BIPV • Roof & Façade • Safety

NEN 7250 (BIPV)

NEN 7250 sets performance requirements and test references for solar energy systems (PV or thermal) integrated into, or mounted on, roofs and façades.

Approach: design, project-specific structural calculations, installation and handover file against the agreed NEN 7250 scope; electrical safety aligned with applicable NEN 1010/3140 requirements.

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Status & updates

Current edition: NEN 7250:2021.
Scope: PV and solar thermal; either integrated (BIPV) or roof/wall-mounted.
Supersedes the older 2014/A1:2015 edition.
Electrical safety: NEN 1010 for design, installation and commissioning; NEN 3140, where applicable, for safe operation, work activities and periodic inspection.

Structural calculations & fixings

A BIPV installation also calls for project-specific structural calculations by a structural engineer. These establish the suitability of the supporting structure and any reinforcement needed.

Load-bearing capacity of the roof or façade, the weight of panels and substructure, wind and snow loads, and suitable ballast or fixings without compromising the roof build-up.
Design assumptions based on building drawings, location, panel layout and mounting-system data.
Compatible materials, corrosion prevention and thermal movement in details.
Penetrations and edges detailed to maintain watertightness.

What do we check additionally for PV/BIPV?

Whether the system is part of the building envelope (BIPV) or mounted as a separate element; this determines the building risks.
Roof loads, wind zones, ballast/fixation, watertight details, penetrations, fire behaviour and sufficient ventilation behind or below modules.
Access for maintenance and fault finding, including safe cable routes and clear documentation for the owner/operator.
NEN 7250 mainly covers the building side; electrical design and commissioning measurements follow NEN 1010. NEN 3140 is relevant, where applicable, for safe operation, work activities and periodic inspection.

Fire & building physics

Fire behaviour of components/substructure; ventilation/heat dissipation behind/under modules; roof type (flat/pitched) and façade orientation considerations.

Electrical & maintenance

Safe cabling/routing, isolators and surge protection (NEN 1010 link).
Periodic visual/electrical inspections and maintenance plan; NEN 3140, where applicable, for safe operation and work activities.
Handover documentation: structural calculations with assumptions and conclusions, drawings, photos, test results and maintenance advice.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does NEN 7250 cover?

The building aspects of PV/solar-thermal systems in roofs and façades: fixation, watertightness, fire safety and maintenance.

Is BIPV different from “panels on the roof”?

Yes. BIPV is part of the building envelope and imposes additional structural and detailing requirements.

Are structural calculations part of a BIPV installation?

Yes. A structural engineer assesses the supporting structure and fixings for the project, taking account of self-weight, wind and snow loads. The calculations establish whether the structure is suitable and what reinforcement may be needed. The assumptions, calculations and conclusions belong in the handover file.

How does this relate to NEN 1010/3140?

NEN 7250 addresses the building side. NEN 1010 concerns electrical design, installation and commissioning inspection. NEN 3140 is relevant, where applicable, for safe operation, work activities and periodic inspection.