What is a Scope 12 inspection and why is it important?
Our society is built around standards, values, laws and regulations. These are not there to bully us, but to create a safe environment. It is not desirable that everyone just does what he or she wants without any authority. In the solar sector, the question therefore arises: is it safe to install a solar panel system on a weak roof and what should be taken into account when installing solar panels? Ultimately, there are guidelines and inspections in every sector that a product and/or workplace must comply with. One specific inspection is in any case mandatory in the solar industry for insurers: the scope 12 inspection.
Origin of the Scope 12 inspection
De SCIOS Scope 12 inspection is an electrical inspection of your entire PV installation, from the solar panels to the connection point with the grid operator. This includes the PV panels, strings, connectors, inverters, optimizers and associated meter cupboard(s). The inspector then looks at fire risks, electrical safety and whether the installation complies with the instructions of the manufacturer, such as RABLE. By the proliferation of solar panel installers in the past ten years it was necessary to have clear guidelines. On the initiative of the Association of Insurers, Holland Solar and inspection companies (from the industry organizations iKeur and Techniek Nederland) Scope 12 inspection was added.
How does RABLE deal with this?
RABLE takes the Scope 12 inspection very seriously. All completed projects with a RABLE system are Scope 12 inspected. This is because at RABLE we provide clear installation instructions to installers, which ensures consistency and safety. Thanks to RABLE's innovative technology, solar panels can even be installed on roofs that were previously rejected. Traditional substructures for solar panels often use ballast stones, weighing at least 20 kg/m², to ensure that the panels remain in place. These systems are not an option for more than 50% of weak roofs, as shown by this Report from the RVO.
Innovation in substructures for solar panels
A promising alternative approach to still place solar panels is the use of substructures without ballast. In other words, a RABLE system. Our systems use roof anchors instead of ballast to keep the structure in place. This makes it possible to place solar panels, even on weak roofs.
RABLE has developed a PV substructure that can handle a large span and is supported by roof beams. We do this by means of a truss construction in the length and width direction. This very rigid construction automatically rests on the roof beams that will carry the weight. This means that there is very limited load on the roof panels, which makes the installation of solar panels on weak roofs possible.
RABLE's important role in the solar industry
RABLE's innovative and award winning approach makes it possible to install solar panels on roofs that were previously rejected due to insufficient load-bearing capacity. We open the door for more companies to benefit from solar energy. Our system ensures that all substructures for solar panels meet the Scope 12 inspection, which is essential for electrical safety and reducing fire risks. This gives both insurers and owners of solar panels peace of mind. Of course, the PV panels must be installed and connected correctly by the installers.
The importance of Scope 12 inspection and substructures
The introduction of Scope 12 certification to the solar industry has significantly improved the safety and reliability of solar panel systems. By ensuring that all installations meet strict guidelines, the likelihood of incidents such as fire is significantly reduced. For companies like RABLE, meeting these standards is crucial to providing safe and efficient solutions.
Solar substructures play a key role in the safety and efficiency of PV installations. Traditional ballasted systems are not suitable for all roofs, but thanks to innovations such as the RABLE4roofs system, even weak roofs can be equipped with solar panels.
In conclusion
It is clear that standards, values and regulations such as the Scope 12 inspection are essential for the safety and sustainability of solar panel systems. Innovations in solar substructures, such as those of RABLE, make it possible to use solar energy in places where this was previously not possible. This contributes to a broader adoption of solar energy and a more sustainable future. By complying with the Scope 12 inspection and offering innovative solutions, RABLE plays a crucial role in the evolution of the solar industry.
