What is Scope 12 Inspection? Solar Panel Inspections

Anyone working in the PV industry will encounter Scope 12. This quality standard is designed to inspect and certify PV installations to ensure the safety of technical systems. The SCIOS Foundation manages and develops the quality system for installation owners, as well as inspection and installation companies. To comply with the Scope 12 standard, every technical installation must be inspected and meet certain quality criteria.

What is the SCIOS Scope 12 Inspection?

Scope 12 is a term originating from the classification system used by the SCIOS Foundation, where "scope" refers to each specific area of oversight. The segment focused on solar energy is the twelfth in this series, hence the name "Scope 12."

This particular inspection was established at the initiative of the Dutch Association of Insurers, Holland Solar, and various inspection companies represented by industry organizations like iKeur and Techniek Nederland. It was a response to the rapid increase in solar energy installations, the growing number of installers, and sometimes subpar quality, which resulted in more insurance claims.

A quality standard for solar energy installations was therefore essential. These inspections are conducted for both small residential and larger commercial installations, regardless of the setup—whether rooftop, roof-integrated, ground-mounted, or floating on water.

Scope 12 Inspection and Solar Panel Fire Risks

The rapid growth of the solar energy market has been accompanied by an increase in fire incidents. Research by RTL Nieuws reported 21 fires related to PV installations in 2018, including:

• 12 houses

• 4 barns

• 3 commercial buildings

• 2 solar parks

According to Fire Service Netherlands, the actual number of fires involving solar panels is significantly higher due to poor record-keeping. Electrical and fire safety experts attribute the main causes to poor installation work and non-compliance with building and electrical regulations.

The primary causes of fires in solar power systems include:

• Overheating of defective cells in the panels

• Poorly connected cables and connectors

• Use of undersized cables and overheating inverters due to manufacturing defects

Although 21 fires per year may seem low, it is a worrying increase, and human lives are at risk, making it essential to prevent such dangerous situations.

Other Risks with Solar Panels

Fire isn't the only risk associated with solar panels. Cases of electrocution have occurred during copper cable theft or system installation. Additionally, improper installation has led to water leaks in homes.

Certification for solar installations is not legally required, but it is recommended to demonstrate that your company and installations meet quality standards.

Scope 12: Solar Panel Inspection

Although it is not legally mandatory for installers to provide a Scope 12 certificate, it is advisable in specific cases, especially when dealing with insurance—such as fire insurance. A Scope 12 certificate can prove that the installation was technically sound and that the company met quality standards.

Insurers are increasingly requiring solar power systems to be inspected according to Scope 12 standards. The VNAB, an association for the commercial insurance market, mentions Scope 12 inspection as a potential requirement in the future.

Scope inspections mainly focus on the safety of the installed system rather than its performance.

What Are the Costs for a Scope 12 Inspection?

The cost of a Scope 12 inspection ranges from €600 to €1,200, depending on various factors, such as the number of solar panels and inverters. The larger and more complex the installation, the higher the costs.

Who Performs the Inspection?

Inspection companies with a valid SCIOS certificate are authorized to inspect PV installations and issue certificates through accredited Certification Bodies (CIs). A CI operates under the supervision of the Dutch Accreditation Council.

Inspection companies with a valid certification agreement with a CI may also perform inspections. An installer authorized to conduct the inspection must hold both a diploma and a SCIOS certificate.

For most installations, an inspection is not required. Insurers primarily want to ensure that an installation is correctly installed and connected to minimize the risk of damage (usually due to fire). A proper installation according to applicable standards is usually sufficient and can often be demonstrated through a completion form and the installer's training level.

Installations inspected under Scope 12 are recorded in a database accessible to insurers.

How Does Certification Work?

To become certified, an installer must complete Scope 12 training, which covers the requirements for both the installer and the installation. These requirements largely align with those described in NEN1010 and the European standard IEC-62446.

Once certified, a company can inspect the installations of others and ensure all installations are correctly executed.

Quality of Installers

In the Netherlands, anyone can become a solar panel installer without a technical background. While most installers are knowledgeable, some companies unfortunately disregard construction, electrical, and safety regulations, often underestimating the risks their work poses to end users.

When Is Scope 12 Mandatory?

Inspection of solar panels is not yet mandatory. It is up to the owner to decide whether to have solar installations inspected unless required by the insurer or bank. Whether it will become mandatory in the future remains to be seen.

Especially for new or inexperienced installers, having installations inspected can be wise to ensure protection in insurance matters.

What Does the Scope 12 Inspection Check For?

A Scope 12 inspection checks several aspects of the PV installation:

• Safety: The installation must comply with the manufacturer's guidelines and applicable regulations, such as maintaining sufficient clearance between panels and other objects to prevent fire hazards.

• Insulation: Adequate insulation measures must be in place to ensure safety and prevent exposure to hazardous voltages.

• Fuses: There must be sufficient fuses and protective equipment to prevent overloading and ensure the safety of the installation.

• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to ensure the system's safety throughout its lifetime, identifying and resolving potential defects.

Other considerations include:

• Checking drawings and documentation

• Verifying that electrical equipment meets installation requirements

• Ensuring the optimal position and tilt angle of the PV panels

• Conducting visual inspections, current-voltage measurements, and thermal imaging (including drone inspections and data analysis).

Frans van Wanrooij on Scope 12, Inspections, and Maintenance

Scope 12 is on the horizon, and insurers will soon require PV systems to be inspected before accepting insurance coverage. Regular inspections and maintenance will be crucial, according to Frans van Wanrooij from PV Care, who explains why solar panel inspections are so important.

What Can We Expect from Scope 12?

“There is still a lot of uncertainty about Scope 12. Companies with ISO 9001 certification can study Scope 12 and obtain the certificate, but there is still much to clarify. We hope more information will be available later this year.”

Will Scope 12 Be Mandatory?

“It’s likely that insurers will adopt Scope 12. If a Scope 12 inspection is conducted and the system doesn’t pass, insurance coverage won’t be granted, which may also impact financing.”

What Can Installers Do?

“Installers should familiarize themselves with Scope 12 requirements and anticipate them. It’s an opportunity to set yourself apart.”