I've been approached regarding inspection of a new solar farm.
I've been trying to work through what actually needs to happen in terms of law or if its just a cause of using smaller scale infomation as guidance.
First thing I can't establish if something like this thats generation is part or works or an electrical installation.
From there if it's works I'm a bit lost. But if its an electrical installation the usual aspects apply but as far as I'm aware standards like 5033 for example don't include solar farms or large systems in their scope but could be used for guidance. Obvioulsy this has a design so many the best approach is just to verify it has been done as per the proposed design?
Network company isn't being helpful in what they want.
Any thoughts or infomation would be helpful.
Cheers
63MW solar farm legislative requirements
Re: 63MW solar farm legislative requirements
We are currently installing a 1MW solar farm so going through the same problem just on the install let alone an inspection.
It's definitely works, especially at that size of generation. We are following 4777 and 5033 but slightly more as a guideline rather than required legislation.
It's a hard one because if you do deem it to be works, it doesn't legally need to be inspected (my understanding) - Also be aware that there may be an installation inside of the works that will follow normal requirements.
Reg 38 might provide a little bit of insight but not much. I would imagine if the network is who is asking for the ROI they will definitely want information relating to the way the grid will be protected and how the system will disconnect in the event of a grid failure.
I am sure there will be someone out there who has inspected these big solar farms and know the in's and outs, just a matter of finding them!
Please let me know how you end up getting on as I'm very interested in the outcome!
It's definitely works, especially at that size of generation. We are following 4777 and 5033 but slightly more as a guideline rather than required legislation.
It's a hard one because if you do deem it to be works, it doesn't legally need to be inspected (my understanding) - Also be aware that there may be an installation inside of the works that will follow normal requirements.
Reg 38 might provide a little bit of insight but not much. I would imagine if the network is who is asking for the ROI they will definitely want information relating to the way the grid will be protected and how the system will disconnect in the event of a grid failure.
I am sure there will be someone out there who has inspected these big solar farms and know the in's and outs, just a matter of finding them!
Please let me know how you end up getting on as I'm very interested in the outcome!
Re: 63MW solar farm legislative requirements
1
Correct such an assembly of fittings is "works", "not an electrical installation"
Both terms being defined in Electricity Act, and are mutually exclusive.
There is some apparent (but not legal) crossover; as installations can include generation; and generating stations typically include consuming devices ( eg lights & appliances ).
However since these are "solar farms" we can assume they have connection to grid, so the part of def. of "installation" that covers no point of supply can be ignored.
2
accordingly ESRs requiring certification, inspection, etc of PEW on an installation simply do not apply.
3
Nor do Standards for installation wiring, including "3000", "5033 & "4777.1"
4
ESRs do apply, particularly Parts 3 & 4; but NOT Part 5 which is safety of installations
5
It follows that any inspection requirements must be set the operator of the works involved, or the operator of the solar farm, and the operator of the distribution system it feeds into.
Once they have specified what they actually require - in terms of safety of the generating system - you'll know what you are accepting responsibility for.
And be sure that this is all about responsibility; ie they want someone to hold accountable (and seek costs from) if anything goes wrong later on.
6
Therefore, talk to your insurer to check whether your PL & PI cover is suitable for undertaking such work
7
If the network is asking for an "RoI"; it simply shows that they are woefully ignorant of ESRs.
Not that that's any surprise, as most networks have spent the last 31 years (since ESRs came into force) generally ignoring them.
We've seen such demand before, when contractor-built sections of network are being connected to the system.
Correct such an assembly of fittings is "works", "not an electrical installation"
Both terms being defined in Electricity Act, and are mutually exclusive.
There is some apparent (but not legal) crossover; as installations can include generation; and generating stations typically include consuming devices ( eg lights & appliances ).
However since these are "solar farms" we can assume they have connection to grid, so the part of def. of "installation" that covers no point of supply can be ignored.
2
accordingly ESRs requiring certification, inspection, etc of PEW on an installation simply do not apply.
3
Nor do Standards for installation wiring, including "3000", "5033 & "4777.1"
4
ESRs do apply, particularly Parts 3 & 4; but NOT Part 5 which is safety of installations
5
It follows that any inspection requirements must be set the operator of the works involved, or the operator of the solar farm, and the operator of the distribution system it feeds into.
Once they have specified what they actually require - in terms of safety of the generating system - you'll know what you are accepting responsibility for.
And be sure that this is all about responsibility; ie they want someone to hold accountable (and seek costs from) if anything goes wrong later on.
6
Therefore, talk to your insurer to check whether your PL & PI cover is suitable for undertaking such work
7
If the network is asking for an "RoI"; it simply shows that they are woefully ignorant of ESRs.
Not that that's any surprise, as most networks have spent the last 31 years (since ESRs came into force) generally ignoring them.
We've seen such demand before, when contractor-built sections of network are being connected to the system.
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Re: 63MW solar farm legislative requirements
Hi Jamie, just wondering how you got on regarding this? Any information you could share would be great thanks.
Re: 63MW solar farm legislative requirements
If the network is requesting an ROI then it could be that their SMS is outdated and requires updating.
Check with the customer on what their SMS is saying as this would be outlining how the carry out what ever work is required on their equipment.
If they dont have one then yea ouch
Check with the customer on what their SMS is saying as this would be outlining how the carry out what ever work is required on their equipment.
If they dont have one then yea ouch