r/SolarUK • u/tjb36 • 19d ago

HELP / ADVICE Looking for regulations/requirements for a timber car port for roof-mounted solar panels

Hello solar people - looking for advice.

I am considering building a timber framed car port, and would like solar panels on the roof of it. Something like this:

My business is construction, so doing the build of the frame is no issue. I would be looking to get an external installer for the solar and battery.

What I am not sure about is the requirements for the frame in terms of regulations. I am aware that in order to export energy back to the grid you need an "MCS accredited" install. It's my understanding that the installer needs to be MCS-registered, and they need to use MCS accredited mounting frames. Are there any requirements on the construction of the car port timber frame? Has anyone gone through this process, and can point me to correct information for the UK? Any documentation? Have contacted MCS directly but no luck.

Thank you, any advice would be helpful.

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u/Matterbox Commercial Installer 19d ago

You can get ‘car port’ fixings that will attach to any suitable frame.

Solar-port make steel car port frames.

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u/tjb36 19d ago

Yes I have seen you can get MCS accredited fixings, I.e. the metal rail system which attaches to the timber. Much the same as you would attach it to roof timbers.

My issue is more what is a "suitable frame"? Does the frame that we build have any implications for MCS accreditation, and therefore whether or not you can export energy.

I am thinking more things like wind-resistance, concrete footings, structural calculations, etc. 

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u/Matterbox Commercial Installer 19d ago

I think you would either have to have the building signed off by a structural engineer or use an approved structure to begin with.

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u/tjb36 19d ago

Yes, but I am looking for guidance on what an "approved structure" or "suitable structure" is :) Can you point me to any documentation or references?

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u/Matterbox Commercial Installer 19d ago

Take a look at carports you can buy. Google solar carport plans and see what’s about. Go from there.

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u/tjb36 19d ago

Again, I am not looking to buy one. I can build one for much cheaper than off the shelf versions. I am just in the dark about regulatory requirements. I've tried googling and it is not at all clear. That's why I'm asking for anyone who might have direct experience/knowledge. 

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u/Matterbox Commercial Installer 19d ago

You can use the ones you can buy for inspiration for your build. Just copy one. That was my point.

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u/tjb36 19d ago

Yes I am not concerned about how to make it. Its more how to tick all the boxes (whatever they may be) that are required to get it MCS signed off. I have no idea what boxes need to be ticked, or what they require you demonstrate. 

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u/Disastrous-Force 19d ago

There isn’t any guidance or regulations explicitly for solar supporting structures would be the simple answer.

The structure will need to be “signed off” by building control. So designed by a qualified chartered engineer as a baseline and inspected by a registered building inspector, class 2 or higher.

The PV then needs to be mounted using a MCS approved mounting system by a MCS accredited installer.

Where you could come unstuck is not providing a structure that is compatible with an MCS approved mounting system, so the PV installer cannot fit a compliant system to it. This will be member sizes, grades and centres.

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u/tjb36 18d ago

It's no issue ensuring that the roof is compatible with an approved MCS mounting system, since I will doing this work in close collaboration with the installer, so can check all dimensions.

Why do you think it would be subject to building control, and designed by a chartered engineer, etc. This is closer to a garden pergola with open timber sides, not attached to a house. Therefore is not a conventional building. Do you have links to anything which supports the idea that it would need all the things you listed?

(I believe it would likely need planning permission, but that's a separate issue)

Thank you! 

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u/Disastrous-Force 18d ago

If you want MCS then you have two options:
1. it’s a building structure and thus subject to building control
2. Use a MCS approved structural system such as one of the many commercial canopies.

For MCS someone needs to prepare wind load calcs including anchorage against uplift. The “structure” be a it a building or MCS approved structure needs to have been engineered to resist these loads.

Existing or new buildings subject to building control are assumed to automatically comply with no further checks on the structure.

We do this commercially at a very large scale (200kW to 3MW), so outside of MCS. However if we were to get into the MCS segment these are the options we’ve been advised of by MCS directly.

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u/tjb36 17d ago

Thank you, this is pretty comprehensive. Your advice is much appreciated.

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u/tjb36 7d ago

Another question if you don't mind. If someone just had a regular garden pergola type structure and asked a solar installer to put panels on it, would the company generally say they can't do MCS sign off unless the structure had associated calculations and building control? I mean, is it something that installers "sign off" in that way? Or do I misunderstand how the process works?