Passive House Systems gets first ever NSAI Agrement cert for solar PV

This article was originally published in issue 24 of Passive House Plus magazine. Want immediate access to all back issues and exclusive extra content? Click here to subscribe for as little as €10, or click here to receive the next issue free of charge

Joey Geluk of Passive House Systems told Passive House Plus that the certificate covers not just the panel itself but the inverter isolators, flat & pitched roof mounting systems, roof and membrane penetrations, installation, commission and handover. It also covers site surveys, fire safety issues and decommissioning.

With analysis by Passive House Plus showing that over 50% of new homes received solar PV installations during 2017, Geluk said he hopes the certification can provide piece of mind to assigned certifiers.

“This certificate supports PV projects currently in progress and in the future, giving assurances to specifiers, builders, installers and assigned certifiers that the systems are fit for purpose, and that pre-assessments, installation, testing and handover procedures are comprehensive and robust,” he said.

“Designers, installers and assigned certifiers need a standard procedure for installing solar PV Systems,” he continued. “It’s about the product being fit for use, the correct installation methods and subsequent quality assurance in terms of final testing, sign-off and handover.”

The certificate covers both of Passive House Systems’ panel manufacturing suppliers and three types of inverter. Geluk also said the company has rolled out a CPD programme based on the certificate, and are offering installer training through the Metac Training centre in Mountrath, Co Laois.