mark and consumer protection body for small-scale renewables seriously and understands the crucial role it plays in building and maintaining confidence across the industry.

Since the change to European Standards was made, MCS has engaged and convened stakeholders including Government, the Health and Safety Executive, the Building Safety Regulator, and the British Standards Institution to push for a solution that would enable certification and limit disruption to the supply chain.

To fill this gap in the immediate term, ensure the resilience of the supply chain, and support MCS product certification bodies, MCS has now issued a document providing guidance for the testing, classification and assessment of roof integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems when exposed to external fire sources. This guidance document has been created by MCS in collaboration with its Solar PV and Solar Mounting Technical Working Groups.

MCS will also be releasing a supplementary Interpretation Note in the coming weeks, which provides further guidance for product certification bodies on 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.

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.”

View MCS’s fire classification guidance document here.

mcscertified.com