SolarDock Canada is pleased to report that tests, conducted by TUV Rheinland PTL, earned its racking system a 'Class A' Fire Rating. SolarDock's unique pan-based patented design for solar module mounting successfully resisted the spread of fire on a rooftop by more than 60%, and prevented burning debris from falling onto the test roof deck.

Based on the California Building Standards Code, that became effective January 1, 2014, fire test regulations recently enacted by the State of California now limit the installation of roof-mounted solar systems only to those combining 'Class A' racking systems.

"Rooftop mounted photovoltaic panels and modules (systems) shall be tested, listed and identified with a fire classification in accordance with Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) 1703 Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels, and its associated 2703 Standard for Rack Mounting Systems and Clamping Devices for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels". These TUV results earn SolarDock a 'Class A' Fire Rating for the Fire Resistance Test.

"Rooftop solar arrays, whether ballasted or anchored, typically reduce a roof's fire rating to a 'Class C' by changing how a fire spreads across the roof" according to Nigel Etherington, Principal at Planet & Company, an independent consulting firm. "Regardless of when regulations in other jurisdictions' follow California's lead, SolarDock's ability to 'upgrade' a PV system to a 'Class A' Fire Rating must make it a primary racking system consideration in any building."

SolarDock achieved its 'Class A' Fire Rating in combination with the Motech 'Class C' panel to rate as a 'Class A' fire rated system. This configuration is the industry's only high-performance solar power system to achieve a 'Class A' Fire Rating that meets all the IBC 2012 and 2015 code requirements for rooftop PV and California's new building code requirements. These become mandatory for installations in California after January 1, 2015.

"We currently have SolarDock installed on over 200 schools within the Province of Ontario. This new 'Class A' Fire Rating furthers SolarDock's reputation as the most safe, secure and cost-effective racking system on the market." said Chris White, General Manager SolarDock Canada. "We encourage other institutional, commercial and educational building or PV system owner-operators to reconsider the importance of fire-safety standards when installing a solar PV system."

SolarDock® Canada
www.solardockcanada.ca