1. BP Solar Silver RulesBP Solar Silver Rules
Modules, Laminates, InstallationsModules, Laminates, Installations
 The “Silver Rules of Solar” are eight standards that reflectThe “Silver Rules of Solar” are eight standards that reflect
learning and best practice to ensure success when Solar moduleslearning and best practice to ensure success when Solar modules
or laminates are installedor laminates are installed
 Design, construction, operation, and maintenance activities willDesign, construction, operation, and maintenance activities will
take advantage of best practices and approved methods;take advantage of best practices and approved methods;
deviations from approved standards will require sign offs prior todeviations from approved standards will require sign offs prior to
start of the jobstart of the job
 All persons will be trained and competent in the work theyAll persons will be trained and competent in the work they
conductconduct
 Large commercial installations (200KW or larger) will be reviewedLarge commercial installations (200KW or larger) will be reviewed
to test conformity vs. the “Silver Rules.” New projects will beto test conformity vs. the “Silver Rules.” New projects will be
assessed. Innovative or high risk projects will not be approvedassessed. Innovative or high risk projects will not be approved
for construction without a peer review, that discusses safety andfor construction without a peer review, that discusses safety and
warranty implicationswarranty implications
 We will ensure that our large distributors and installersWe will ensure that our large distributors and installers
understand these standards, and agree to promote them withunderstand these standards, and agree to promote them with
their end userstheir end users
BP SilverBP Silver
ArgentArgent
SilberSilber
PlataPlata
4747
AGAG

2. BP Solar Silver RulesBP Solar Silver Rules
Eight Standards: Modules, Laminates, InstallationsEight Standards: Modules, Laminates, Installations
1)1) Understand and comply with all codes, productUnderstand and comply with all codes, product
instructions, and specsinstructions, and specs
2)2) Protect the module / laminate from harmProtect the module / laminate from harm
3)3) Avoid ground faultsAvoid ground faults
4)4) Use known and BP Solar approved installationUse known and BP Solar approved installation
structuresstructures
5)5) Provide and test electrical integrity of the systemProvide and test electrical integrity of the system
6)6) Respect high voltage power systemsRespect high voltage power systems
7)7) Understand the environment surrounding theUnderstand the environment surrounding the
installation; mitigate any risksinstallation; mitigate any risks
8)8) Inform and educate emergency authorities and ourInform and educate emergency authorities and our
customerscustomers
BP SilverBP Silver
ArgentArgent
SilberSilber
PlataPlata
4747
AGAG

3. BP Solar Silver RulesBP Solar Silver Rules
Modules, Laminates, InstallationsModules, Laminates, Installations
1)1) Understand and comply with all codes, product instructions, and specsUnderstand and comply with all codes, product instructions, and specs
1)1) Do not exceed normal operating limits specified (examples: voltage in a string, local wind loadDo not exceed normal operating limits specified (examples: voltage in a string, local wind load
decisions, fuse ratings, etc)decisions, fuse ratings, etc)
2)2) The more conservative of locally applicable codes or BP Solar requirements must be followed unlessThe more conservative of locally applicable codes or BP Solar requirements must be followed unless
technical review and BP Solar sign offs approve a deviation. Ensure compliance with all local codes.technical review and BP Solar sign offs approve a deviation. Ensure compliance with all local codes.
2)2) Protect the module / laminate from harmProtect the module / laminate from harm
1)1) Don’t scratch the glass, or impact it (may break, now or later)Don’t scratch the glass, or impact it (may break, now or later)
2)2) Protect the cell matrix from bending (esp. don’t walk on the modules)Protect the cell matrix from bending (esp. don’t walk on the modules)
3)3) Protect the backsheet from damage (no punctures, scratches, or pinholes)Protect the backsheet from damage (no punctures, scratches, or pinholes)
4)4) Ensure that access to modules is thought out, and a plan is followed that protects modules duringEnsure that access to modules is thought out, and a plan is followed that protects modules during
maintenance activity (don’t walk on the modules)maintenance activity (don’t walk on the modules)
5)5) Follow handling, shipping and stacking standardsFollow handling, shipping and stacking standards
6)6) Don’t install damaged modules; check before using.Don’t install damaged modules; check before using. Follow the check list for inspection of material upon receipt.Follow the check list for inspection of material upon receipt.
3)3) Avoid ground faultsAvoid ground faults
1)1) Ensure proper grounding (follow locally applicable codes and standards.Ensure proper grounding (follow locally applicable codes and standards.
2)2) Protect the wiringProtect the wiring
3)3) Ensure active solar areas are isolated from external metal components and water accumulationEnsure active solar areas are isolated from external metal components and water accumulation
4)4) Do not place metal structures directly in contact with the back sheet. Maintain a minimum clearance ofDo not place metal structures directly in contact with the back sheet. Maintain a minimum clearance of
5mm or an approved insulation approach5mm or an approved insulation approach
4)4) Use known and BP Solar approved installation structuresUse known and BP Solar approved installation structures
1)1) Modules / lams must be supported in their installed structures so they are protectedModules / lams must be supported in their installed structures so they are protected
2)2) Assure mechanical supports can meet BP load and thermal expansion requirementsAssure mechanical supports can meet BP load and thermal expansion requirements
3)3) Ensure that a structural evaluation is completed, that factors in roof, module, and mounting systemEnsure that a structural evaluation is completed, that factors in roof, module, and mounting system

4. BP Solar Silver RulesBP Solar Silver Rules
Modules, Laminates, InstallationsModules, Laminates, Installations
5)5) Provide and test electrical integrity of the systemProvide and test electrical integrity of the system
1)1) System electrical performance must be assured when the system is commissionedSystem electrical performance must be assured when the system is commissioned
2)2) Actively monitor and respond to detected ground faults; perform initial RISO detection before startup.Actively monitor and respond to detected ground faults; perform initial RISO detection before startup.
3)3) Response to invertor notification within 2 hrsResponse to invertor notification within 2 hrs
5)5) Respect high voltage power systemsRespect high voltage power systems
1)1) Ensure that overcurrent / over-voltage protection is employedEnsure that overcurrent / over-voltage protection is employed
2)2) HSE must be assured when the system is commissioned and during maintenanceHSE must be assured when the system is commissioned and during maintenance
3)3) Assure that bystanders are prevented from accidentally coming into contact with active circuit elementsAssure that bystanders are prevented from accidentally coming into contact with active circuit elements
when maintenance or installation activities might expose them to riskwhen maintenance or installation activities might expose them to risk
5)5) Understand the environment surrounding the installation; mitigate any risksUnderstand the environment surrounding the installation; mitigate any risks
1)1) Is access to modules adequately controlled?Is access to modules adequately controlled?
2)2) Use fire-resistant materials under module structuresUse fire-resistant materials under module structures
3)3) Allow sufficient access to reach critical equipmentAllow sufficient access to reach critical equipment
4)4) Make sure water is not collected/trapped under modulesMake sure water is not collected/trapped under modules
5)5) Ensure that all applicable safety instructions and warning signs are mounted, clearly visible for anyEnsure that all applicable safety instructions and warning signs are mounted, clearly visible for any
person approaching a source of dangerperson approaching a source of danger (i.e. at the entrance of the inverter room, on the inverters, escape routes)(i.e. at the entrance of the inverter room, on the inverters, escape routes)
6)6) Ensure that all appropriate safety equipment is easily accessible on site ( i.e. fire extinguishers, first aidEnsure that all appropriate safety equipment is easily accessible on site ( i.e. fire extinguishers, first aid
packs, earthing equipment for transformers)packs, earthing equipment for transformers)
5)5) Inform and educate emergency authorities and our customersInform and educate emergency authorities and our customers
1)1) Educate our customers about potential hazards and good practices to followEducate our customers about potential hazards and good practices to follow
2)2) Develop a response plan in case of an emergency (proactive involvement)Develop a response plan in case of an emergency (proactive involvement)
3)3) Explain the unique hazards of PV, do’s and don’ts of fire fightingExplain the unique hazards of PV, do’s and don’ts of fire fighting