WHAT DOES MIS 3002 REQUIRE?
The Structural Sign-Off Requirement Under MIS 3002 V6.0
MIS 3002 V6.0 SECTION 5.9.4: VERBATIM
"The MCS Contractor SHALL ensure that the roof structure has been checked by a suitably competent person prior to installation."
This clause applies to every rooftop solar PV installation submitted under an MCS certification. MIS 3002 V6.0 is not limited to new build properties. It applies equally to solar PV retrofitted onto existing residential buildings, existing commercial buildings and any other building type where an MCS-licensed installer is submitting for certification. "Suitably competent person" means a qualified structural engineer for the roof types listed in Section 5.9.6: and for all flat roof ballasted systems under Section 5.9.13(h), no discretion applies. The structural check must be documented.
Under V5.0, a written confirmation of structural suitability was sufficient. Under V6.0, Clause 5.5.5 requires documented evidence, including wind load calculations referenced to current Eurocodes (BS EN 1991-1-4 for wind, BS EN 1991-1-3 for snow). Software-generated estimates alone no longer satisfy the evidential standard. This means that outputs from solar design software (including PVSyst, PVSol, or manufacturer-provided mounting system calculators) do not constitute a qualifying structural assessment under V6.0, even where they include load calculations. Only a report produced and signed by a suitably qualified structural engineer satisfies the documented evidence requirement.
THE V6.0 UPGRADE
What Changed Between MIS 3002 V5.0 and V6.0
Documented Evidence (Clause 5.5.5)
V5.0 required written confirmation. V6.0 requires documented evidence including wind load calculations to BS EN 1991-1-4 and snow load to BS EN 1991-1-3. Software-generated assessments do not satisfy this requirement alone.
Expanded Roof Trigger List (Section 5.9.6)
V6.0 formalises and extends the list of roof configurations that require a qualified structural engineer: hipped, valley, asymmetric duo-pitched, dormers, parapets, sub-30-degree pitch and any roof showing structural distress.
Flat Roof Ballasted Systems (Section 5.9.13(h))
V6.0 codifies an absolute requirement: a qualified structural engineer SHALL be consulted for all flat roof ballasted arrays. Ballast block weight, imposed load and roof structure capacity must be assessed and signed off.
SPRA S15-19 Pull-Out Test (Penetrating Fixings)
For penetrating fixings on metal sheet roofs, V6.0 references SPRA S15-19 pull-out test requirements. Structural engineers must assess fixing capacity and, where specified, supervise or review pull-out test results.
SECTION 5.9.6 ROOF TYPE TRIGGERS
When a Qualified Structural Engineer is Mandatory
Section 5.9.6 specifies the roof configurations where a suitably qualified structural engineer must be engaged. This is not a recommendation. For any installation presenting one or more of these triggers, a qualified SE sign-off is a condition of MCS submission.
- Hipped roofs
- Valley roofs
- Asymmetric duo-pitched roofs
- Dormers
- Parapets
- Roofs with pitch below 30 degrees
- Any roof showing signs of structural distress
For commercial and industrial rooftops, flat roofs, low-pitch profile metal roofs, cold-formed steel purlins and trapezoidal standing seam profiles will almost universally trigger Section 5.9.6 and/or Section 5.9.13(h). Competent assessment requires knowledge of Eurocode loading, roof construction typology and purlin span table analysis.
FLAT ROOF BALLASTED: SECTION 5.9.13(h)
"A qualified structural engineer SHALL be consulted to assess the imposed load from the array AND the ballast on the roof structure."
No discretion. Every ballasted flat roof installation requires a qualified structural engineer. The combined imposed load from panels and ballast blocks must be assessed against the existing roof structure capacity with reference to Approved Document A and current Eurocodes.
TWO PATHWAYS TO MIS 3002 V6.0 COMPLIANCE
Desktop Structural Roof Loading Report or On-Site Structural Survey
The right pathway depends on roof complexity, programme stage and whether a site visit has occurred. Both outputs satisfy MIS 3002 V6.0 when signed by a qualified structural engineer.
PATHWAY A
Desktop Structural Roof Loading Report
Remote assessment using client-supplied drawings, site photographs, roof geometry and PV array specification. Engineer-reviewed, Eurocode-verified, signed by a qualified structural engineer. No site visit required.
- Suitable for standard commercial roof typologies
- Pre-construction feasibility and programme sign-off
- PPA, asset management and portfolio pipeline triage
- 48-hour delivery benchmark
- MIS 3002 V6.0 aligned sign-off statement included
PATHWAY B
On-Site Structural Survey
Physical inspection by a qualified structural engineer. Purlin measurement, rafter assessment, steel truss analysis, load path verification. Required where roof complexity exceeds remote assessment scope or where existing drawings are unavailable.
- Complex roof typologies (Section 5.9.6 triggers)
- Existing structure showing potential distress
- No drawings available for desktop assessment
- 24-hour mobilisation target
- MIS 3002 V6.0 sign-off with engineer signature
Not sure which pathway applies? Send us the roof type and installation brief and we will confirm within one working day.
SPRA S15-19 PULL-OUT TESTS
Penetrating Fixings on Metal Sheet Roofs
Where an installation uses penetrating fixings on metal sheet roofing (profiled steel, aluminium standing seam, composite panel), MIS 3002 V6.0 references SPRA S15-19 pull-out test requirements. The structural engineer must assess whether the existing sheeting can accept the pull-out loads imposed by the racking system.
Where pull-out capacity is marginal or cannot be determined from drawings alone, pull-out tests are required. Solar Surveys structural engineers specify the test protocol, review results and issue the MIS 3002 V6.0 sign-off incorporating SPRA S15-19 findings.
When Pull-Out Tests Are Required
- Penetrating fixings on profiled metal sheeting
- No manufacturer pull-out data for the specific sheeting profile
- Sheeting showing corrosion or section loss
- Racking load exceeds standard pull-out capacity assumptions
What We Deliver
- SPRA S15-19 protocol specification
- Pull-out result review and adequacy statement
- MIS 3002 V6.0 sign-off incorporating test findings
- Recommendations for fixing spacing or reinforcement
WHO NEEDS MIS 3002 V6.0 SIGN-OFF
Every Party in the Commercial Solar PV Chain
MCS-Licensed Installers
A signed structural report is a condition of MCS job file completion. Without a qualifying engineer sign-off, the MCS submission cannot be validated.
Asset Managers and Funds
Pre-acquisition structural clearance and post-acquisition portfolio sign-off. MIS 3002 V6.0 compliance protects asset valuations and satisfies lender technical due diligence requirements.
EPC Contractors
Structural sign-off as a programme deliverable. We integrate with EPC procurement workflows, issuing reports on fixed timelines against construction programme milestones.
PPA Providers
Structural feasibility sign-off at the pre-contractual stage. Desktop Structural Roof Loading Reports triage technical viability before site commitment, giving PPA origination teams engineering certainty at volume.
FREE 27-PAGE GUIDE
MIS 3002 V6.0 in Plain English
Mandatory from 18 June 2026. The universal SE check, the seven roof condition triggers, the ballasted absolute, and the new 5.5.5 evidential standard, explained in plain English. Every clause quoted directly from the published standard.
Download The GuideFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MIS 3002 V6.0 Structural Sign-Off: Common Questions
What is MIS 3002 V6.0?
MIS 3002 is the Microgeneration Certification Scheme standard governing solar PV installations in the UK. V6.0 (issued 18 March 2026, mandatory from 18 June 2026) introduces a documented evidence requirement for structural sign-off, replacing the previous written confirmation standard. MIS 3002 V6.0 applies to all MCS-certified solar PV installations, covering new build and existing properties across residential and commercial building types.
Does every solar PV installation need a structural engineer?
No. Section 5.9.4 requires a suitably competent person. For simple, standard roof typologies a competent assessor may suffice. However, Section 5.9.6 mandates a qualified structural engineer for hipped roofs, valley roofs, dormers, parapets, sub-30-degree pitch and roofs showing structural distress. Section 5.9.13(h) mandates a qualified SE for all flat roof ballasted systems without exception.
What is the difference between a Desktop Structural Roof Loading Report and an On-Site Survey for MIS 3002?
A Desktop Structural Roof Loading Report is produced remotely from supplied drawings and site data. An on-site structural survey involves a qualified engineer visiting the property. Both satisfy MIS 3002 V6.0 when signed by a qualified structural engineer. The on-site survey is required where roof complexity cannot be fully assessed remotely or where no drawings exist.
Does a software-generated structural assessment satisfy MIS 3002 V6.0?
No. MIS 3002 V6.0 Clause 5.5.5 requires documented evidence including wind load calculations. Software-generated assessments that have not been reviewed and signed by a qualified structural engineer do not satisfy the documented evidence requirement of V6.0.
How quickly can Solar Surveys issue an MIS 3002 V6.0 compliant report?
Desktop Structural Roof Loading Reports are delivered to a 48-hour benchmark from receipt of all required client information. On-site structural surveys are mobilised to a 24-hour target. Both outputs are signed by a qualified structural engineer and aligned to MIS 3002 V6.0.
What Eurocode standards are referenced in the structural sign-off?
Solar Surveys reports reference BS EN 1991-1-4 (wind actions), BS EN 1991-1-3 (snow loads), BS EN 1993 (steel structures), Approved Document A, and TRADA span tables where applicable. Wind load calculations use site-specific exposure categories derived from UK NA data.
Is a structural survey required for commercial flat roofs with a ballasted PV system?
Yes. MIS 3002 V6.0 Section 5.9.13(h) states that a qualified structural engineer SHALL be consulted to assess the imposed load from the array and the ballast on the roof structure. This is an absolute requirement with no discretion for flat roof ballasted systems.
When does MIS 3002 V6.0 become mandatory?
MIS 3002 V6.0 was issued on 18 March 2026 and becomes mandatory for all MCS submissions from 18 June 2026. Submissions after this date must reference V6.0 and include documented evidence of structural assessment in accordance with Clause 5.5.5.
MIS 3002 V6.0 ALIGNED STRUCTURAL SIGN-OFF
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48-Hour Benchmark. Engineer-Signed.
Desktop Structural Roof Loading Reports and on-site structural surveys, both MIS 3002 V6.0 aligned and signed by qualified structural engineers. UK and Europe coverage.