Building Control Guidance on Retro-fitting Solar Panels

[Fitstart]

So should I be worried that a company is coming to fit panels to my roof next week and they are going to use ClickFit?

 

[SRE]

It wouldn't be my choice, but I think you can be reassured that if Worcester is using it - it meets all necessary requirements. He's a chartered engineer and will have reviewed all relevant issues in microscopic detail. Building Control officers rarely have an engineering background and tend to get the wrong end of the stick regularly. They have just had to repay numerous Building Control fees to customers as a result of a mistake made (in good faith) by BC officers.

 

[Fitstart]

Thanks for the reply, that has eased my concerns a little. I am in a fairly exposed rural spot in Scotland however. The installer assures me that it will be fine. House is mid eighties timber frame bungalow.

 

[SRE]

As long as you've had a structural survey and the surveyor has said it's fine you'll be ok. Make sure the information from the structural engineer is included in your handover pack when you get it and if you haven't had a structural survey - get another installer

 

[Fitstart]

No structural survey. Again the installer said it was not required.
Starting to get worried.

 

[SRE]

No structural survey. Again the installer said it was not required.
Starting to get worried.

Every job without exception should have a structural survey - it doesn't cost much in comparison with your overall spend. Insist on it or change your installer .... very shoddy approach not to have one done - high winds ... who will you fall back on if the roof can't cope with the windload?

We've just recently done a job in eactly the same situation as you - our structural guy rejected the roof because it was showing signs of splaying. One beam installation later (about £350 and a lot of swearing) and the customer had a roof suitable for the installation of solar panels. If he's gone with the other installers he'd invited round - all nationals - not one of them did any structural calcs - could have been a solar sandwich!!

 

[Fitstart]

I'll contact a structural surveyor tomorrow! - Install is supposed to be on Tuesday.

 

[SRE]

I'll contact a structural surveyor tomorrow! - Install is supposed to be on Tuesday.

Should be the installer that does it and pays for it. They will get it much cheaper than you will - if you're in a particularly windy area make sure they fit extra hooks on the top and bottom rows. We only ever have top and bottom row hooks @ 800mm and 1200mm in the middle.

 

[Fitstart]

Thanks I will also contact the installer and inform him that I want this survey done and we can negotiate how the fee is paid. I presume the VAT can be reduced to 5% if he organises it.

 

[SRE]

Yes it should be all part of your install costs.