Can you combine scope 12 with other SCIOS inspections?

Scope 12 inspection is a specialized assessment protocol specifically developed for the Dutch market and designed for commercial solar installations that verifies electrical safety, installation quality, and compliance with industry standards. Introduced in the Netherlands, it has become the essential standard for ensuring that solar PV systems meet critical safety requirements and operate efficiently.

SCIOS (in Dutch: Stichting Certificering Inspectie en Onderhoud Stookinstallaties) is the broader inspection framework that governs various technical inspections for different types of installations. Each scope within the SCIOS framework addresses specific aspects of technical systems:

• Scope 1-7: Focused on combustion installations (boilers, burners)
• Scope 8: Electrical installations focused on safety for employees
• Scope 9: Safety of electrical equipment and electrical tools
• Scope 10: Fire safety inspection for electrical installations
• Scope 11: Explosion-proof installations.
• Scope 12: Photovoltaic (PV) installations

Scope 12 inspections are based on a combination of Dutch and international standards including NEN 1010, NEN 3140, NEN-EN-IEC 62446-1, NEN-EN-IEC 61439, and SCIOS Technical Document 18. These inspections focus primarily on fire safety, the technical condition of the installation, and the quality of the installation work. Here you can learn more about Scope 12 inspection requirements and their specific evaluation criteria.

Combining Scope 12 with other relevant SCIOS inspections offers several significant advantages for commercial solar installation owners and operators:

 Cost efficiency is perhaps the most immediate benefit. When multiple inspections are conducted simultaneously, you typically save on travel costs, site preparation time, and overall project management expenses. Many inspection companies offer package deals when booking multiple inspection types together.

• Time savings is another crucial advantage. Coordinating inspections minimizes operational disruptions and reduces the number of site visits required. For businesses where downtime represents lost revenue, this consolidation can provide substantial value.
• A comprehensive risk assessment view is perhaps the most valuable outcome. When different inspection scopes are combined, inspectors can identify interaction issues between systems that might be missed during separate assessments. This holistic approach leads to more thorough risk management and better overall safety outcomes.
• Documentation efficiency also improves as reports can be coordinated and produced with consistent formatting and recommendations, making them easier to implement and track for facility managers.

It’s important to clarify that Scope 12 inspection is not legally mandatory simply for having solar panels installed. However, it is effectively required in specific commercial circumstances.

Scope 12 certification becomes a requirement when seeking insurance coverage for commercial solar installations. Insurance providers mandate this inspection before providing coverage because they want to verify that the system meets safety standards and doesn’t pose undue risks. Without a valid Scope 12 certification, insurance companies choose not to insure commercial PV installations as they represent a higher risk profile. .

For commercial solar project owners and operators, this makes Scope 12 inspections a practical necessity rather than a legal one. The inspection confirms that the installation complies with all applicable standards including NEN 1010, NEN 3140, NEN-EN-IEC 62446-1, NEN-EN-IEC 61439, and other relevant regulations.

It’s worth emphasizing that Scope 12 is exclusively for solar panel installations and cannot be applied to other forms of renewable energy. Also note that Scope 10 is NOT mandatory for solar panel installations, though it may be required for other electrical systems at the same facility.

When planning to combine Scope 12 with other SCIOS inspections for your commercial solar installation, several practical considerations should guide your approach:

• Inspector qualifications are paramount. Ensure that the inspection company has certified SCIOS Scope 12 inspectors for each specific scope you need. Not all inspectors are certified across multiple scopes, so verify credentials in advance.
• Timing coordination requires careful planning. Some inspections may need to be performed under specific operating conditions, so work with the inspection company to develop a logical sequence that accommodates all requirements while minimizing system downtime.
• Documentation preparation is crucial for efficiency. Gather all relevant system documentation, previous inspection reports, and technical specifications before the inspection date. Having this information readily available will accelerate the inspection process and improve the quality of results.
• Coordinate access requirements in advance. Different inspection scopes may require access to various parts of your facility. Ensure all necessary areas are accessible and that appropriate personnel are available to provide access and answer technical questions.Current market conditions show extended lead times for Scope 12 inspections due to the shortage of qualified inspectors. Plan well in advance, as waiting times can extend up to 6 months depending on inspector availability. Combining inspections requires even more advance planning to coordinate specialists across different scopes.
• For larger systems (>250kW), inspections can take a full day or more, so plan accordingly when scheduling resources and access.
• Remember that while combining inspections can be efficient, each inspection still needs to meet its specific requirements and standards. The goal is to optimize the process without compromising the thoroughness or quality of any individual inspection.