Last Updated: 13 September 2024
The British Standards Institute (BSI) has recently released new recommendations regarding home battery installations, including those in loft spaces. One common inquiry we receive from our customers following the publication of the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) is whether a solar battery can be installed in a loft. The answer is a resounding yes, with some important details to consider.
The new PAS 63100:2024 is NOT a regulation
The PAS 63100:2024, issued by the BSI in March 2024, outlines that solar batteries should not be installed in voids, roof spaces, or lofts. However, it is crucial to understand that this PAS is not a regulation but rather a best practice guide. It is designed for entities like local authorities and housing associations to develop specifications that align with their installer partners. Essentially, it serves as a rapid standardization tool that defines optimal practices for products, services, or processes.
Until the new PAS is officially adopted as a British Standard, it remains a recommendation. It is anticipated that the document will undergo revisions based on industry feedback over time.
The new PAS 63100:2024 may be subject to change
It is worth noting that the PAS 63100:2024 recommendation will likely be subject to amendments from feedback from the solar industry over time.
For example:
- The document may not take into account newer, safer battery technology
- Fire ratings, or mounting options of products may not be taken into consideration
What the new regulations say
In accordance with official regulations, as long as certain considerations are met – such as having a fire alarm, smoke alarm, adequate lighting, and accessible entry points – solar batteries can indeed be installed in lofts. For comprehensive details, refer to Section 11, Table 11.1 of the IET Code of Practice, Electrical Energy Storage Systems, 2nd Edition.
It is important to note that regulations always take precedence over recommendations like the new PAS from the BSI. Stay informed and compliant to ensure safe and efficient solar battery installations.
What the MCS say
“Our Standards define how certified renewable energy installations should be designed and installed. They are a benchmark for quality developed in close consultation with industry through independent technical Working Groups. Following the recent publication of PAS 63100, MCS has received a significant number of enquiries from installers wishing to understand how this might impact on their work and MCS certification for Battery Storage installations.”
A message from the Battery Storage Working Group about the recent PAS 63100:2024 publication:
âAlthough not a British Standard, PAS 63100:2024 has been developed by BSI and sponsored by the UK government. It specifies requirements for fire safety in the installation of small-scale electrical energy storage systems (EESSs) in domestic dwellings using stationary secondary batteries as the medium for energy storage. This includes the location of Battery Storage products in a loft space.
The drafting of PAS 63100:2024 was undertaken with the assistance of a technical committee drawn from a wide range of interested parties. A draft of the document was also issued for public consultation last year.
The Chair of the MCS Battery Storage Working Group as a member of the BSI committee regularly fed back to the Battery Storage Working Group so that feedback from the working group could be considered by the committee during the drafting process.
Coinciding with this the IET has also recently published the 3rd edition of its Code of Practice for Electrical Energy Storage Systems which now states PAS 63100 ââŚshould be considered.â (section 11.2.2) and, in terms of battery location PAS 63100 ââŚshould be usedâ (section 11.2.3).
In relation to the immediate impact that these two publications have on MCS installers â PAS 63100 has no current standing in any UK regulations (such as Building Regulations) and is not directly referenced in the Battery Storage Installation Standard (MIS 3012). However, MIS 3012 does refer to the âlatest edition of the IET Code of Practiceâ and so, indirectly, refers to PAS 63100 and associated requirements.
The language used in the IET Code or Practice allows for flexibility as it uses the word âshouldâ when referring to PAS 63100. In the IET Code of Practice âshouldâ is ââŚused for a recommendation. Recommendations indicate best practice, or a particularly suitable course of action.â
The MCS Battery Storage Working Group recognises that subjective language can pose difficulty to contractors who want to ensure compliance to Standards.
We can confirm that in the short term, there are no direct changes to MIS 3012 the Battery Storage Installation Standard. The Working Group will next meet in July [2024] where they will consider the requirements of PAS 63100 and if and how theyâll be directly incorporated into MIS 3012.
Any proposed changes will be publicly consulted upon.”
2 August 2024 – Updates to four MCS Product Standards
Following extensive rewrite MCS has published updated versions of the following Product Standards:
MCS 004 â The Solar Heating Product Standard Issue 4.0
MCS 005 â The Solar PV Product Standard Issue 4.0
MCS 006 â The Small Wind Turbine Product Standard Issue 2.0
MCS 017 â The Bespoke Building Integrated PV Product Standard Issue 3.0
The changes aim to create an updated set of documents that not only include new requirements for manufacturers but modernize the standards as a whole and incorporate the following changes:
- Improve overall structure with a new document style and layout
- Simplify and clarify the language / new MCS standard text
- Updated references to other standards
- Feedback from the industry and the Working Group
13 September 2024 – There has been no update on the requirements for installing solar batteries in lofts in the UK from the MCS.
TL;DR in terms of installation advice
Can solar batteries be installed in a loft?
Yes, solar batteries can be installed in lofts as long as appropriate siting, lifting, access, and regulations are taken into consideration to ensure safety and that historic installations are not affected.
It is important to note that this type of installation may not align with the current PAS best practice guidelines. If left unamended, this standard may be adopted by home-builders and others for new installations.
Therefore, it may be advisable to explore alternate locations for siting solar batteries in future projects.
Conclusion
This is a fast-moving process. We will keep you updated should there be any changes.
RememberâŚ
We recommend that all solar batteries, inverters, etc. must be installed by an accredited MCS Installer like NXTGEN Energy.
FAQ: Solar Battery Installation in Lofts
Yes, according to current regulations, you can install solar batteries in your loft as long as you meet specific safety requirements. These include having a fire alarm, smoke alarm, proper lighting, and an easily accessible entrance. For full details, refer to Section 11, Table 11.1 of the IET Code of Practice, Electrical Energy Storage Systems, 2nd Edition.
The British Standards Institute (BSI) recently issued a recommendation (PAS 63100:2024) discouraging loft installations. It’s important to note that this is not a regulation yet, but rather a best practice guide. The solar industry is expected to provide feedback, and the recommendation may be revised.
The current recommendation might not consider
– Newer, safer battery technology
– Fire safety ratings of specific battery units
– Mounting options for various battery systems
Not necessarily. Regulations currently allow loft installations if safety precautions are met. However, if the PAS becomes a standard, future installations might not be allowed in lofts. It’s advisable to discuss alternative locations with your solar installer.
We recommend using an accredited MCS installer like NXTGEN Energy to ensure a safe and compliant installation.
This is a developing situation. We recommend checking back for updates on any changes to regulations or best practices.
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