Green light for your mains connection
Plant certification
According to the German Regulation on Providing Evidence of Electrotechnical Characteristics (NELEV), depending on the agreed real power of the connection, a plant certificate must be presented for connecting a local power plant to the mains in Germany. This applies to both new plants and to extensions or significant technical changes to existing plants with one or more generation units on a shared mains connection point.
Plant certificates for all local power plants
As an accredited certification body, MKH Greenergy Cert GmbH issues plant certificates for all types of local power plants – regardless of technology (wind, solar, combustion engine/CHP unit, storage system) or connected voltage (medium, high and extra-high voltage network).
Guidelines for plant certification
Plants are certified according to the Technical Guidelines for Generation Units and Power Plants, Part 8: “Certification of Electrical Properties of Generation Units and Power Plants, Storage Systems and their Components on the Energy Grid” (FGW TR8). The certification confirms compliance with the electrical requirements at the mains connection point according to the requirements of each grid operator and according to the latest technical guidelines:
- VDE-AR-N 4110 – Connecting to a medium voltage network
- VDE-AR-N 4120 – Connecting to a high voltage network
- VDE-AR-N 4130 – Connecting to an extra-high voltage network
What certification processes are there for power plants?
The type of plant certification you need depends on the real power of the connection of the entire power plant agreed on with the grid operator at the mains connection point. The following plant certificates are available:
- Plant certificate Type A (for power plants with real connection power of ≥ 950 kW)
- Plant certificate Type B (for power plants with real connection power of ≥ 135 kW and < 950 kW)
- Plant certificate Type C (individual evidence process)
What are the necessary inspections for power plants?
The analyses in the plant certificate are based on the electrical planning of the power plant in conjunction with the type certificates for the generation units and components. You will receive a checklist from the certification body prior to the certification so that you can put together all the documents and information required for the inspection of the power plant. Based on the documents submitted, the electrical behaviour of the power plant is then calculated using static and dynamic simulations. The results of this evaluation are subsequently presented in an inspection report. If the assessment produces a positive result, a plant certificate will be issued confirming that the plant satisfies the applicable technical guidelines and conditions of connection. This certificate also acts as evidence that can be submitted to the grid operator to demonstrate that the planning of the power plant conforms to the guidelines.
What is the deadline for submitting the certificate to the grid operator?
Generally speaking, the plant certificate needs to be submitted to the grid operator in good time before the power plant is put into operation. Ask the relevant grid operator for the exact deadline. Our tip: for a smooth certification process, we recommend commissioning plant certification from MKH Greenergy Cert GmbH at least a few months before you plan to put your plant into operation.
How long are the plant certificates valid for?
Pursuant to FGW TR8, the validity of a plant certificate ends when the declaration of conformity is issued – no later than twelve months after the final generation unit in the power plant is put into operation.
We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about plant certification. Get in touch now: buero@ge-cert.de!