The Building Research Establishment is this week launching a certification service to enable installers of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to reassure their customers.

BRE Global will offer a kitemark scheme for PV systems of 50 kWp, which is equivalent to approximately 350m2, depending on panel efficiency.

Set to be launched at the Solar PV Summit, which takes place in London on 19th July 2016, the new scheme hopes to provide building operators, developers, financiers, insurance companies, consumers and installers with confidence that large PV systems meet current best practice quality requirements.

Jonny Williams, director of BRE’s national solar centre said: ‘At the moment, it can be difficult for end users to be 100% confident that their solar is installed to a high standard and will perform reliably. From mid-July, those investing in solar who achieve this new certification, are demonstrating that their installation is not only appropriate for their property but is installed to the highest standard with a quality assurance approval from BRE Global.’

The new certification scheme includes a review of system design and onsite commissioning, and is based on the IET Code of Practice for Grid Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems. Once certification is granted, it may be maintained only through the purchase of regular surveillance assessments.