Also see:
2.18.5.1.1 Compliance
Solar thermal systems shall comply with the Technical Requirements. Issues to be taken into account include:
- relevant standards
- product certification
- operative competency.
LZC technologies that comply with the guidance in this chapter will generally be acceptable.
8.5.1.1.1 Relevant standards#
Solar thermal hot water systems should comply with relevant standards including where applicable:
| BS EN 12975-1 | ‘Thermal solar systems and components. Solar collectors’ |
| BS EN 12976-1 | ‘Thermal solar systems and components. Factory made systems’ |
| BS EN 9806 | Methods for testing durability, reliability, safety and thermal performance of fluid heating solar collectors |
| BRE Digest DIG 489 | Wind loads on roof mounted PV and solar thermal systems |
| MCS 004 | Microgeneration Certification Scheme requirements for solar collectors |
| MCS 012 | Product certification scheme requirements for solar mounting kits |
| MIS 3001 | Microgeneration Installation Standard for solar thermal installation |
8.5.1.1.2 Product certification#
Solar thermal hot water technologies should have current certification confirming satisfactory assessment by an appropriate independent authority acceptable to NHBC.
Systems, products and installations that are assessed through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) will generally be acceptable to NHBC. Certification and test documentation should be made available to NHBC upon request.
Other certification bodies or test documentation may be acceptable where they are considered by NHBC to be a suitable alternative.
8.5.1.1.3 Operative competency#
Solar thermal hot water systems should be installed by operatives:
- competent and familiar with the system being installed, and
- MCS certified or
- certified to a standard acceptable to NHBC.
Last updated: 2nd January 2024