Certifying photovoltaic components and systems is important in helping to ensure the successful application of the technology. Using decades of experience in photovoltaic research, development, design, testing and applications, the Florida Solar Energy Center reviews each PV system design for compliance with the National Electrical Code and the appropriate use of accepted design practices. PV system certification is required for eligibility in Florida solar energy incentive programs, and may be helpful in marketing your photovoltaic system in other states.

The Florida Solar Energy Center is required by Section 377.705 of the Florida Statutes to develop standards and certify all solar energy equipment manufactured or sold in Florida. To meet the requirements of the statutes, FSEC has developed a PV Module and PV System Certification program that protects the public interest and advances the use of renewable technologies. The objectives of the program are to:

1. Provide Florida residents with reliable, safe and quality PV system designs.
2. Provide a means for consumers to obtain a summary of their certified PV system design with the installer's name, address, phone number and Florida contractor's license number.
3. Provide Florida consumers and/or agency officials with the expected power output of certified PV systems using accurate PV module performance ratings.
4. Provide a PV system design approval certificate with a checklist that lists the items that require compliance with the National Electrical Code. The certificate and checklist can be used by local building officials for both the issuing of permits and the inspection of installed PV systems.

To satisfy these objectives, FSEC has developed a PV Module and System Certification process. These certification processes are intended to be simple and straightforward.

PV Module Certification Process

PV module certification covers two areas: safety and power rating. FSEC certification requires that the PV modules be safety tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). For module power rating, see PV Module Certification.

PV System Design Certification Process

PV System Design Certification Application

All PV system certifications require the Applicant to complete and submit the FSEC System Design Certification Application Form (FSEC Form PVSD-001), along with payment of the required non-refundable application fee. Upon receipt of all required system design application information and fees, FSEC shall perform the initial system design review within 20 working days.

If the application is approved, the system will be certified, provided with a unique FSEC PV System Certification Identifier, and posted on the FSEC list of certified PV systems on our website. Additionally, a master copy of the System Certification Approval Form (see below) will be promulgated by FSEC and provided to the applicant.

The PV Certification Application Form (FSEC Form PVSD-001) can be downloaded from FSEC'S web site at PVSD Form.

By Florida Statute, FSEC is required to set fees that recover the costs of the testing, certification and rating services required for solar equipment and systems in Florida. Click here to view fee structure [41KB, Adobe Acrobat PDF].

Certification Standards

For a detailed look at the FSEC test methods for PV modules please read Test Method for Photovoltaic Modules Power Rating (FSEC Standard 202-05) [278KB, Adobe Acrobat PDF] and for the operation of the module certification process see Operation of Photovoltaic Module Performance Certification Program (FSEC Standard 201-05) [105KB, Adobe Acrobat PDF]

 

System Design Certification by Licensed Professional Engineers

The FSEC system design review and certification process will be expedited if a registered Florida Professional Engineer seals the PV system design. The application form submitted to FSEC should include a sealed, three-line electrical schematic and parts list. The system design application fee will be reduced to 40 percent and the system certification will be completed within 10 working days. PV module power rating certification is still required.

System Certification Approval Form

As part of the PV system certification process, FSEC will generate a System Certification Approval Form (FSEC Form PVSD-002). A master copy of the System Certification Approval Form will be provided by FSEC to the applicant to document the system design certification. The Applicant will distribute copies of this form to licensed installers of the certified system.The System Certification Approval 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, if needed.

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

• 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 should be signed by the licensed system installer. The licensed system installer may use the Approval Form to obtain local building permits, to assist local building officials in the inspection process, and to verify the certification to the purchaser of the PV system.

FSEC recommends that applicants also develop mounting hardware details, a PV system installation manual, an owner’s manual and warranties for all major components and the completed system. These documents are not required for certification. For more information, visit Using Certification.

FSEC Standard 203-05

FSEC Standard 203-05 Photovoltaic System Design Review and Approval Procedures
This document describes the procedures used to evaluate a PV system design, the minimum criteria required to receive approval, and the information required to apply for approval.
	Photovoltaic System Design Review and Approval Procedures [232 KB, Adobe Acrobat PDF]

Certified Systems Look here for a list of PV systems that have been certified by FSEC.

System Design Review Process FSEC's design review process is at the heart of its system certification program. This section gives an outline of the design review process.

Design Review Scope This section explores the areas of a PV system design (grid or stand-alone) that are reviewed during the FSEC design review process.

How To Submit Designs If you're interested in having your system approved by FSEC, this section lists the documents and contacts you'll need. This section should be reviewed along with the System Design Review Process section above.

Using Certification Once a system is certified, many people have questions about how they can use FSEC certification to market their products and how to maintain certification. Explore this section for explanations.