1. UK Solar PV Conference
The Prosperous Future and Business Opportunities for
Electrical Contractors
Giuliano Digilio
ECA Head of Technical
Services
London – 22 June 2010

2. About the ECA
• The UK’s leading trade association representing
the interests of electrotechnical contractors
• Formed in 1901, the ECA has over 3,000 member
companies
• Collectively, ECA member companies:
• Generate an annual turnover of £5.5 billion
• Employ some 30,000 people and support 8,000 apprentices
in training
• Undertake the greater part of all the recorded electrical
installation work in the UK.

3. Scope of Presentation
• Electrical contractors’ perspective, challenges
and opportunities
• Promotion of new PV technology
• Planning issues
• Design issues
• Installation issues
• Inspection, testing and commissioning
• Training and up-skilling
• Technical support and guidance

4. Photovoltaics create many
Challenges & Opportunities
The electrical contractor has been blessed with a flood
of new technology which introduces challenges and
opportunities. One of these new technologies is
photovoltaic systems.

5. What is a Solar PV System?
• Solar PV systems convert light
energy into renewable electricity.
• The electricity generated is fed
straight into the electrical installation
of the building and is used to power
electrical services and appliances.
• Solar PV systems should not be
confused with solar hot water (or
solar thermal) systems which
provide hot water.

6. Benefits to Clients
• Climate change / sustainable agendas
• Renewable energy
• Legislation
• Planning pressures
• Available grants
• Feed-in tariffs
• Energy cost savings
• Pay-back is improving

7. There are many good reasons why
electrical contractors should promote
the use of solar PV systems:
• Easily fitted to most buildings – retrofit or new build
• Reliable and practically maintenance-free
• PV modules typically offer a 25-year performance
warranty (life expectancy is 50 years)
• Clients benefit from generous capital grants
• Clients benefit from cheaper energy costs
• Meets climate change and sustainability agendas

8. Promotion of PV Technology
• Electrical contractors must better promote their skills
and services
• Understand the technology
• Core skills for electrical installations
• Training and up-skilling
• Guidance and technical support
• Marketing skills and support

9. Design Team Member
Early involvement of the electrical
contractor and better coordination of
sub-contractors is essential to
ensure good compliant installations.

10. Planning Issues
• Planning application
• National Building Regulations
• EU legislation/directives
• Liaise with Building Control and Fire Officer
• Health and safety risk assessment (CDM & FSO in UK)
• Utility requirements
• Available grant / funding
• Type of system connection

11. Design Issues
• Competent designer (electrical engineer)
• Interface with architect and structural engineer
• Orientation, pitch, shading and space planning
• Designer’s risk assessment
• System sizing
• Grid connected / off-grid system
• Feed-in tariff
• Structural support / fixing system
• National standards and legislation
• Switchgear
• Lightning protection

12. Installation Issues
• Competent operatives/management
• Installation programme
• Interface with main contractor
• Early builder’s work information
• Sub-contract package interface
• Site-based risk assessment
• Damage, protection and theft
• Lightning protection and earthing
• Grid connection and interface with utility company
• National standards and legislation
• Inspection, testing and commissioning

13. Commissioning
• All electrical installations including
PV systems should be inspected,
tested and commissioned by a
competent person and the relative
certification/documentation should be
issued in accordance with national
standards and legislation.
• Operation and maintenance
documentation must be provided by
the installer for the person that
ordered the work.

14. National Standards and Legislation
BS 7671 Wiring Regulations Building Regulations Industry Guide

15. Conclusion
• Electrical contractors do have the core skills, but they
will need to up-skill and include PV system solutions
within their scope in the future.
• Electrical contractors will need technical support and
guidance from the PV equipment manufacturers,
suppliers and their association.
• If electrical contractors do not embrace the
opportunities offered to them by PV systems and other
new technologies in the future, others will.
• Early involvement and good coordination is essential.

16. Thank you for your attention
Giuliano Digilio
ECA Head of Technical
Services
www.eca.co.uk