| Consumer | Education | Research |

| Testing & Certification |

 

As part of the PV system certification process, FSEC will generate a System Certification Approval Form (FSEC Form PVSD-002). The System Certification Form will include:

• FSEC certification identifiers for both the PV modules and PV system design
• A summary of the system design
• A complete three-line electrical schematic
• A parts list

The System Certification Approval Form includes a section to be filled out by the licensed system installer as follows:

• The installer's full business address and phone number
• The installer's Contractor License Number
• The installer's signature

Completed copies of the System Certification Approval Form shall be signed by the licensed system installer. The licensed system installer may use the Approval Form to obtain local building permits, to assist the local building official in the inspection process, and to verify certification to the purchaser of the PV system.

Note that the review and approval process does not cover site-specific requirements or issues, nor does it replace or exempt applicants from any of the requirements of local jurisdictional authorities or electric utilities such as permitting, inspections or utility interconnection agreements.

When referring to FSEC approvals in any documentation produced by the system supplier, including technical or marketing information, there shall be the following statement: "The photovoltaic system design described in this certification, when properly installed and maintained, meets the minimum recommended practices established by the Florida Solar Energy Center. This "approval" does not imply endorsement or warranty of this product by the Florida Solar Energy Center or the State of Florida."

Changes in an approved system that require the approval of FSEC include:

• Changes in the type, model or manufacturer of the photovoltaic modules/arrays, battery bank, electrical components, inverter or other major system components
• Changes in the system electrical schematic (i.e., changes in the arrangement of components in the system, or changes in the ratings of specific components)

Other Recommended PV System Documents

The following documents are highly recommended but are not required for FSEC PV system certification:

Mechanical system design documents- The structural and mounting hardware specifications and system installation details are not required by FSEC. However, it is noted that the structure will have to be able to withstand the design wind loads required by the Florida Building Code, and the local code official may require the seal of a licensed professional engineer. System mounting approval will be done by the local code official.

PV System Installation Manual- A PV system installation manual is an extremely important part of a well designed PV system because poor installations may lead to serious problems, even with well-designed systems. PV manufacturers or suppliers may require installers to have a manual to help ensure the systems are properly installed. Consequently, FSEC strongly recommends that an installation manual be provided for each certified PV system. However, one is not required for system approval.

Owner's Manual - An owner's manual that provides useful operation, maintenance and troubleshooting information is another important document that should be part of the PV system documentation. However, an owner's manual is not required for system approval.

Warranties- Warranties are not required for system approval. However, it is strongly encouraged that dealers and/or installers provide the buyer not only with warranties for major components, but also for the complete installation. Manufacturers typically provide warranties for major components, such as the PV modules and inverters. At a minimum, a completed and signed (by the installer) copy of the System Certification Approval Form (FSEC Form PVSD-002) shall be provided to the purchaser of the PV system by the licensed system installer at the completion of the system installation.