Holland Solar presents code of conduct on solar on rooftops
As a member of Holland Solar, ProfiNRG is working with the other members to further professionalise the industry, including by guaranteeing quality and safety. Recently, the 'code of conduct for solar on large roofs' was presented! This gives substance to a structured transparent working method based on the following guiding principles: quality and safety, short and long-term, honest and transparent.
Holland Solar presents 'Code of conduct solar on large roofs': "Solar energy will be the biggest energy source in our future energy system. Many solar panels are being installed on roofs of large buildings. With the 'solar code of conduct on large roofs', we as Holland Solar want to provide clarity to roof owners and other stakeholders on how to install a good and safe solar power system. Just like the solar code of conduct on land, this code of conduct is intended to set the standard in the market, but for the installation of solar systems on large roofs," said Peter Molengraaf, chairman of Holland Solar, the trade association of the Dutch solar energy sector.
First copy presented to the State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Change
On Thursday 25 November 2021, the first copy of the 'code of conduct on solar on large roofs' was presented to the State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate: Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius: "As far as I'm concerned, this is a great example of how a sector can take responsibility itself to take quality and safety to the next level. I hope this code of conduct will become the standard in the development of large-scale solar roofs in the Netherlands." Following this, a copy of the code of conduct was also presented to the organisations that formally support the code of conduct and actively participated in its creation. The 12 supporting organisations were represented by Remco van der Linden, Director Technology and Market at Techniek Nederland, Geeke Feiter, Director Damage at the Dutch Association of Insurers, and Willemjan Muysson Programme Manager Safe Energy Transition at Brandweer Nederland.
Energy transition
"With solar on large roofs, we can sustainably meet a large part of the energy demand in the Netherlands" explains Wijnand van Hooff, general director of Holland Solar. "Those who comply with this code of conduct develop a safe and high-quality solar roof. The code of conduct stands for a careful development and realisation process, as well as professional operation of a solar system. This is the only way to achieve a high-quality, safe and transparent product. Assurances thus created contribute to the fundability and insurability of large-scale solar roofs. This will strengthen and accelerate the energy transition."
Quality and safety
With the Code of Conduct on Solar on Large Roofs, Holland Solar makes clear what requirements you can set for the installation of a solar system of more than 140 panels on a large roof. Van Hooff says: "If a solar system on a large roof is developed, realised and operated according to the guidelines as set out in the code of conduct, it has quality and is therefore guaranteed to be safe."
Basics
The code of conduct follows three basic principles. First, quality and safety. Second, short- and long-term. And finally, honest and transparent. Van Hooff explains: "From this basis, Holland Solar's members make a number of concrete commitments. First, they are working on a structured development process involving insurance advisor, fire brigade, financiers and other stakeholders. The Handreiking Veilige PV systemen van BrandweerNL will be used as a tool for this. During the realisation of the solar power system, a safe working environment is provided, skilled people are used, delivery is fully documented, and the system is inspected in accordance with the requirements of SCIOS Scope 12. In the operation phase that follows, signatories ensure a proper monitoring and maintenance plan. Periodic inspections contribute to a safe solar power system also in the longer term.
Supporting parties
The code of conduct is supported by a large number of representative organisations. "They have actively participated in the drafting of this code of conduct, so all aspects have been considered and assessed from multiple perspectives," Van Hooff said. The supporting organisations are: Verbond van Verzekeraars, Techniek Nederland, Brandweer Nederland, the Nederlandse Isolatie Industrie (NII), Kennisinstituut bouw- en installatietechniek ISSO, the Nederlands Vastgoedexploitatie Platform (NEVAP), the trade association of independent financial advisers (Adfiz), the Mineral Wool Association Benelux (MWA) , the Coöperatieve Vereniging Nederlandse Assurantie Beurs U.A. (VNAB), the trade association for bituminous and plastic roofing companies (VEBIDAK), the Zoncoalitie and the Vereniging van Institutionele Beleggers in Vastgoed, Nederland (IVBN).
Read the full code of conduct here..
20 January 2022 an animation video was also published by HollandSolar
