Safety Measures and Regulations for Installation and Maintenance of Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Ministry of Trade and IndustrySpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the safety measures and regulations for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, raised by Mr Desmond Choo following recent fire incidents. Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong stated that installations must be certified by a licensed architect or engineer and a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). LEWs are licensed by the Energy Market Authority and undergo regular refresher training to ensure systems meet safety requirements for grid connection. Although no specific mandatory maintenance exists for PV systems, industrial and commercial systems require a license and must be regularly inspected by an LEW. These inspections ensure that the entire electrical installation, including the solar PV system, complies with safety regulations and operates without electrical faults.
Transcript
42 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in light of the recent fire incidents involving solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (a) how does the Ministry ensure the proper installation of solar PV systems; (b) whether there are any mandatory maintenance requirements for solar PV systems in Singapore, especially those which service critical infrastructures, such as data centres; and (c) whether the Ministry will ensure that there is proper training for professionals who install solar PV systems, to reduce the risk of electrical faults.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are safe if properly installed. The installation must, first, be certified by a licensed architect or engineer to ensure that the PV system complies with all relevant regulations. Thereafter, a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) must ensure that the solar PV system meets the requirements to connect safely to the grid or an electrical installation (EI), such as the electrical system of a building. LEWs are licensed by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and are required to undergo regular refresher training to stay updated on advancements in technology and adhere to good engineering practices.
There are no mandatory maintenance requirements specifically for PV systems. However, most industrial and commercial solar PV systems are connected to EIs which require a licence from EMA to operate. Under the licence, the EI, including the solar PV system, must be regularly inspected by an LEW to ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations.