BP Solar Silver RulesBP Solar Silver RulesModules, Laminates, InstallationsModules, Laminates, Installations

The “Silver Rules of Solar” are eight standards that The “Silver Rules of Solar” are eight standards that reflect learning and best practice to ensure success reflect learning and best practice to ensure success when Solar modules or laminates are installedwhen Solar modules or laminates are installed

Design, construction, operation, and maintenance Design, construction, operation, and maintenance activities will take advantage of best practices and activities will take advantage of best practices and approved methods; deviations from approved standards approved methods; deviations from approved standards will require sign offs prior to start of the jobwill require sign offs prior to start of the job

All persons will be trained and competent in the work All persons will be trained and competent in the work they conductthey conduct

Large commercial installations (200KW or larger) will be Large commercial installations (200KW or larger) will be reviewed to test conformity vs. the “Silver Rules.” New reviewed to test conformity vs. the “Silver Rules.” New projects will be assessed. Innovative or high risk projects will be assessed. Innovative or high risk projects will not be approved for construction without a projects will not be approved for construction without a peer review, that discusses safety and warranty peer review, that discusses safety and warranty implicationsimplications

We will ensure that our large distributors and installers We will ensure that our large distributors and installers understand these standards, and agree to promote them understand these standards, and agree to promote them with their end userswith their end users

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BP Solar Silver RulesBP Solar Silver RulesEight Standards: Modules, Laminates, InstallationsEight Standards: Modules, Laminates, Installations

1)1) Understand and comply with all codes, product Understand and comply with all codes, product instructions, and specsinstructions, and specs

2)2) Protect the module / laminate from harmProtect the module / laminate from harm

3)3) Avoid ground faultsAvoid ground faults

4)4) Use known and BP Solar approved installation Use known and BP Solar approved installation structuresstructures

5)5) Provide and test electrical integrity of the systemProvide and test electrical integrity of the system

6)6) Respect high voltage power systemsRespect high voltage power systems

7)7) Understand the environment surrounding the Understand the environment surrounding the installation; mitigate any risksinstallation; mitigate any risks

8)8) Inform and educate emergency authorities and our Inform and educate emergency authorities and our customerscustomers

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BP Solar Silver RulesBP Solar Silver RulesModules, Laminates, InstallationsModules, Laminates, Installations

1)1) Understand and comply with all codes, product instructions, and specsUnderstand and comply with all codes, product instructions, and specs1)1) Do not exceed normal operating limits specified (examples: voltage in a string, local wind load Do not exceed normal operating limits specified (examples: voltage in a string, local wind load

decisions, fuse ratings, etc)decisions, fuse ratings, etc)

2)2) The more conservative of locally applicable codes or BP Solar requirements must be followed unless The more conservative of locally applicable codes or BP Solar requirements must be followed unless technical review and BP Solar sign offs approve a deviation. Ensure compliance with all local codes.technical review and BP Solar sign offs approve a deviation. Ensure compliance with all local codes.

2)2) Protect the module / laminate from harmProtect the module / laminate from harm1)1) Don’t scratch the glass, or impact it (may break, now or later)Don’t scratch the glass, or impact it (may break, now or later)

2)2) Protect the cell matrix from bending (esp. don’t walk on the modules)Protect the cell matrix from bending (esp. don’t walk on the modules)

3)3) Protect the backsheet from damage (no punctures, scratches, or pinholes)Protect the backsheet from damage (no punctures, scratches, or pinholes)

4)4) Ensure that access to modules is thought out, and a plan is followed that protects modules during Ensure that access to modules is thought out, and a plan is followed that protects modules during maintenance activity (don’t walk on the modules)maintenance activity (don’t walk on the modules)

5)5) Follow handling, shipping and stacking standardsFollow handling, shipping and stacking standards6)6) Don’t install damaged modules; check before using. Don’t install damaged modules; check before using. Follow the check list for inspection of material upon receipt.Follow the check list for inspection of material upon receipt.

3)3) Avoid ground faultsAvoid ground faults1)1) Ensure proper grounding (follow locally applicable codes and standards. Ensure proper grounding (follow locally applicable codes and standards.

2)2) Protect the wiringProtect the wiring

3)3) Ensure active solar areas are isolated from external metal components and water accumulationEnsure active solar areas are isolated from external metal components and water accumulation

4)4) Do not place metal structures directly in contact with the back sheet. Maintain a minimum clearance of Do not place metal structures directly in contact with the back sheet. Maintain a minimum clearance of 5mm or an approved insulation approach5mm or an approved insulation approach

4)4) Use known and BP Solar approved installation structuresUse known and BP Solar approved installation structures1)1) Modules / lams must be supported in their installed structures so they are protectedModules / lams must be supported in their installed structures so they are protected

2)2) Assure mechanical supports can meet BP load and thermal expansion requirementsAssure mechanical supports can meet BP load and thermal expansion requirements3)3) Ensure that a structural evaluation is completed, that factors in roof, module, and mounting system Ensure that a structural evaluation is completed, that factors in roof, module, and mounting system

effects on the overall system effects on the overall system (BP SESI can help provide this as a service if necessary – many non-BP installations would not pass our norms)(BP SESI can help provide this as a service if necessary – many non-BP installations would not pass our norms)

BP Solar Silver RulesBP Solar Silver RulesModules, Laminates, InstallationsModules, Laminates, Installations

5)5) Provide and test electrical integrity of the systemProvide and test electrical integrity of the system1)1) System electrical performance must be assured when the system is commissionedSystem electrical performance must be assured when the system is commissioned

2)2) Actively monitor and respond to detected ground faults; perform initial RISO detection before startup.Actively monitor and respond to detected ground faults; perform initial RISO detection before startup.

3)3) Response to invertor notification within 2 hrsResponse to invertor notification within 2 hrs

6)6) Respect high voltage power systemsRespect high voltage power systems1)1) Ensure that overcurrent / over-voltage protection is employedEnsure that overcurrent / over-voltage protection is employed

2)2) HSE must be assured when the system is commissioned and during maintenanceHSE must be assured when the system is commissioned and during maintenance

3)3) Assure that bystanders are prevented from accidentally coming into contact with active circuit elements Assure that bystanders are prevented from accidentally coming into contact with active circuit elements when maintenance or installation activities might expose them to riskwhen maintenance or installation activities might expose them to risk

7)7) Understand the environment surrounding the installation; mitigate any risksUnderstand the environment surrounding the installation; mitigate any risks1)1) Is access to modules adequately controlled? Is access to modules adequately controlled?

2)2) Use fire-resistant materials under module structuresUse fire-resistant materials under module structures

3)3) Allow sufficient access to reach critical equipmentAllow sufficient access to reach critical equipment

4)4) Make sure water is not collected/trapped under modulesMake sure water is not collected/trapped under modules5)5) Ensure that all applicable safety instructions and warning signs are mounted, clearly visible for any Ensure that all applicable safety instructions and warning signs are mounted, clearly visible for any

person approaching a source of danger person approaching a source of danger (i.e. at the entrance of the inverter room, on the inverters, escape routes)(i.e. at the entrance of the inverter room, on the inverters, escape routes)

6)6) Ensure that all appropriate safety equipment is easily accessible on site ( i.e. fire extinguishers, first aid Ensure that all appropriate safety equipment is easily accessible on site ( i.e. fire extinguishers, first aid packs, earthing equipment for transformers)packs, earthing equipment for transformers)

8)8) Inform and educate emergency authorities and our customersInform and educate emergency authorities and our customers1)1) Educate our customers about potential hazards and good practices to followEducate our customers about potential hazards and good practices to follow

2)2) Develop a response plan in case of an emergency (proactive involvement)Develop a response plan in case of an emergency (proactive involvement)

3)3) Explain the unique hazards of PV, do’s and don’ts of fire fightingExplain the unique hazards of PV, do’s and don’ts of fire fighting