Scope12 and solar panels: what is it?

Anyone involved with solar panels has probably come across the term already, while most other people have no idea what it means: Scope12—a new method for inspecting and certifying solar panel installations.

Scope12 is an initiative from the SCIOS foundation, an organization focused on the development and management of a quality assurance system for installation owners, inspection companies, and technical installation firms. Each area of focus within SCIOS is called a "scope", and the one dealing with solar panels happens to be the twelfth—hence the name Scope12.

For each scope, there are specific rules that an installation must meet. If all the rules are followed correctly, the system can be certified by the foundation. For some scopes, this certification is legally required (e.g. for certain types of heating systems), but for others, like solar panels, it is not mandatory by law.

Do you need to get a Scope12 inspection right away?

No, for most installations a Scope12 inspection is not necessary. Insurers, of course, want to ensure that a solar installation is correctly mounted and poses no risk of damage. But in most cases, proper installation in accordance with existing standards is enough. This can usually be demonstrated through a handover report and the installer's qualifications. Zonnefabriek installs according to the NEN1010 standards, as evidenced by our InstallQ certification.

However, for commercial installations with more than 50 panels, Scope12 certification can be relevant—especially if requested by the insurer. That’s why it's important for owners of larger projects to know whether their installation meets the standards defined in Scope12. Installations inspected under Scope12 are listed in a database that insurers can access.