Home » Balcony solar could provide options where PV isn’t practical
What a few weeks we have had in the world of renewables and the wider electrical sector. With the government policy shifts around balcony solar and training changes around apprenticeship units for EV, PV and such, it’s all very much up in the air!
Let’s start with balcony solar. As it stands, the government is working to develop and bring to market systems with supermarkets and online retailers. Circa 400W-1200W in production power, this brings options into the marketplace where currently PV isn’t practical. I am thinking high rise flats and such, which for me is a good thing.
But of course, we need to ensure its safe and functional. We have seen the electrical sector react with statements and such, but it looks very much that government and market forces are moving without the involvement of traditional electro technical sector management and oversight.
Equally we have some changes to the training sphere with new apprenticeship modules that sit outside of the recommended routes aligned with the EAS model and direction from TESP. Again, it appears government and market forces are moving outside the normal controls of the electrical sector. This is both concerning and eye opening.
For those interested in safety and some of the measures we can take in the provision and installation of solar PV we have a huge range of options. Many of which I have shared on my YouTube channel and within these articles before.
The fabulous PV ultra both plain and in particular SWA variations to minimise the risk or rodent and wider damages. Again, we had voices from within the industry against this type of installation method. This cable is also coming out with more updates to include earthing conductors and more.
We also have bifacial panels; these are not only stronger than class C plastic backed panels but also lots more fire resistant. We have a really interesting government released testing document from November 2025 which points this out very clearly.
In my own installation business, we direct consumers towards these huge benefits every week. It is assumed on roof that bifacial panels bring little benefit from reflected light and in part this can be true. However, they cost the same as single sided options and resist fire and impacts a lot better. It’s a no brainer and I find it flabbergasting how some share views that bifacial panels are not stronger or more fire resistant. This is when damage towards wider messaging and true safety are eroded and diminished. It is interesting to observe some panel manufacturers moving towards a purely bifacial range of offerings. You can read the report here https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/693aeb43c72b0f8ccf33d63e/fire-spread-over-pitched-roofs-fitted-with-solar-panels.pdf
The performance aspect is the really interesting one, of course we have been running side by side testing of bifacial and single sided options when on roof. Because I am a nerd and it’s interesting. The data is clear, over winter the bifacial panels in multiple locations around the UK were 5% more productive even on roof. You can watch a video I made recently about this over on the YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDKGHKC2d_M through the summer the gap widens.
Finally panel level optimisation. Again we have messaging from some places that these bring increased risks due to the number of connections and extra equipment that can also fail. Again elements of this are true, however the data and incidents from the USA and Canada speak clearly. Optimisation and rapid shutdown reduces the instances of fire and is why with so many timber framed homes is mandated. These devices monitor for temperature increases, arcs, panel performance and some can use that data to see if performance is below what it should be. Raising flags for maintenance and servicing before something goes wrong.
My message towards the industry of things is to become faster, more engaged with sector dynamics and work with installers before the field of play moves away from us all. We need that governance to establish safety and opportunities for electricians.

I hope you all had a great easter and I am not the sort to promote my own training offerings here, but that is all doing its thing and google is your friend!
Do not forget to let me know any topics you would like covered in the articles via the below links.
@electrician_247 on twitter
@apprentice121 on Instagram
@Mark The Sparky Allison on YouTube
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