Solar PV –
Compliance & Safety FAQ

Insurance Company Requirements For Commercial Solar PV Installations

The installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on commercial roofs is becoming increasingly common as businesses seek to reduce energy costs and carbon footprints. However, insurance companies impose specific requirements on the design and installation of these systems to mitigate risks related to structural integrity, fire hazards, weather damage, and liability. It’s important to consult with your insurance provider early in the process to capture their specifications so that they can be incorporated into the system design. Here we capture some of the more common key insurance specifications.

1. Structural Integrity and Load-Bearing Capacity

Insurance companies require that solar PV systems be installed on roofs that can adequately support their weight. RSA Insurance Group’s Risk Control Guide for Photovoltaic Panels emphasises the need for structural assessments before installation to ensure compliance with building regulations and prevent excessive loading that may lead to collapse.

2. Fire Safety Considerations

Fire risk is a significant concern for insurers. The UK national fire safety organisation FPA have produced a code of practise providing comprehensive guidance on fire safety requirements for solar PV installations (RC62). Key recommendations include:

• Fire Limitation Measure: The materials that the panels are installed onto should be non-combustible to ensure any fire that does occur can be isolated to source.
• Proper Component Selection: Only certified panels, inverters, and wiring that comply with relevant fire safety standards should be used.
• Minimising Electrical Faults: Installation must follow best practices to prevent short circuits, arc faults, and overheating.
• Access for Firefighters: Adequate space should be left around solar panels to allow emergency responders to access the roof.
• Fire Suppression Systems: Buildings with extensive PV installations may require additional fire suppression measures.

You can read more on fire safety considerations in the Renewables First’s Solar PV Learning Centre here

3. Weather-Related Risks

Weather conditions such as strong winds, hail, snow, and lightning can impact solar PV performance and safety. Insurers, including RSA and Towergate, require that:

• Solar panels be rated for wind and hail resistance according to industry standards.
• Mounting systems be securely anchored to prevent uplift in high winds.
• Systems be equipped with surge protection to guard against lightning strikes.
• Snow accumulation and ice shedding risks be assessed to prevent structural damage and injury.

4. Liability and Third-Party Risks

Insurance providers impose specifications to minimise liability risks associated with solar PV installations. Baptist Insurance and Towergate Insurance emphasise:

• Public Liability Considerations: Panels should be securely mounted to prevent dislodgment that could injure people or damage nearby properties.
• Contractor Insurance Requirements: Installers must have adequate professional liability insurance to cover errors in design, installation, or maintenance.
• Roof Penetrations: Any penetrations made during installation should be properly sealed to prevent water ingress and structural deterioration.

5. Electrical Safety and Compliance

All electrical components must meet industry standards, including compliance with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) guidelines. The FPA and RSA highlight that:

• Installations should be completed by accredited professionals and in accordance with the IET Code of Practise
• All electrical work should comply with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) to reduce the risk of faults.
• Systems should include adequate circuit protection, such as residual current devices (RCDs) and overcurrent protection.

6. Maintenance and Monitoring Requirements

Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure ongoing system safety and performance. Requirements include:

• Annual inspections to check for damaged panels, loose connections, and electrical faults.
• Annual clearing of any leaf litter and debris from the installation area
• Thermal imaging to detect potential overheating components before they cause failures.
• Remote monitoring systems to alert facility managers of performance issues.

You can read more on maintenance and monitoring in our dedicated Solar PV Learning Centre page here (ADD LINK)

Summary

The design and installation of commercial solar PV systems must adhere to stringent specifications imposed by insurance companies. These include ensuring structural integrity, mitigating fire risks, protecting against extreme weather, managing liability, ensuring electrical safety and maintaining regular inspections. Following these requirements helps businesses secure appropriate coverage while maximising the safety and longevity of their solar PV investment. Renewables First incorporate these specifications in our designs as standard and we support our clients during negotiations with their insurance company to ensure the best for the solar PV installation and its ongoing insurance cover.

For further details, refer to:

• RSA Insurance Group’s Risk Control Guide for Photovoltaic Panels
• Fire Protection Association’s RC62 Recommendations
• Baptist Insurance’s Guidance on Photovoltaic Systems
• Allianz Insurance’s Solar Power Insurance Overview
• Towergate Insurance’s Risk Management Considerations for Solar Panels

Written by Ian Nock Renewables First Engineering Manager

The first thing to say is that solar PV systems rarely cause fires, and on the rare occasions when they do, most (84%) are due to poor design and/or poor installation. The main culprits are incompatible or incorrectly assembled DC connectors and poorly specified or installed DC isolators and inverters. Well-designed, installed and maintained Solar PV systems should pose a negligible fire risk. Being compliant with fire regulations is obviously vital from a safety and legal perspective but should also ensure that your buildings insurance cover is still valid with the addition of a solar PV system on the roof.Commercial solar PV systems can and should comply with fire regulations, but it isn’t always clear what they need to comply with. The most relevant documents are:

• Building Regulations Approved Document B: Fire Safety
• Building Regulations Approved Document L: Conservation of Fuel and Power
• Fire Safety Order 2005
• RC62: Recommendations for fire safety with PV panel installations (version 2 published in 2023)

 Building Regulations Approved Document B: Fire Safety

There isn’t actually any part of this document that specifically covers solar PV systems, but many of the technical areas covered need to be given due consideration when designing and installing solar PV systems. The key areas to be aware of are:

• Solar PV hardware (mainly the inverters and switchgear) if installed in an unoccupied part of the building may need a fire detection system installed that is linked to the main fire alarm system.
• If any part of the solar PV system crosses a fire compartment wall or roof, it must not compromise the fire resistance of the elements. In practice this means adhering to an exclusion zone (typically 1.5 metres) each side of the compartment wall and making sure that cable penetrations and crossings are done properly so that the fire integrity is not compromised.
• External fire spread on the roof. This needs consideration from the perspective of the solar PV system being ignited from a nearby fire, and also if there was a fire in the building with solar PV on it, it should not increase the spread of that fire in the building itself or to neighbouring properties. The height and usage of the building affects the stringency of the requirements, as do the materials used. The use of Class A or C fire-rated solar PV panels could be used as a way to mitigate this risk.
• Roof-integrated solar PV (as opposed to the more common ‘on roof’ mounting systems used on commercial roofs) are considered part of the roof structure, so would have to meet the B_ROOF(t4) fire resistance standard.
• Consider access to the roof for the fire service, and their needs in the event of a fire.

Building Regulations Approved Document L: Conservation of Fuel and Power

Approved Document L does not does not impart any onerous considerations on the design of a solar PV system, it is often referenced because a solar PV system is a means to reduce the CO₂ emissions from a building through onsite renewable energy generation or improving the building EPC. Therefore it doesn’t need the same level of consideration as Approved Document B which can affect the design and installation of a solar PV system.

 Fire Safety Order 2005

This sets the administrative rules for fire regulations in commercial properties. The technical rules are covered by the Building Regulations and Wiring Regulations (BS7671). The rules apply whether a solar PV system is installed or not, but the key point is that all ‘Responsible Persons’ (normally the employer) must conduct and maintain a fire risk assessment for all commercial properties, and that fire risk assessment would need substantial revisions is a sole PV system is installed on the property.

 RC62: Recommendations for fire safety with PV panel installations (version 2 published in 2023)

This is a joint Code of Practice document developed by The RISC Authority and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and published by the Fire Protection Authority (FPA). Note that solar PV facades are a particular specialist area that is not covered by this document because PV facades often form part of the external cladding which is an area that has come under particular scrutiny since the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The RC62 document tends to ramble a bit and repeat itself many times, but it does have a core a good advice and it pulls together the various requirements from the documents listed above into a single document that is specifically for solar PV systems. Addressing the following key points should ensure you have a system that is safe, compliant with fire regulations and acceptable to your insurance company:

• When designing a solar PV system a fire risk assessment should be carried by a competent person that considers all of the risks introduced by the solar PV system and provides mitigations to eliminate or minimise those risks. If the building already has a fire risk assessment, the results of Solar PV fire risk assessment should be incorporated into this. Having this documented and recorded is an important step. Particular care should be taken if the building use already has enhanced fire risks from combustible materials within or explosive atmospheres etc.
• Discuss the proposed solar PV system with your current building insurer. They may have some particular requirements that could be incorporated into the design, or if their requirements are not feasible, at least you will have the chance to discuss this and agree a solution to save problems arising later. It is worth noting that we have seen some very odd requests from insurance companies, but it is generally possible to agree an acceptable technical solution.
• For larger Solar PV systems, we would recommend discussing the safety of the system with the local Fire Authority and keep a record of those discussions. Things that are likely to be discussed are:

1. Does the system require a Firefighters Switch? These are normally only required on systems that are classified as ‘high voltage’ (generally greater than 1500 V DC between conductors). Most systems are low voltage, and we would recommend using optimisers on the panels which further reduces the voltage and reduces the voltage to a nominal 1 V DC if there is a loss of AC supply to the inverter or an arc-fault is detected in the PV DC cabling.
2. Fire / smoke detection. If the system has the inverters or switchgear located in a rarely visited part of the building, it may require smoke detectors and/or integration with the building fire alarm. Exactly what is required will depend on the type of building and its usage.
3. DC arc detection systems. These are built into good quality inverters and we would always recommend DC arc detection because it can alert you to faults before they become serious, and if your system has optimisers on the PV panels the system can automatically reduce the DC system voltage to a negligible level until the fault is rectified. If your inverter does note have a DC arc detection system, standalone systems can be retrofitted if needed.
4. Cable containment, particularly on the DC-side. Cable containment is a fancy name for the proper securing and protection of cables. Good cable containment means supporting the under-panel cabling in a safe, organised and neat way, using proper clips and conduit, while retaining the ability to inspect connections in the future. The DC cable run back to the inverter should be as short as practically possible and inside conduit. Avoid burying DC cables within the building structure. Good workmanship and adherence to the Wiring Regs is essential throughout to ensure long-term reliability and the prevention of water ingress into connections.
5. Solar PV systems should not be installed on combustible of partly-combustible roofs unless a fire resistant covering is installed between the solar PV panels and the roof.
6. Labels and signage. This is so that during a fire the firefighters would know that the site had a solar PV system on the roof. The DC cable containment system should display regular ‘Solar PV Array Cable – High Voltage DC – Live during daylight’ signage, and there should also be ‘Solar PV on roof’ signage at the suppliers cut-out, metering location and the distribution board that the solar PV system connects to.
7. Consider how firefighters could get ladder access onto the roof during a fire when designing Solar PV panel layout – consider access corridors if needed.
8. Get a Lightning Risk Assessment done by a competent person. This results in a ‘score’ of the risk which should be compared to the accepted ‘tolerable risk’. Depending on the outcome, either a Lightning Protection System (LPS) will or will not be required, or a system of surge arrestors will be needed. If the building already has a LPS, then the solar PV system will needed careful design of the panel and mounting system layout to ensure it is compatible with the LPS.
9. If the building has a Smoke and Heat Exhaust System (SHES) installed, which for commercial warehouse typically applies to buildings with a footprint of over 2,000 m², then the installation of the solar PV system must not negatively affect the operation of this system.
10. Building-integrated Solar PV (BIPV) that forms part of the building fabric must meet the relevant parts of Building Regulations Approved Document B. For most on-roof Solar PV systems on commercial buildings, this would not apply, but the solar PV system should not lower the fire performance / classification of the roof.

Overall, the key actions points are do a good Fire Risk Assessment, talk to your building insurer and discuss the Solar PV system with the local Fire Authority. This usually raises a list of issues, which can generally be address by:

• Many of risks identified, particularly on the DC-side, can be addressed through the use of good quality inverters that incorporate arc-fault detection systems and ‘safe DC’ systems that reduce the DC output from each panel to 1 volt if the AC supply to the inverter is isolated or communication between the inverter and panel optimisers is lost. Also the use of optimisers on panels (or pairs of panels) makes panel-level monitoring possible which can alert the user to any maintenance issues so they can be proactively addressed before they lead to potentially more serious faults.
• Use Solar PV panels with a good fire rating. Class A and Class C are widely discussed, and both are high fire ratings (Class A being the highest). Class A panels are not that common, but Class C are widely available. Some panels are Class A for some tests and Class C for others, and where this is the case the certificate will say it is Class C. This is worth noting, because if an insurance company want a Class A panel for ‘spread of flame’, and panel is Class C but passed the ‘spread of flame’ test to Class A, then this should be acceptable.
• Make sure your inverter(s) have a real-time monitoring system with alerts. Most Solar PV inverters have at least a basic system, and the better-quality inverters come with sophisticated systems, even down to monitoring each individual panel if optimisers are used as well. Not only is this a good safety system that can alert you to issues as soon as they arise, but it also ensures the highest reliability and performance of the systems if any issues are identified and rectified as quickly as possible.
• Have an Operation and Maintenance Plan, stick to it and keep a record / report of what has been done. For larger systems this should broadly follow the guidance in Solar Energy UK’s Industry best practice manual 2.0 ‘Guidelines for the operation and maintenance of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems’.

Links

RC62-Recommendations-for-fire-safety-with-PV-panel-installations.pdf

Fire safety: Approved Document B – GOV.UK

Conservation of fuel and power: Approved Document L – GOV.UK

Written by  Philip Davis Renewables First Managing Director

Safety Systems for Roof-Mounted Solar PV Installations in the UK

Roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are an increasingly popular way to harness renewable energy in the UK. Whether installed on residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, these systems offer long-term benefits in terms of carbon reduction and energy savings. However, their installation and ongoing operation come with specific safety risks—particularly those related to working at height.

In the UK, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and associated guidance place legal responsibilities on employers, contractors, and asset owners to protect workers from harm. These obligations apply not only during the initial installation but also throughout the system’s operational life, including routine inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and system upgrades.

This article explores key safety systems that should be considered both during installation and through-life maintenance of roof-mounted solar PV systems, with a focus on fall prevention, rooflight protection, and access systems.

1. Understanding Risk Across the Lifecycle

Safety considerations don’t end once panels are installed. In fact, ongoing maintenance presents many of the same hazards as installation work:

• Falls from height remain the most significant risk, whether during fitting or cleaning.
• Fragile roof components such as skylights and old roof sheets pose hazards at any stage.
• Adverse weather (e.g., wind, rain, ice) increases slip and fall risks during servicing.
• Equipment degradation over time may reduce the effectiveness of safety systems.
• Unfamiliarity with site-specific hazards by maintenance personnel (often third-party contractors) can increase accident potential.

Recognising these factors is key to designing safety systems that are robust and suitable for long-term use.

2. Fall Prevention Systems

Guardrails and Edge Protection
Guardrails are a highly effective fall prevention system suitable for both installation and routine access.

• Permanent guardrails should be installed on buildings expecting regular maintenance. These are often freestanding to avoid roof penetration, preserving waterproofing integrity. Always consider the impact of the safety system upon the solar PV especially shading from permanent structures.
• Temporary edge protection, such as scaffold-mounted rails, is commonly used during installation but should be removed only when no longer required.

During system design, consider whether ongoing servicing (e.g., panel cleaning or inverter access) will be frequent. If so, guardrails are a strong long-term investment.

Fall Restraint and Arrest Lifeline Systems
Where guardrails are not suitable—such as on pitched or compact roofs—lifeline systems are often used.

• Fall restraint systems prevent access to the roof edge.
• Fall arrest systems allow closer access but require a rescue plan in the event of a fall.

These systems consist of fixed anchor points, cables, and the use of full body harnesses. For long-term maintenance use, anchors should be certified to EN 795 standards, inspected annually, and used by trained personnel.

3. Fragile Surface Protection

Many commercial and industrial roofs contain rooflights, often made of materials that degrade and become brittle over time. These are especially dangerous during maintenance when their locations may be obscured by dirt.

1. Permanent Rooflight Covers
   Install durable mesh covers or barriers over rooflights during the PV installation phase to provide ongoing protection. These covers should:
   • Support the weight of a person (in line with HSE guidance).
   • Remain visible and intact for the life of the PV system.
   • Be securely fixed and regularly inspected for corrosion or damage.
2. Signage and Isolation
   Where covers are not viable, fragile areas should be clearly marked with permanent signage. Maintenance teams must be informed of these risks via induction or a method statement.

 4. Safe Access Systems: Planning for the Entire System Lifecycle

1. 1. Ladder Access and Roof Hatches
      For low-frequency maintenance, roof access via fixed ladders and lockable hatches is acceptable. These should be fitted with fall protection features such as handholds, guardrails, or hoop cages. For any PV system requiring annual inspections or more frequent cleaning, consider:
      • Permanent ladders with integrated fall arrest rails.
      • Controlled access through locked gates or doors to prevent unauthorised entry.
   2. Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)
      During installation, MEWPs are often used for lifting workers and materials. For ongoing maintenance, they can offer safe access in place of fixed systems—particularly where guardrails or anchors are not in place. Ensure:
      • Operators are trained and IPAF-certified.
      • Platforms are inspected under LOLER regulations.
      • Site-specific hazards (e.g. overhead cables, uneven ground) are assessed before use.
   3. Walkways and Access Routes

Install non-slip roof walkways to facilitate safe travel between access points and the PV array. Walkways reduce the risk of slips and damage to both the roof and panels. Where installed, these should:

1. • Be UV-stable and weather-resistant.
   • Be maintained and kept free of obstructions.
   • Include anti-slip finishes or grating.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

While PPE is the last line of defence, it is essential for both installation and servicing personnel. Typical PPE includes:

• Full body harness and lanyard for use with lifeline systems.
• Non-slip footwear appropriate for roof surfaces.
• Gloves for handling sharp or abrasive materials.
• High visibility clothing and hard hats when working with other trades or machinery.

PPE must be checked before every use, stored properly, and replaced at regular intervals or after a fall incident.

6. Maintenance, Inspection, and Certification of Safety Systems

All fall protection and access systems must be regularly inspected and maintained:

• Guardrails, lifelines, and anchors: inspected annually by a competent person.
• Rooflight covers: checked for corrosion, dislodgement, or degradation.
• PPE: inspected visually before every use and logged in a maintenance schedule.
• Access ladders and MEWPs: serviced and tested in line with PUWER and LOLER standards.

Building owners and system operators must ensure these inspections are documented and that remedial actions are carried out promptly.

7. Training and Site Induction

All individuals accessing a solar PV system—whether for installation, cleaning, inspection, or fault diagnosis—must be trained in:

• Working at height regulations and rescue procedures.
• Use of fall protection systems.
• Hazard awareness, including fragile surfaces and electrical risks.

Provide a site-specific induction for all maintenance contractors, covering the layout, access routes, hazards, and emergency protocols.

8. Emergency and Rescue Planning

The Work at Height Regulations require that a rescue plan is in place for any task involving fall arrest equipment. The plan should:

• Detail how a fallen worker will be safely recovered.
• Include rescue equipment (e.g., winches, lowering devices) if needed.
• Be practiced and reviewed annually.
• Be shared with all personnel and contractors who work at height on the system.

A well-documented emergency plan helps avoid dangerous delays in the event of a fall or medical emergency.

9. Designing for Long-Term Safety

At Renewables First we design PV system with long-term safety in mind, by:

• Choosing panel layouts that allow for safe walking access between rows.
• Mounting inverters or combiner boxes in accessible locations, reducing the need for roof re-entry.
• Avoiding installation in areas with poor access or known fragile roof elements.
• Providing building owners with a maintenance manual detailing all safety systems and inspection requirements.
• Carful consideration of cable routes and the use of quality cable management systems

Conclusion

The safety of personnel working on roof-mounted solar PV systems should be a top priority throughout the system’s life—from initial installation to 25+ years of operation and maintenance. By implementing robust safety systems such as fall protection, rooflight covers, secure access, and rescue plans, building owners and contractors can not only meet legal obligations but also protect the people who work at height.

A proactive approach to designing for safety ensures that your solar installation remains a long-term asset—not a liability. Talk to a Renewables First engineer today.

Written by Ian Nock Renewables First Engineering Manager

Rooflights and solar PV system on commercial building roofs

Rooflights can have a significant impact on the design and electrical rating of solar PV systems on commercial roofs. The main considerations are:

• Loss of available roof space – rooflights take up a portion of the roof that could otherwise be used for PV panels.
• Shading from raised rooflights (e.g. domed or ridged designs) can reduce the effectiveness of nearby solar PV panels by creating shaded areas. This can be mitigated to an extent by using ‘optimisers’ with the panels.
• Some building owners and/or tenants prefer to have some daylight inside the building from rooflights. A robust argument can be made to show that it is far more energy efficient to sacrifice rooflights and have more electric lights, then increase the size and amount of solar PV generation by getting more solar PV panels on the roof. In practice, many users of commercial buildings with rooflights still have all the lights turned on as well during the day, so in many cases rooflights add little if any benefit.
• Any rooflights that are opening, are part of a fire safety escape root or a Smoke and Heat Exhaust System (SHES) must not be obstructed by solar PV panels unless a satisfactory alternative for those functions can be found.
• Many rooflights are non-load bearing and can be extremely fragile. They can also be difficult to see, particularly when heavily soiled and/or in poor weather or at night. This means that if a solar PV system is installed which will need periodic inspections and repairs on a commercial building, then rooflight covers should be fitted if Health & Safety best practice is going to be followed. Rooflight covers, like the ones shown below, have a peripheral frame and mesh inner section to allow light penetration.
• Rooflights often have a lower fire rating compared to the surrounding roof structure, which may need consideration if installing a solar PV system nearby. This isn’t necessarily a showstopper and could be mitigated by using Class A or Class C fire rated solar PV panels but should be considered on a fire risk assessment at the design stage.

Photo of mesh rooflight covers.

All things being equal, from a solar PV perspective it would be better if a commercial roof had no rooflights, as this would maximise the space available for solar energy generation and remove some significant Health & Safety risks for any person that has to access the roof. That said, if your existing roof has rooflights, then we can still design a solar PV system that complies with the various fire and Health and Safety requirements.

Written by  Philip Davis Renewables First Managing Director

Lightning Protection for Solar PV Systems in Commercial Installations (UK)

At Renewables First, we specialise in commercial solar PV systems—designed, installed, and maintained to the highest UK standards. As part of our commitment to safety, compliance, and system longevity, we also offer full integration of Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) where required.
Whether your solar array is building-mounted or ground-mounted, we ensure that lightning protection is properly assessed and addressed as part of a compliant and future-proof solar installation.
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Why Lightning Protection Matters for Solar PV

Solar PV systems are often installed in elevated or open areas, making them naturally more exposed to lightning strikes. While a Lightning Protection System is not required in every case, failing to assess or properly integrate it when needed can lead to:

• Damage to panels, inverters, and cabling
• Downtime and revenue loss
• Voided equipment warranties or insurance issues
• Non-compliance with BS EN 62305, BS 7671, and other UK safety regulations

That’s why we include lightning risk assessment and mitigation in our solar design process—especially for larger commercial systems.
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How We Approach Lightning Protection Systems in Solar Projects

We don’t just bolt panels to a roof or field. We build complete solar solutions that account for electrical safety, operational resilience, and long-term performance. Where a Lightning Protection System is required or already exists, we ensure:
• The PV system is designed to work safely with or alongside the Lightning Protection System
• All bonding, earthing, and separation distances are fully compliant
• Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are correctly specified for both DC and AC sides
• The installation meets the standards of BS EN 62305, BS 7671, and the IET Code of Practice for Solar PV Systems
Whether you have an existing Lightning Protection System or need a new one as part of your project, we’ll take care of it as part of the wider solar PV scope.
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Rooftop Solar PV & Lightning Protection

For building-mounted systems—such as those on commercial, industrial, or public buildings—our team will:
• Assess the existing Lightning Protection System (if any) and how PV modules may affect risk
• Design air-terminations and conductor layouts to minimise shading or interference
• Ensure that mounting frames, rails, and metal components are correctly bonded
• Coordinate with structural engineers and lightning protection contractors when needed
We take a risk-based approach that protects your system while respecting your budget and build constraints.
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Ground-Mounted Solar & Lightning Considerations

Larger ground-mounted arrays—such as those in solar farms, business parks, or rural estates—may not connect to a building’s Lightning Protection System but still need careful planning. As part of our PV system design, we’ll consider:
• Site-specific lightning risk based on area, terrain, and soil resistivity
• Correct grounding and earth grid layout
• Long cable run protection with Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs
• Coordination with DNO or HV/LV integration if applicable
We ensure that protection is proportionate, compliant, and integrated seamlessly with the solar system.
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Working to the Right UK Standards

As solar PV experts, we design all our systems – Lightning Protection System included – to meet or exceed the following standards:
• BS EN 62305 – Protection against lightning
• BS 7671 – IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition)
• IET Code of Practice – For Grid-Connected Solar PV Systems
• HSE guidance and insurance requirements
We also work closely with your Lightning Protection System provider or, where needed, bring in local specialist contactors to complete the installation to spec.
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What’s Included in Our Solar + Lightning Protection System Service

When lightning protection is required as part of your PV project, we’ll provide:
• Lightning risk assessment (BS EN 62305-2)
• Coordination with structural and LPS specialists (as needed)
• Earthing and bonding layout for your array
• SPD specification and installation
• Certification and documentation to support compliance and insurance
This ensures the entire system—from panels to protection—is covered under one roof.
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Let’s Build Your Solar System Right — From the Start

Our priority is delivering efficient, safe, and compliant solar PV systems for UK businesses. When lightning protection is part of the requirement, we make sure it’s done right—so you can focus on the benefits of renewable energy, not the risks.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your project or book a site assessment.
We work with clients across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, and beyond.

Written by  Philip Davis Renewables First Managing Director