Photovoltaics on new terms. On September 20, the much-feared regulations enter into force
On September 20, new regulations regarding photovoltaic installations will come into force. The industry fears that instead of order, there will be even greater chaos.
The Ministry of Development and Technology has prepared a regulation unifying the rules for the installation and use of photovoltaic installations in buildings. The bill was referred to the legal committee, so no further significant changes are expected. According to the schedule, the regulations are to enter into force on September 20. There are over 1.6 million prosumers in Poland, and the total installation capacity exceeds 27 GW. Despite this scale, there was a lack of uniform technical conditions, which led to differences in the design and interpretation of requirements.
Emergency stop switch and smoke detector. New obligations for photovoltaics users
One of the most important changes will be the obligation to use a PV emergency switch. It is intended to enable quick disconnection of the installation during a fire, so that firefighters can conduct operations more safely. The project includes monitoring of the insulation condition and short-circuit detection solutions. In rooms with inverters or switchboards, it will be necessary to install autonomous smoke detectors whose alarm will reach the residents.
It is prohibited to run PV cables through existing smoke, exhaust and ventilation ducts. Buildings with panels will also receive markings informing services about the presence of the installation.
Panels further away from windows and doors
The regulations will specify the minimum distances of panels from windows and doors as well as the rules for dividing roof surfaces, which are intended to limit the spread of fire. Single-family houses and recreational buildings are to be exempt from some of the requirements.
Separate requirements will apply to micro-installations on balconies, loggias and terraces. The method of mounting them is intended to reduce the risk of fire spreading to subsequent floors.
What about older installations? Experts point out the gaps
The direction of changes is assessed positively, but lawyers point out there are uncertainties. The project does not clearly determine what obligations will apply to installations installed on existing buildings. For systems with a power above 6.5 kW, compliance with the requirements is to be assessed by a fire protection expert. However, it was not indicated who would perform such an assessment for smaller installations.
The lack of a definition of “photovoltaic device” is also questionable, although the required distances and boundaries of roof sectors are supposed to depend on this concept. It is the practical interpretation of the new regulations that may determine additional obligations and costs for photovoltaic owners.
