GUIDANCE NOTES FOR

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

SYSTEM INSTALLATION
January 2019

1 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation

 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)
SYSTEM INSTALLATION
January 2019
DISCLAIMER

T he Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region does not

accept any liability and responsibility for loss or damage caused due to
reliance on any information or omission in the publication.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

T he content of this publication, including but not limited to all text,

graphics, drawings, diagrams, photographs and compilation of data or
other materials are protected by copyright. The Government of the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region is the owner of all copyright works contained
in this publication. Any infringement of copyright, including but not limited
to reproduction, adaptation, distribution, dissemination or making available
of such copyright works to the public is strictly prohibited unless prior
written authorisation is obtained from the Electrical and Mechanical Services
Department.

Chinese version
https://re.emsd.gov.hk/tc_chi/files/PVGuidanceNotes.pdf
English version
https://re.emsd.gov.hk/english/files/PVGuidanceNotes.pdf
Table of Contents
1 Foreword 1

2 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations 3

3 Introduction 6

4 Major Components of Solar PV System 8

4.1 Solar PV Panel 9

4.2 Inverter 10

5 Installation Requirements 11

5.1 General Requirements 12

5.2 Installation of Solar PV Systems in New Territories Exempted Houses 13
(NTEH) (commonly known as village houses)
5.3 Installation of Solar PV Systems in Private Buildings 15
5.4 Installation of Solar PV Systems in Idle Land 16
5.5 Other Suggestions for Consideration 17

6 Regulatory Requirements 18

6.1 Requirements in relation to Electricity Safety 19

6.2 Requirements in relation to Building Safety 20
6.3 Recommendations in relation to Fire Safety 21
6.4 Requirements in relation to Business Registration and Tax Return 22
Table of Contents

7 Operation and Maintenance 23

8 Outline of Application Procedures of Feed-in Tariff (FiT) 25

9 Local and Overseas Standards 27

10 Enquires 29

Appendices 31

Appendix 1 32
Flowchart for Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems in New Territories
Exempted Houses (NTEH) (commonly known as village houses)

Appendix 2 34
Flowchart for Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Private Buildings

Appendix 3 36
Flowchart on key application procedures involved in applying for Feed-in Tariff (FiT)

Appendix 4 37
Local and Overseas Standards and Best Practices
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM INSTALLATION

1 FOREWORD
 1 FOREWORD

1.1 To assist the public to better understand the issues related to solar PV system
installations and the FiT application procedures, a Working Group was
formed in 2018 with members from Environment Bureau (ENB), Electrical
and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), Lands Department (LandsD),
Planning Department (PlanD), Buildings Department (BD) and Fire Services
Department (FSD) to develop the Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
System Installation.
1.2 This set of Guidance Notes (hereinafter referred to as "the Notes") provides
general guidelines for intending purchasers, owners and installers of solar
PV systems to understand the installation requirements and FiT application
procedures associated with the installation, operation and maintenance of
such systems.
1.3 The intending purchasers, owners and installers may also make reference
to "Technical Guidelines on Grid Connection of Renewable Energy Power
Systems" which explains the technical issues and the application procedures
relating to grid connection of small-scale renewable energy installations. The
technical guidelines can be downloaded from the website of the Electrical
and Mechanical Services Department at
www.emsd.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_299/TG_Grid_Connection_
Renewable_Energy_Power_Systems.pdf.
1.4 The Notes will be reviewed regularly. The EMSD welcomes suggestions for
improving the Notes.
First issue : October 2018
This revision : January 2019

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2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
AND ABBREVIATIONS
 2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND
ABBREVIATIONS
Terms Definition
Approved loading The maximum current demand approved by a power company
in respect of a fixed electrical installation.
Aggregated Power The arithmetic sum of the power rating of each item of power
Rating generating equipment of all the Renewable Energy Power
Systems (REPSs) installed in each location or in each building,
irrespective of whether they are installed by the landlord or
tenants.
Authorized Person It means a person whose name is on the authorized persons' register
kept under section 3(1) of the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123)-
(a) as an architect;
(b) as an engineer; or
(c) as a surveyor.
CoP The current revised edition of the Code of Practice for the
Electricity (Wiring) Regulations issued by the Electrical and
Mechanical Services Department.
Distribution System The on-site 220/380V low-voltage electricity supply network
operated by the site owner or the site management team.
Electrical equipment Machines, transformers, apparatus, appliances, measuring
instruments, protective devices, wiring materials, accessories,
fittings and similar things, used for generation, conversion,
transmission, distribution, control, measurement or utilisation of
electrical energy.
Electrical installation An assembly of associated electrical equipment.
Electricity Ordinance Chapter 406 of the Laws of Hong Kong, which is enforced by
the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department regulating
electrical safety.
Electrical work Work in relation to the installation, commissioning, inspection,
testing, maintenance, modification or repair of a low voltage
or high voltage fixed electrical installation and includes the
supervision and certification of that work and the certification
of design of that installation.

4 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation

 2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND
ABBREVIATIONS
Terms Definition
Fixed electrical A low or high voltage electrical installation that is fixed to
installation premises but does not include any electrical equipment that is
supplied with electricity after passing through a socket of the
installation at which the supply can be disconnected without
the use of a tool.
Grid The 220/380V low-voltage electricity supply network operated
by the power companies.
Owner (a) A person who is in possession or control of an electrical
(Note: The installation; and
interpretation on the (b) A person who holds premises in which an electrical
right is only applicable installation is located, whether the premises are held under
to electrical lease, licence or otherwise and includes an agent of that
installations) person and a tenant or occupier of premises.
Registered Electrical An electrical contractor registered under section 33 of the
Contractor Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 406).
Registered Electrical An electrical worker registered under section 30 of the
Worker Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 406).
New Territories NTEH generally refer to those village houses situated in the
Exempted Houses New Territories which by virtue of the Buildings Ordinance
(NTEH) ( commonly (Application to the New Territories) Ordinance are exempted
known as village from certain provisions of the Buildings Ordinance and its
houses) subsidiary regulations, including the need for obtaining prior
approval for and consent to the commencement of works from
the BD. NTEH are in general designed and built in compliance
with the exemption criteria in respect of the height and roofed-
over area, etc. stipulated in the Buildings Ordinance (Application
to the New Territories) which thus qualify them for exemption.
For example, new housing should be of not more than 3 storeys
and of a height of not more than 8.23 m (about 27 feet) and
with a roofed-over area not exceeding 65.03 m2 (about 700
square feet).

5 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR
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3 INTRODUCTION
 3 INTRODUCTION

3.1 In the post-2018 Scheme of Control Agreements (SCAs), Feed-in Tariff

(FiT) is one of the new initiatives to be introduced to help encourage the
private sector to consider investing in Renewable Energy (RE) as the power
generated could be sold to the power companies at a rate higher than the
normal electricity tariff rate to help recover the costs of investment in the RE
systems and generation. Taking into consideration the RE potential in Hong
Kong, FiT will be offered to solar PV systems as well as wind power systems.
3.2 Except for government bodies, all customers of the power companies
who plan to install solar PV systems and/ or wind power systems with
a generating capacity of up to 1 MW at their premises in the respective
power company's supply area are eligible for prescribed FiT rates from that
power company based on the units of electricity generated, as long as the
distributed RE systems are connected to the grid of the relevant power
company subject to FiT Terms and Conditions. RE systems with a generating
capacity exceeding 1 MW will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
3.3 It is not allowed to connect the REPS with any non-renewable energy source
or energy storage facility, which will affect the reading of the FiT meter for
measuring electricity generated from the REPS. Based on this principle, any
energy storage facility must not be connected on the REPS side before the
FiT meter.
3.4 Capital cost of Solar PV systems varies according to the generating capacity
and PV panel technology. Generally speaking, the capital cost of a solar
PV system is around tens of thousands dollars per kilowatt, covering costs
of labour and inspection, structural support, inverter, PV modules and
associated electrical installations, etc.

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4 MAJOR COMPONENTS
OF SOLAR PV SYSTEM
 4 MAJOR COMPONENTS OF
SOLAR PV SYSTEM
4.1 Solar PV Panel
(i) In general, the solar PV panels that can be found in the market
are built up by three major types of solar cells (or solar modules) –
monocrystalline cells, polycrystalline cells or thin film cells. The
energy conversion efficiency and price of the three types of solar PV
panels are different. Intending purchasers, owners and installers may
purchase the appropriate type of solar PV panels according to the
design of solar PV system and their budget. In general, the energy
conversion efficiency and the cost of monocrystalline cells are higher
than the other two.
(ii) When purchasing solar PV panels, intending purchasers, owners
and installers should select the solar PV panels designed and
manufactured according to relevant international standards or
specifications, and so certified by the recognised organisations or
relevant testing and certification authorities. Intending purchasers,
owners and installers may request suppliers to provide certificates
for the design and safety standards of the solar PV panels and other
key components, and confirm that the product has met the relevant
international standards and provide appropriate period of warranty.

9 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation

 4 MAJOR COMPONENTS OF
SOLAR PV SYSTEM
4.2 Inverter
(i) Inverter is a key component of a solar PV system. Inverter converts
the output direct current (DC) of solar PV panel array into alternating
current (AC). The isolation transformer installed inside or outside
the inverter helps to prevent the injection of DC into the distribution
system.
(ii) Inverter should incorporate various functions, such as a power
conditioning function to control the harmonic currents and the
output power factor of the RE system; adjusting the voltage and
ensuring the safe operation of the RE system, etc. For further details
of the various functions, please refer to the "Technical Guidelines on
Grid Connection of Renewable Energy Power Systems", which can
be downloaded from the website of the Electrical and Mechanical
Services Department.
(iii) When purchasing inverters, intending purchasers, owners and
installers should select the inverters designed and manufactured
according to relevant international standards or specifications, and
so certified by the recognised organisations or relevant testing and
certification authorities. Intending purchasers, owners and installers
may request suppliers to provide certificates for the design and safety
standards of the inverters and other key components, and confirm
that the product has met the relevant international standards and
provide appropriate period of warranty.

10 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation

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5 INSTALLATION
REQUIREMENTS
 5 INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

5.1 General Requirements

(i) The power output of a solar PV system will be affected by a
series of factors including the installation location, orientation,
solar irradiation, solar PV panel efficiency, the design and
installation method of the solar PV system.
(ii) Solar PV systems should be installed on the roof and/ or open
areas which should be a structurally sound area and these areas
should be unshaded from adjacent structures, buildings and
trees. Extra space should be reserved for the installation of
inverters and related equipment and for maintenance. To obtain
the optimum power output, it is recommended that solar PV
panels should be installed at a tilting angle between 14 o and 22 o
facing south.
(iii) Installation of solar PV Systems in New Territories Exempted
Houses (NTEH) (commonly known as village houses) should be
carried out in accordance with the requirements given in item
5.2. For solar PV system in other private buildings, supporting
structure is building works under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap.
123). Any person who intends to carry out the relevant building
works shall comply with the requirements under that Ordinance,
details given in item 5.3.
(iv) For those solar PV systems involved low/high voltage electrical
installation, the owner should employ a Registered Electrical
Contractor (REC) to carry out the related electrical work, and the
Registered Electrical Worker (REW) employed by the REC should
follow the technical guidelines of the CoP to carry out the work.
(v) Generally speaking, the Aggregated Power Rating of PV system
should be within the approved loading.

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5.2 Installation of Solar PV Systems in New Territories Exempted Houses

(NTEH) (commonly known as village houses)
(i) According to the Lands Department (LandsD)'s and Buildings
Department (BD)'s policy on Green and Amenity Facilities in
NTEH, a resident may retain the existing solar PV systems or
install solar PV systems on the rooftop and stairhood of village
houses without the need to obtain prior approval from the
LandsD or BD provided that the installations comply with the
prescribed dimensions and weight, which have been given in the
booklets "Building New Territories Exempted Houses" published
by the LandsD or "Village Houses without unauthorised building
works put your mind at ease!" published by the BD.
As announced in the 2018 Policy Address, subject to fulfilment
of specified conditions, the height restriction in relation to
installation of solar PV systems at the rooftop of NTEH is relaxed
to 2.5m. Such conditions include, for such facilities (including
the supporting structure) installed on the main roof, the average
loading imposed should not exceed 150kg/m 2. For such facilities
(including the supporting structure) installed on the roof of
stairhood, the average loading imposed should not exceed 75kg/
m 2. For details, please refer to Appendix 1.
The solar PV system should be properly installed and should not
adversely affect the structural safety of the building. For system
exceeding 1.5m high measured from the roof level, it should be
certified by an Authorized Person registered under the Buildings
O rd i n a n c e f o r s u b m i s s i o n o f a s a f e t y c e r t i f i c a t e t o L a n d s
Department for record.

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 5 INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

(ii) If the garden adjacent to a village house is privately owned

or situated on a site under short term tenancy which is in
conformity / compliance with the relevant land use and lease or
tenancy conditions and if the relevant building works are minor
works, (i.e. Minor Works Item No. 1.19 (https://www.bd.gov.hk/
en/building-works/minor-works/minor-works-items/index_mwcs_
item1_19.html) or 3.15 (https://www.bd.gov.hk/en/building-
works/minor-works/minor-works-items/index_mwcs_item3_15.
html), the landlord or tenant concerned should appoint qualified
persons to carry out erection of supporting structure for solar
PV systems through the simplified requirements under the Minor
Works Control System of the BD to ensure compliance with the
requirements of the Buildings Ordinance.
(iii) If the building works involved are not exempted building works
or minor works items, the building owner or tenant concerned
should appoint an authorized person to submit building plans to
the BD in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance and proceed
with the works after obtaining prior approval for and consent to
the commencement of works.
(iv) Generally speaking, if the installation of solar PV system on the
rooftop is primarily an ancillary facility for supplementing power
supply to the village houses, it is not in contravention of the
relevant planned use.
(v) The flowchart of Installation of Solar PV Systems in NTEHs
(commonly known as village houses) is attached in Appendix 1
for reference.

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5.3 Installation of Solar PV Systems in Private Buildings

(i) If the installation of solar PV systems on private buildings are
minor works (i.e. Minor Works Items 1.19(https://www.bd.gov.
hk/en/building-works/minor-works/minor-works-items/index_
m w c s _ i t e m 1 _ 1 9 . h t m l ) o r 3 . 1 5 ( h t t p s : / / w w w. b d . g o v. h k / e n /
building-works/minor-works/minor-works-items/index_mwcs_
item3_15.html) , the building owner or tenant concerned
may appoint qualified persons to carry out the erection of
supporting structure for solar PV systems through the simplified
requirements under the Minor Works Control System of the BD
to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Buildings
Ordinance.
(ii) If the building works involved are not exempted works or minor
works items, the building owner or tenant concerned should
appoint an authorized person and submit building plans to the
BD in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance. Building works
can only be carried out after obtaining prior approval for and
consent to the commencement of works from the BD.
(iii) Generally speaking, if installation of solar PV system on the
rooftops of private buildings is primarily an ancillary facility for
supplementing power supply to the buildings or the households
therein, it is not in contravention of the relevant planned use.
(iv) The installation of solar PV systems in existing buildings
should conform / comply with the relevant land use and lease
conditions. Otherwise, applications should be submitted to the
LandsD subject to land lease conditions.
(v) The flowchart of Installation of Solar PV Systems in Private
Buildings is attached in Appendix 2 for reference.

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 5 INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

5.4 Installation of Solar PV Systems in Idle Land

(i) If the idle land is privately owned or within an area of short term
tenancy which is in conformity / compliance with the relevant
land use and lease or tenancy conditions and if the relevant
building works are minor works (i.e. Minor Works Item No.
1.19 (https://www.bd.gov.hk/en/building-works/minor-works/
minor-works-items/index_mwcs_item1_19.html) or 3.15 (https://
www.bd.gov.hk/en/building-works/minor-works/minor-works-
items/index_mwcs_item3_15.html) , the relevant landlord or
tenant should appoint qualified persons to carry out erection of
supporting structure for solar PV systems through the simplified
requirements under the Minor Works Control System of the BD
to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Buildings
Ordinance.
(ii) If the building works involved are not exempted building works
or minor works items, the landlord or tenant concerned should
appoint an authorized person to submit building plans to the BD
in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance. The works should be
commenced only after obtaining prior approval for and consent
to the commencement of works from the BD.
(iii) Generally speaking, if the solar PV systems are installed as
a stand-alone facility on idle land, it would be regarded as
"Public Utility Installation". "Public Utility Installation" is
always permitted in "Commercial", "Government, Institution
o r C o m m u n i t y " , S c h e d u l e I I o f " R e s i d e n t i a l ( G ro u p E ) " ,
"Industrial", "Industrial (Group D)", "Open Storage", "Other
Specified Uses (Business)", "Other Specified Uses (Industrial
Estate)" and Schedule I and Schedule III of "Other Specified Uses
(Mixed Use)" zones.
(iv) The wavier application fee for setting up solar PV systems on
private agricultural land is set according to the established fee
level of the LandsD, and the fee for individual site depends on
factors like its size, location and the land lease terms. Therefore,
it is difficult to generalise the fees required.

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5.5 Other Suggestions for Consideration

(i) EMSD has conducted surveys on the equipment suppliers and
installation contractors of solar PV systems and associated
equipment in Hong Kong. According to the response received,
information on the suppliers and contractors is set out in the
"RE Equipment Suppliers Survey Returns Summary" and "RE
Installation Contractors Survey Returns Summary". For details,
please refer to the following links:

RE Equipment Suppliers Survey Returns Summary

http://re.emsd.gov.hk/english/gen/gother/gother_equ.html
RE Installation Contractors Survey Returns Summary
http://re.emsd.gov.hk/english/gen/gother/gother_EL.html

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6 REGULATORY
REQUIREMENTS
 6 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Requirements in relation to Electricity Safety

(i) Installation of solar PV System involved low/high voltage electrical
installation is electrical work. In accordance with the Electricity Ordinance
(EO, Cap. 406), the electrical work shall be carried out by a REC, and
the REW employed by the REC should follow the technical guidelines of
the CoP to carry out the related electrical work. In addition, the solar PV
system shall comply with the relevant technical requirements of the EO
and the CoP.
(ii) In accordance with section 21 of the EO (Cap. 406), the owner of a
generating facility that is used to produce electricity at low voltage or
high voltage shall register it with the Director of Electrical and Mechanical
Services (the Director) unless it:
(a) forms part of an electrical installation that requires a periodic test
certificate (i.e.WR2) to be submitted to the Director under the EO;
(b) only supplies electricity to an electrical installation that is owned by
the owner of the generating facility;
(c) is used on an aircraft;
(d) is used on a watercraft;
(e) is used on a hovercraft;
(f) is on a land vehicle where the facility is not connected to a wiring
installation outside the vehicle; or
(g) is used in construction work as defined and regulated under the
Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance (Cap. 59)
Therefore, in a general village house or a building, if the Renewable
Energy Power System connected with power grid which forms part of an
electrical installation of maximum demand smaller than 100A (not belong
to an electrical installation that requires a periodic test certificate
(WR2)), the owner of the Renewable Energy Power System shall
register the facility with the Director. The registration fee is $640.
The application form and other details can be found on EMSD's
website. (https://www.emsd.gov.hk/en/electricity_safety/how_to_
apply/registration_for_generating_facility/index.html).

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6.2 Requirements in relation to Building Safety

(i) NTEH
NTEH are generally designed and built in compliance with the exemption
criteria stipulated under the Buildings Ordinance (Application to New
Territories) which thus qualify them from exemption from certain
provisions of the Buildings Ordinance and its subsidiary regulations,
including the need for obtaining prior approval for and consent to the
commencement of works from the BD. The BD has no record of the
building developments and approved plans of the buildings. Since design,
construction and conditions of individual NTEH are different, owners
should consult building professional before considering installation of
solar PV system in NTEH and such facilities should not adversely affect
structural safety of the building.
(ii) Private Buildings
For installation of supporting structure for solar PV system, detailed
requirements are given in item 5.3(i), (ii) and (v).
Generally speaking, the erection of supporting structure for solar PV
system should comply with the building safety requirements under
the Buildings Ordinance and its allied regulations. The solar PV system
and associated supporting structure should not cause overloading to
the building and not affect the means of escape in case of fire. If the
structure is erected on the roof which has been designed as a refuge
floor, adequate refuge area should be maintained and proper fire
separation should be allowed. In addition, the structure should not affect
the drainage and waterproofing system on the roof.
Furthermore, owners and occupants are also advised to check any
restrictions as may be stipulated in the Deed of Mutual Covenant, and
to obtain the agreement from the Owners' Corporation, Mutual Aid
Committee or the management company prior to the carrying out of the
installation works for solar PV system.

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6.3 Recommendations in relation to Fire Safety

6.3.1 For Installation of Solar PV Systems in Private Buildings, the fire
safety recommendation is as follows:
A dry powder type fire extinguisher is provided.
6.3.2 For Installation of Solar PV Systems in Idle Land, the fire safety
recommendation is as follows:
A dry powder type fire extinguisher is provided.
6.3.3 For Installation of Solar PV Systems in New Territories Exempted
Houses (NTEH) (commonly known as village houses), the fire
safety recommendations are as follows:
(i) Should the subject NTEH have a side(s) facing well-defined
Emergency Vehicular Access (EVA)/main road/village passageway,
etc., at least one side of the roof facing such passageway
should be free from installation of PV panels by maintaining a
setback of not less than 1050mm* (measured from the edge
of parapet wall). In addition, a passageway with a width of not
less than 1050mm* leading from the roof exit to that side of the
aforementioned roof should be maintained.
(ii) If the NTEH is not facing well-defined EVA/main road/village
passageway, at least one side of the roof not abutting adjoining
building should be free from installation of PV panels by
maintaining a setback of not less than 1050mm* (measured
from the edge of parapet wall). In addition, a passageway with
a width of not less than 1050mm* leading from the roof exit to
that side of the aforementioned roof should be maintained.
(iii) A dry powder type fire extinguisher is provided.

* Reference is made to Table B2, Part B, Code of Practice for Fire

Safety in Buildings 2011 (October 2015 version)
https://www.bd.gov.hk/doc/en/about-us/fs_code2011.pdf

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6.4 Requirements in relation to Business Registration and Tax Return

(i) As announced in the Policy Agenda under the 2018 Policy Address, ENB
proposes that individuals (not in the course of business) who install small-
scale RE systems at their residential premises would be exempted from
the requirement of applying for business registration and the payment of
profits tax in respect of the FiT payments received through participation in
the FiT Scheme. ENB will submit legislative amendment proposals to the
Legislative Council in this regard. Before the passage of the amendment
legislation, the aforementioned individuals are not required to apply for
business registration from the Inland Revenue Department or report FiT
payments in their tax returns in respect of their participation in the FiT
Scheme. Individuals who are not covered by the proposed exemption
should apply for business registration and report FiT payments in their tax
returns in accordance with the Business Registration Ordinance and the
Inland Revenue Ordinance respectively.
(ii) Any corporation or partnership participating in the FiT Scheme in
the course of a business, or participating in the FiT Scheme for profit
purposes is required to apply for a business registration and report in the
tax return FiT payments derived from selling units of electricity generated
by the RE systems to the power companies.
(iii) To encourage the business community to adopt environmental protection
installations, since the year of assessment 2008-09, pursuant to Section
16I of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), profits tax deduction
has been allowed for the capital expenditure on such installations.
As mentioned in the 2018-19 Budget, the Government will further
enhance tax concessions for capital expenditure incurred by enterprises
in procuring eligible energy efficient building installations and renewable
energy devices by allowing tax deduction to be claimed in full in one year
instead of the current time frame of five years. (Details can be referred
to press release issued by the Government of HKSAR dated 1 March
2018) http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201803/01/P2018030100661.
htm?fontSize=1

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7 OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE
 7 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

7.1 Solar PV system is classified as a generating facility. The Owner shall comply
with the maintenance requirement of generating facility under the Electricity
Ordinance and its subsidiary regulations.
7.2 The owner of a solar PV system should follow the operation and
maintenance instructions as specified in the installation guidelines and
technical manuals provided by the manufacturer/ supplier. The owner should
properly store and keep all the technical documents for future reference.
7.3 The owner should arrange regular inspections and routine maintenance and
functional check of the solar PV system including solar PV panel, inverter
and their supporting structure in accordance with the technical documents
provided by the manufacturer/supplier.
7.4 Dust or dirt on the surface of the solar PV panels reduce the amount of
electricity generated. It is recommended that the owner should perform
simple cleaning work on a regular basis.
7.5 Regarding the electrical work in related to the solar PV system (including
inspection, maintenance, repair of relevant fixed electrical installation
etc.), the owner should employ a REC to carry out the work, and the REW
employed by the REC should follow the technical guidelines of the CoP to
carry out the relevant electrical work.
7.6 It is recommended that the public may request contractors to offer at least
one-year defect liability period (DLP) after project completion on the terms
of the solar PV project contract. After the expiry of the DLP, the public
may decide whether to entrust the original contractor or hire another new
contractor to provide the maintenance service.
7.7 The public should also note that under section 22 of the Electricity
Ordinance (Cap. 406), the owner of a registered generation facility shall
maintain the generation facility in continuous safe working order, and
display at the facility a notice showing the name and registration number
of the REC employed for maintaining the facility in continuous safe working
order.

24 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM INSTALLATION

8 OUTLINE OF
APPLICATION
PROCEDURES OF
FEED-IN TARIFF (FiT)
 8 OUTLINE OF APPLICATION
PROCEDURES OF FEED-
IN TARIFF (FiT)
8.1 While the requirements applicable to a particular RE system would depend on
individual circumstances, a flowchart of the key application procedures involved
in applying for FiT is attached in Appendix 3 for reference.

26 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM INSTALLATION

9 LOCAL AND
OVERSEAS
STANDARDS
 9 LOCAL AND
OVERSEAS STANDARDS
9.1 A list of local and overseas standards, codes and best practices relating
to solar PV system is given in Appendix 4 as reference.

28 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM INSTALLATION

10 ENQUIRES
 10 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

EMSD RE Helpdesk
Tel. : 6395 2930
Fax : 2890 6081
E-mail : eepublic@emsd.gov.hk
Website : re.emsd.gov.hk

CLP Power Hong Kong Limited

Tel. : 2678 0322
Fax : 2678 6368
E-mail : csd@clp.com.hk
Website : www.clp.com.hk

The Hongkong Electric Co., Limited

Tel. : 2843 3228
E-mail : RE@hkelectric.com
Website : www.hkelectric.com

30 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM INSTALLATION

APPENDICES
 APPENDIX Flow Chart for Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems in
1 New Territories Exempted Houses (NTEH)
( commonly known as village houses)

Plan to install solar PV systems in NTEH

Owners are advised not to install solar PV systems

Whether the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System satisfies the following requirements: - No
as the supporting frame may be regarded as
System on main roof unauthorized buildings works.
(a) The system including its supporting structure should not be higher than 2.5m
measured from the roof level.
End
(b) The average loading imposed should not exceed 150kg/m2.
(c) It should not project more than 750mm from the external wall.
Yes
(d) For system arranged in the form of continuous spread covering, its coverage
(only the coverage area within the building is accounted) should not be more
than half of the roofed-over area of the NTEH. Appoint Registered Electrical Contractor to carry out the installation
(e) For system arranged in clusters, each cluster should have coverage of not more
than 5m2 (only the coverage area within the building is accounted) and should
be separated from each other by not less than 1m.
Application to the Power Company
System on roof of stairhood
(f) The system including its supporting structure should not be higher than 1.5m
measured from the level of the roof of the stairhood. Commencement of Works
(g) The average loading imposed should not exceed 75kg/m2.
(h) It should not project more than 750mm from the edge of the roof.
Common requirements
(i) The roof on which the system would be installed should be cleared of all Power Company Submit generating facility registration application (Form GF1,
unauthorised building works (UBWs), including those acknowledged by the Inspection or other (https://www.emsd.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_1305/
Buildings Department (BD) under the Reporting Scheme for UBWs in NTEHs arrangement for site test GF_registration_form.pdf)) to EMSD (as applicable).
implemented by BD.
(j) The space underneath the system should not be enclosed^.
(k) It should be properly installed and should not adversely affect the structural
safety of the building. For system exceeding 1.5m high measured from the
Submit a safety certificate+ signed by an Authorized Person certifying that the system
roof level, it should be certified by an Authorized Person registered under
has been properly installed and has not adversely affected the structural safety of
the Buildings Ordinance (BO) for submission of a safety certificate+ to Lands
the building to LandsD if the system is exceeding 1.5m high measured from the roof
Department for record.
level. (+ The safety certificate (Form C/PVS) is available at Lands Department and
(l) Such facilities should not be installed on the canopy.
all N.T. District Lands Offices. It can also be downloaded from Lands Department's
^ If the space is enclosed, BD will take enforcement action under the BO website (http://www.landsd.gov.hk).)

End

32 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation 33
 APPENDIX Flow Chart for Installation of
2 Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Private Buildings

Plan to install solar PV panels on -grade or on a slab of an existing building other than NTEH

Does it involve erection of an ancillary plant house on roof or outside the building?
Yes
No

Is the height of supporting structure for solar PV panel more than 1.5m?
Yes
Minor Works Control System is not applicable. Approval and
or Is it required to erect supporting structure on a cantilevered slab?
consent are required from the BD before the commencement of
or Is it required to carry out strengthening / alteration of other structural element?
the works.
No

Any of the modules of the solar PV system is more than 200kg in weight Yes

No
MW item 1.19
MW item 3.15 Appoint PBP and PRC (a RGBC or a RMWC registered for Type A or E under Class I), and PBP to
Appoint PRC (a RGBC, or a RMWC registered for Type A or E under Class I / II / III, submit Form MW01 (https://eform1.bd.gov.hk/GetForm.aspx?FN=m/MW01), site photographs,
or a RMWC registered for MW item 3.15) prescribed plans and details at least 7 days before commencement of works

Appoint REC to carry out the related electrical work. Application to the Power Company Appoint REC to carry out the related electrical work. Application to the Power Company

Commencement of works Commencement of works

Power Company Submit generating facility registration application (Form GF1, Power Company Submit generating facility registration application (Form GF1,
Inspection or other (https://www.emsd.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_1305/GF_ Inspection or other (https://www.emsd.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_1305/GF_
arrangement for site test registration_form.pdf) to EMSD (as applicable) arrangement for site test registration_form.pdf)) to EMSD (as applicable)

PRC to submit Form MW05 (https://eform1.bd.gov.hk/GetForm.aspx?FN=m/MW05),

PBP to submit Form MW02 (https://eform1.bd.gov.hk/GetForm.aspx?FN=m/MW02),
photographs showing the physical condition immediately before the commencement
photographs showing the works as completed, and revised prescribed plans & details
& after the completion, and plan/ description of works showing the works as
(if the works as completed are different from the previous submission) documents to
completed to BD within 14 days after completion of works
BD within 14 days after completion of works

End
End
34 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation 35
 APPENDIX Flowchart on key application procedures
3 involved in applying for Feed-in Tariff (FiT)

Application for Grid Connection and FiT

Application and Document Submission to

the Power Companies
CLP: Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff
https://www.clp.com.hk/en/community-and-environment/
renewable-schemes/feed-in-tariff
HKE: FiT Scheme
https://www.hkelectric.com/en/customer-services/smart-
power-services/feed-in-tariff-scheme

Technical Assessment by the Power Companies

System Installation

On-site Check, FiT Meter Installation, Grid

Connection by the Power Companies

Please refer to the power companies' websites or

contact them for further information:
CLP hotline: 2678 0322
HKE hotline: 2843 3228

36 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation

 APPENDIX Local and Overseas Standards and
4 Best Practices

Local codes and rules Some IEC standards relating to PV systems :

Standards/Guides/ Title
Title
Recommendations
Code of Practice for Electricity (Wiring) Regulations, EMSD
IEC 60364-7-712 Low voltage electrical installations - Part 7-712:
Supply Rules of The Hongkong Electric Company, Limited Requirements for special installations or
locations -
Supply Rules of CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems

IEC 61724 Photovoltaic system performance

Major IEC standards for certification of
crystalline PV modules and amorphous PV modules : IEC 61727 Photovoltaic (PV) systems -
Characteristics of the utility interface
Standards/Guides/ Title
Recommendations IEC 62116 Utility-interconnected photovoltaic inverters -
Testing procedure of islanding prevention
IEC 61215 Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules -
measures
Design qualification and type approval
IEC 62446 Photovoltaic (PV) systems –
IEC 61730 Photovoltaic (PV) module safety
Requirements for testing,
qualification
documentation and maintenance
Major IEC standards for certification of Inverters:
Major Chinese National Standards (Guobiao) for certification of
Standards/Guides/ Title crystalline PV modules and amorphous PV modules
Recommendations

IEC 62109 Safety of power converters for use in Standards/Guides/ Title

photovoltaic power systems Recommendations

GB/T 9535-1998 Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV)

modules -
Design qualification and type approval

GB/T 18911-2002 Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules -

Design qualification and type approval

37 Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation 38
香港九龍啟成街 3號

3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong

電 話 Tel. : (852) 2808 3465 傳 真 Fax : (852) 2890 6081
網 址 Website: http://www.emsd.gov.hk
電 郵 Email: eepublic@emsd.gov.hk