Is this up to standards / legal?

[dp123]

Hi - recently had solar installed (March 2025) - installer MCS and NICEIC certified with install arranged under Solar Together scheme. All certs issued (building regs/NICEIC and MCS certs). Just looking for opinions on this install of AC isolator and export meter. Understand it's pretty far from pretty and not exactly of the highest standards of workmanship, but is this legal/compliant with relevant standards? This inside a small cupboard on the outside of house (the cupboard is in the cavity between the outer and inner skins of an external wall) (ignore the random sticker on the corner of the export meter - that will be correctly placed in due course)

 

[binky]

it's a bit rough and ready, but not non-compliant as such, bar the last photo should have better protection for the stripped cable.

Looks like a tight place to work in, so its harder to maintain a tidy job, but...

 

[dp123]

Thanks Binky - good to know it's compliant / safe if not a viable entry for workmanship if the year award. I added a wide angle photo for additional context.

 

[Murdoch]

Where is the big cable going?

 

[Fleeting]

It isn't compliant those single insulated conductors should not be exposed, it is a lash-up.

 

[dp123]

Where is the big cable going?

That goes to an outbuilding (converted single garage), I'm not quite sure if the exact routing but think it goes underground

 

[dp123]

It isn't compliant those single insulated conductors should not be exposed, it is a lash-up.

Thanks - i understand now (I can be a little slow!). So I guess the question is whether that needs to be fixed or should be fixed. The electrician who installed it (also owner of the solar install company) is somewhat aggressive in communication and dismissive of concerns along with pointing out if anyone does any work in the system their warranty is voided. Just wondering how hard it's worthwhile to push for a resolution....

 

[Fleeting]

You give them the opportunity to do a professional compliant job to rectify the issue or tell them you will take it up with the NICEIC and that doesn't mean ramming a load more silicone sealant into it.

 

[binky]

Complain to MCS, if the solar fitter does not respond to your concerns.

 

[Phoenix]

Apart from the abomination to how the meter cover has been butchered and a half arsed attempt has been made to spaz silcone over the parts at the front... The Solar PV circuit looks like it is connected downstream of an RCD which is also providing protection to another circuit, and it looks like an older one which is probably AC and non bidirectional... 3rd party MCB has been used as well

 

[dp123]

Apart from the abomination to how the meter cover has been butchered and a half arsed attempt has been made to spaz silcone over the parts at the front... The Solar PV circuit looks like it is connected downstream of an RCD which is also providing protection to another circuit, and it looks like an older one which is probably AC and non bidirectional... 3rd party MCB has been used as well

You are indeed correct. The RCD is a wylex WRS63/2 which prior to this solar install was there to protect the power supply to a converted single garage which is on a 20A MCB (been there for approx 20 years I would guess - before my time). The 'new' MCB is a Proteus 6328 B32. I guess the RCD needs to be changed to a type A and not a type AC which it is now (from the WRS63/2 datasheet at least)?

NB, I cant see any writing on the cable from the AC isolator switch to the consumer unit but I would guess 2.5 mm2 twin and earth? Given this is connected to an 8kW inverter (Fox ESS KH8 - nominal AC out of 34.8A with max of 38.3A) I do wonder if the cable and a 32A breaker is enough?

NB I just wanted to say, I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and input on this, it's really helpful, thanks all.