Preventative Solar Inverter Installation Inspections
As South Africa moves inevitably
moves towards the use of Photovoltaic Solar power, the DMCL Consulting
Engineers have been involved with inspecting an increased number of claims
in which house fires and surge-damage were caused by faulty poor installation
of photovoltaic solar installations, which cost insurers hundreds of thousands,
if not millions of rands.
Photovoltaic solar installations utilise a combination of AC (Eskom) and DC (battery) current. Combined with the increasing trend towards using Lithium-ion batteries, this leaves a very small margin of error during installation if not done correctly that may result in catastrophic failure causing extensive damage to both premises and injury or death of residents. We are currently involved with an installation where even the supply cable to and from the inverter is inadequate. Insufficient attention is being paid by many installers to the DC cabling and terminations where one does not even realise that this has a higher chance of starting a fire than striking an arc.
DMCL
Consulting has
extensive experience in inspecting photovoltaic solar installations in addition
to conducting forensic fire inspections where electrical failures are
suspected. As such, we have noted that many solar installations do not comply
with the SANS 101421-1 (2021, 3rd Ed) and Draft 10142-1-2
Requirements for Electrical Installations and Photovoltaic Solar Inverter
Installations, despite having been issued with a Certificate of Compliance
(COC). Further to this, some installers may lack the correct qualifications or
sufficient knowledge to complete a solar inverter installation which utilize
both AC and DC current, meaning that the COC is meaningless.
Many of these costly incidents may
have been avoided had a comprehensive preventative inspection been conducted prior to the
occurrence of such incidents.
DMCL Consulting Engineers have, therefore, designed a Preventative Inspection that would supplement the COC to give Insurers and Brokers the peace of mind that claims on solar installation systems. While this could not guarantee that it would eliminate all chances of failure, early faulty issues are far more likely to be identified thus limiting the likelihood of fires and electrical damage.
The Preventative Inspection comprises of a comprehensive two-fold generalised inspection that includes:
Thermal Imaging
Thermal Imaging is conducted to identify “hot” spots in the system where there may be excessive heat build-up.
Physical Inspection
Inspection of the Distribution Boards (DB)
Physical inspection of installation aspects that are prone to installation errors, such as
- Suitability of cabling
- Safe connections
Installation of suitable surge protection
Availability of a suitable fire extinguisher for the type of installation
A brief report is issued that identifies any issues noted within the installation and indicating where remedial action is required, ensuring that the installation can be insured with confidence.
Email us to see to see how we can help you with Preventative Solar Installation Inspections at preinspect@dmclconsulting.co.za
