Commercial photovoltaic systems in certain output ranges require a Plant certificateto ensure the stability and safety of the electricity grid. In Germany, the Ordinance on the Verification of Electrotechnical Characteristics of Energy Systems (NELEV) and the technical connection rules of the VDE (VDE-AR-N 4105, 4110 and 4120) the requirements for these certificates. The Certification obligation exists for all generation systems that are connected to the medium, high and extra-high voltage grid. The system certificate must be submitted to the respective energy supply company.
System sizes, obligations & system certificate
Attachments from 135 kWp to 500 kWp and less than 270 kW feed-in power: Since Solar Package I, which came into force in mid-2024, all PV systems with an output of up to 500 kWp and a maximum feed-in power of 270 kW have been subject to a simplified system certificate or a Type B system certificate. This applies to a connection to the low-voltage grid as well as to a connection to the medium-voltage grid. Since then, both types of system have been subject to the connection rule VDE-AR-N 4105 and are exempt from the certification requirement. For such a connection, it is sufficient to submit the individual certificates for components such as inverters, protection devices or solar modules to the responsible grid operator. The EZE database has been in place since summer 2024 so that system operators do not have to obtain and submit all component certificates individually. Since then, component manufacturers have been obliged to store the certificates there in order to reduce the bureaucratic effort for all parties involved.
Attachments over 500 kWp up to 1 MWp or over 270 kW feed-in power: These PV systems fall under the connection rule VDE-AR-N 4110. However, a type B system certificate is required for them. obligatory. Here too, submission of the manufacturer's certificates is sufficient. The VDE-AR-N 4110 connection rule was extended to include the simplified individual verification procedure in September 2023, especially for such generation systems with a capacity of 135 kWp to 1 MWp in the medium voltage. In practice, however, it is still apparent that the approval and certification processes between potential PV system operators and the respective grid operators have not yet been established for these system sizes.
Attachments over 950 kWpPV or generation systems with an output of more than 950 kWp must comply with the more comprehensive Type A plant certificate must be available. They are always connected to the medium, high and extra-high voltage grid and the VDE-AR-N 4110 or 4120 connection rules apply accordingly. Accordingly, a type A system certificate and the respective connection rules are always mandatory for such systems. The certification process is much more extensive and checks all components and the grid conformity of the system in detail.
Type B system certificate
The type B system certificate offers operators of photovoltaic systems in the medium output range numerous advantages and special simplifications that significantly reduce both the effort and the costs of certification.
A key advantage is the Simplified proceduresThe scope of testing is limited to the essential requirements, eliminating the need for tests on grid perturbations or dynamic behavior. This reduction ensures a faster certification process and thus considerably shortens the planning and commissioning phase. Operators therefore benefit from faster, more efficient processing and achieve grid connection of their system sooner.
The lower costs and the Reduced administrative costs make type B particularly attractive. The costs for the certificate are significantly lower than those of a type A certificate. The reduced scope of the audit requires less documentation and makes planning easier, which is of particular interest to small and medium-sized system operators. In addition, internal and external personnel costs are reduced, as the simplified procedure means that fewer personnel are required for certification processing.
Another advantage is the Faster commissioningIn order to promote the use of renewable energies, accredited certification bodies or grid operators can also provisionally issue the type B installation certificate until the end of 2025. This provisional issue enables accelerated commissioning, allowing operators to benefit from feed-in tariffs more quickly.
Finally, type B offers Flexibility in documentation. Missing evidence and documents can be submitted within a period of 18 months, which enables step-by-step, possibly more cost-efficient planning. Operators can thus spread the bureaucratic workload more evenly and prepare their systems optimally for grid connection.
Overall, the type B system certificate represents a valuable simplification for PV operators who operate medium-sized systems and want to manage the certification process quickly, cost-effectively and with reduced effort.
Type A plant certificate
The type A system certificate is mandatory for photovoltaic systems with an output of more than 950 kWp and ensures that large systems that can have a significant impact on the electricity grid comply with the highest technical and safety standards correspond.
Type A includes all testswhich cover all relevant aspects of system design and grid compatibility in order to integrate the system smoothly into the grid. This includes, for example, the analysis of grid perturbations and the dynamic behavior of the system. This is to ensure that the system remains stable even in the event of grid disturbances and does not endanger the grid.
Another key element is ensuring that the Conformity to standards and compliance with Safety requirements. The certification confirms that the system complies with the applicable VDE and NELEV regulations, in particular with regard to Voltage quality, frequency stability and electromagnetic compatibility. This protects the grid and ensures that the system remains grid-compliant throughout its entire service life.
In addition, there are extensive Documentation obligations. Operators must submit a detailed protection and control concept, complete technical documentation and comprehensive test reports. These requirements guarantee a safe and stable grid connection and provide the grid operator with the assurance that all technical and safety-related requirements are met.
In summary, the type A system certificate ensures the trouble-free operation of larger photovoltaic systems and strengthens the stability of the electricity grid through strict tests and extensive documentation requirements.
Differences between type A and type B
The type A and type B system certificates differ in the scope and complexity of the test, but not in the basic technical requirements or hardware.
The type B system certificate comprises a simplified test procedure that primarily covers the electrical properties of the generation units, the behavior for static voltage stability as well as the protection and control concept, active power control and grid security management. This procedure is less time-consuming and complex, which saves time and costs.
In contrast, the type A system certificate includes a more comprehensive test that covers all type B tests as well as Additional examinations on grid perturbations, dynamic and quasi-dynamic behavior. A detailed analysis of the system behavior in the event of faults such as voltage dips or frequency fluctuations is also included. Certification therefore requires more extensive simulations and Calculationsto ensure that larger systems are integrated into the grid in a stable and secure manner.
Despite the differences in testing intensity, the documentation requirements for both certificate types are largely identical. The specific protection concepts and settings are based on the requirements of the network operator and the network level, rather than the certificate type itself.
Test procedure
The test procedure for the certification of PV systems includes both Main as well as Additional components. The main components include solar panels, inverters and cabling systems, which are tested for their performance and quality to ensure safe operation. The additional components, as required by VDE-AR-N 4110, include EZA controllers, protection and monitoring devices as well as communication devices. The test also includes conformity with standards, the technical data of the components and their communication capability.
Common examination contents for the Type A and Type B certificates include checking the electrical properties of the generating units, the behavior for static voltage maintenance, the protection and control concept, active power control and grid security management.
For both types of certificate, the examination and certification before commissioning of the PV system. The system certificate must be agreed with the grid operator in advance and submitted before commissioning. Once commissioning has been completed, the procedure is completed with a declaration of commissioning and a Declaration of conformity completed.
Regulation and monitoring by the Federal Network Agency
The Federal Network Agency assumes a Central function in regulating and monitoring the certification processes for energy systems and grid operators in Germany and sets important standards for the security and conformity of the electricity grid. To this end, it has developed various certification models in accordance with sections 4a et seq. of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and stipulates the implementation of an information security management system (ISMS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 27001.
The Federal Network Agency also defines the Conformity assessment programwhich regulates the requirements for the accreditation of certification bodies. This accreditation is carried out by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) and presupposes certain requirements for the qualification of auditors and certification bodies. The Federal Network Agency sets deadlines for the implementation of new regulatory requirements, such as the deadline of March 31, 2024 for self-certification and proof in certain cases.
With these comprehensive tasks and powers, the Federal Network Agency ensures that the certification processes in the energy sector are carried out uniformly, transparently and in accordance with legal requirements. It therefore makes a significant contribution to the security and reliability of the energy supply in Germany.
The system certificate for grid stability & security
System certificates make a decisive contribution to grid stability and the secure integration of PV systems into the German electricity grid. The simplified Type B certificate is an attractive option for medium-sized systems, which can benefit from reduced inspection requirements, lower costs and a more flexible planning process. The comprehensive Type A certificate secures the operation of larger systems and ensures compliance with the highest technical and regulatory requirements.
However, this process involves considerable effort for system planners: the detailed tests, compliance with comprehensive technical specifications and documentation require careful planning and often the involvement of specialized expertise. The certification process itself is complex and involves a significant amount of resources and time, which can have a considerable impact on project costs and planning reliability. CUBE CONCEPTS handles all coordination with the grid operator up to certification and declaration of conformity for all PV projects for the client.