The NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors), in collaboration with key industry partners, has today jointly published a position paper addressing the application of the RC62 guidance on fire safety in rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. 

The document was authored by Bauder Head of Sustainability, Tom Raftery, on behalf of NFRC, BFRA, GRO, LRWA, MAC, Solar Energy UK, and SPRA.

The position paper sets out the roofing industry’s considered response to RC62, advocating for a more nuanced and risk-based interpretation, particularly in relation to flat roofing systems. It calls for design decisions to be grounded in whole-system performance and real-world test data, rather than rigid material classifications.

The publication follows extensive engagement by NFRC and partners with the RISCAuthority, which has now agreed to revise the RC62 guidance. A formal consultation on the updated version is currently open, although the revised guidance is not expected to be published for some time.

Commenting on the publication, Gary Walpole, NFRC’s Technical, Safety, Health and Environment Officer, said, “NFRC is proud to support the development of this position paper, ensuring that flat roofs are appropriately considered within solar PV fire safety guidance. As solar becomes exponentially more widespread, we must ensure that guidance remains up to date and accessible.”