Solar panel installations have risen dramatically since the introduction of the feed-in tariff incentive and even with the intended cuts to the tariffs by government there is still optimism in the industry about further growth especially with the launch of the Green Deal. However, increased installations have led to a rise in leaking roofs being reported by householders.
Some leaks can be attributed to inadequate fixings being used to attach the panels to the roof which can move over time due to the weather conditions causing damage to the roof covering. In an attempt to address this problem the Microgeneration Certification Scheme MCS published MCS012 Product Certification Scheme Requirements: Pitched Roof Installation Kits on 16th March 2012. Three aspects of performances have been included: resistance to wind loading, reaction to fire and resistance to water penetration. This is a new requirement for mounting kits used with solar PV and thermal installations and manufacturers have 18 months to obtain Certification against the new requirement. From 16th September 2013 roof installation kits must Certificated against MCS012 by an accredited Certification Body such as BBA and will include the resistance to wind uplift and fire rating, where applicable, and confirm that the weathertightness of the roof is not compromised by the installation of the panels.
