BIPV Product CertificationJohn HoldenBRE Global

What is MCS?

Independent Quality Mark

BIPV Product Certification

• Consider two types of building integration– Roof integration

• MCS 005 – Product certification scheme requirements: Solar Photovoltaic Modules

• MCS 012 – Product certification scheme requirements: Pitched Roof Installation Kits

– Integration with façade or glazing units• MCS 015 – Product certification scheme

requirements: Bespoke Building Integrated Photovoltaic Products

Why Certification?

• Demonstrates quality and reliability– Use of MCS and CB logo

• Differentiation– Reassurance for clients

• Eligibility for incentives• Recognition by the Code for

Sustainable Homes, BREEAM etc.

What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Image courtesy of Bodo Wolters

MCS 005 - current requirements

• Current product testing requirements defined in MCS 005– BS EN 61215:2005 (crystalline PV)– BS EN 61646:1977 (thin film PV)

• Manufacturing quality control to MCS 010• Can include BIPV products

– Installer scheme requires all applicable regulations and directives are met in full. This would include requirements of the building regulations not included in MCS 005

• Specific requirements for roof integration require that the installation instructions include:– Types of roof with which the PV modules may be

integrated– How a weatherproof installation is achieved– Limitations in the use of PV modules required to

meet building regulation requirements, particularly external fire spread

MCS 012 –about to go to consultation

• Applies to Pitched Roof Installation Kits– Does not apply to flat roofs– Does not include performance testing

of PV module (required separately)• Installation kit = collection of parts to

provide structurally stable fixing that ensures weather tightness and fire performance of the roof continues to meet building regulations requirements

MCS 012 - Requirements

• Manufacturing quality control to MCS 010

• Full installation instructions• Evidence of meeting the

following requirements:– Resistance to wind uplift– Resistance to external fire– Resistance to rainfall and

wind driven rain

Resistance to Wind Uplift

• Testing according to the methods described in BS EN 14437:2004 ‘Determination of the uplift resistance of installed clay or concrete tiles for roofing – roofing system test method’

• Failure criteria include:– Failure of the panel– Failure of fixing and connectors– Excessive displacement under load– Excessive deformation following removal

of load• Alternative testing may be permitted

– DD CEN TS15087: 2005– EN 12975-2: 2006– Calculation

• Very simple cases only

Resistance to External Fire

• In-roof systems shall be tested in accordance with BS476 Part 3 or DD ENV 1187 Test 4, and the rating must be declared. – Ignition test (1min)– Spread of flame test (3min)– Penetration test (including wind and

supplementary radiant heat) (1h)• Systems classified according to fire

penetration and spread of flame– Classification AA is best (no fire

penetration after 1h and no spread of flame)

– Classification DD means fire penetration during ignition test + continued burning for 5 min or more, or flame spread in excess of 381mm

Resistance to Rainfall and Wind Driven Rain

• The presence of the solar panel must not decrease the weather performance of the roof covering the roof structure

• Tests include:– Low wind speed (5m/s) + severe rainfall

(110mm/h)– High wind speed (13m/s) + High rainfall

(60mm/h)– Severe wind speed (25m/s) + low rainfall

(6mm/h)– No wind (0m/s) + deluge rainfall (225mm/h)

• In each case an increasing pressure difference is applied between the upper and lower surfaces of the test sample to establish the pressure difference required to cause a given leakage (typically 10g/m2/5min). This is then compared to the results from a reference specimen.

Bespoke Building Integrated PV– MCS 015

• BBIPV• Currently in draft form• Covers BIPV of varying sizes and configurations

for integration into the fabric of a building• Includes

– Glazing– Façade– Shading

• All manufacturers need to meet the requirements of MCS 010 – Generic factory production control

BBIPV Product Families

• Unrealistic to test every variant so MCS 015 defines how manufacturers may declare a product family.

• Includes parameters that may not vary, e.g.– PV cell manufacturer and model– Cell interconnect material– Bus bar and solder materials– Junction box– Bypass diode– Connectors– Etc.

• Some variations are allowed including:– Number of cells in each module– Type and thickness of glass used in front or rear face of

module (subject to meeting other glazing and building standards detailed in MCS 015)

– Length of output cable– Note, where the front or rear face is not composed of

glass no variation in specification is permitted

BBIPV Product Families

• The manufacturer must define the following:– Max number of cells in series per string– Minimum edge clearance– Minimum inter cell spacing– Minimum thickness of glass (front and rear)– Maximum deflection permitted (as a function of

the length of the module.)

BBIPV Testing Requirements

• In order to be representative of the product family the samples submitted for testing shall exhibit characteristics equal to those given by the manufacturer when defining the product family, i.e.– Max number of cells connected in series

etc.• Products will meet the requirements of:

– IEC 61730 (PV module safety qualifications) and either:

– IEC 61215 Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval

– IEC 61646 Thin film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval

BBIPV Deflection Test

• The load tests required in either IEC 61215 or IEC 61646 must also include a measurement of the deflection of the BBIPV sample. The deflection must be equal to or greater than the maximum deflection declared by the manufacturer.

BBIPV – Other Relevant Standards

• In addition to meeting the requirements of the design qualification and type approval standards the manufacturer shall ensure all products comply with other relevant glazing standards, e.g.– BS 6262 – Glazing for Buildings– BS 952 - Glass for Glazing– BS EN 12600 - Glass in building. Pendulum test.

• Manufacturers must also be able to demonstrate that all products are designed and constructed to meet the glazing requirements within the relevant national Building Regulations or Standards applicable to their intended application

BBIPV Documentation

• The following technical documentation will be required by the certification body:– Datasheet

• Voc Isc Max power etc.– Details of use, application and classifications

Drawings, specifications and tollerances– Bill of materials– Manufacturing quality plan– Test reports – Installation, use and maintenance instructions.

Summary

• Different requirements for different applications– Roof, façade, glazing etc.

• Requirements designed to ensure the product does not undermine the safety and integrity of the building into which they are integrated

• All manufacturers need to meet requirements of MCS 010 – FPC

• MCS 005 includes some requirements for roof integrated PV modules

• MCS 012 focuses on installation kit rather than PV module itself.

• Product family approach to BBIPV reduces testing requirements.

Contact DetailsJohn HoldenBRE GlobalBucknalls LaneGarstonWatfordWD25 9XX

+44 (0)1923 665139holdenjg@bre.co.ukwww.bre.co.uk