Safety at Great Heights: Plumbing Trade Joins Agreement for Safe Installation of Photovoltaic Systems

In recent years, photovoltaic systems have become an essential part of the energy transition. However, with the boom in solar installations comes an increased need for safety during installation—especially on rooftops. To ensure occupational safety when installing PV systems, a landmark agreement was signed in March 2024. The Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades (ZVEH), the Central Association of the German Roofing Trade (ZVDH), and the professional associations of the construction industry (BG BAU) and Energy Textile Electrical Media Products (BG ETEM) aimed to raise the safety standard for installing rooftop photovoltaic systems.

Now, the Central Association for Sanitation, Heating, and Climate Control (ZVSHK) has joined this agreement to provide the same safety standards for companies and workers in the plumbing trade. For the SHK (Sanitation, Heating, and Climate Control) sector, which already plays a leading role in many areas, this is an important step towards ensuring occupational safety and professionalizing the installation of solar systems.

Why the Agreement is So Important

Installing photovoltaic systems presents several dangers. First, it often takes place at great heights on rooftops, which increases the risk of falls. Additionally, PV modules generate electricity as soon as they are exposed to sunlight, posing an electric shock risk if necessary safety measures are not observed. The new industry agreement ensures that all trades—whether electricians, roofers, or plumbers—adhere to high safety standards during the installation of these systems.

Jörg Botti, General Manager of BG ETEM, emphasized, “Photovoltaic systems are usually installed in high places. Serious fall accidents occur repeatedly. Furthermore, the modules generate electricity upon exposure to light. If handled improperly, there is a risk of electric shock. Therefore, it is crucial that installers are knowledgeable and take appropriate safety measures.”

A Unified Approach: Safety and Efficiency in Focus

By joining the agreement, the plumbing trade becomes more closely integrated into the cross-trade collaboration for PV installation. The agreement includes provisions for SHK companies that install systems such as heat pumps in conjunction with photovoltaic installations to attend safety training and professional development. The training focuses on electrical aspects that play a role in PV module installation, ensuring that plumbing companies acquire basic electrical engineering skills to work safely and professionally.

Michael Hilpert, President of ZVSHK, explained, “Climate-friendly heating systems like heat pumps are often installed in combination with photovoltaic systems. The planning, construction, and maintenance of such systems are core competencies of many SHK companies. That’s why it was important for us to join the agreement and ensure that the safety of our employees remains a top priority.”
For the SHK trade, joining the agreement not only improves safety but also expands its skill set. The ability to install photovoltaic systems safely and professionally opens new business opportunities and strengthens the position of SHK companies as central players in the energy transition.

Training and Development for the Plumbing Trade

A key component of the agreement is the training requirements and standard contracts that ensure all trades work safely. These include standard work instructions for using scaffolding and protective structures, as well as model contracts for cooperation with electrical trade companies when electrical work is involved that can only be performed by a qualified electrician.

The training, offered by ZVSHK in collaboration with electrical trade educational institutions, specifically targets SHK employees. The focus is on topics such as the safe handling of electricity, working on rooftops, and using appropriate safety equipment. This training is a prerequisite for participating in electrical work during PV module installation, ensuring that plumbing companies can operate independently without relying on other trades for expertise.

A Milestone for Safety in the Industry

The introduction of the agreement and the participation of the plumbing trade are pivotal for the further professionalization of the industry. At a time when more SHK companies are working with photovoltaic systems, it was urgently necessary to establish clear and binding safety standards. Stefan Ehinger, President of ZVEH, noted, “The agreement defines important safety standards for PV system installation across electrical, roofing, and now plumbing trades. The qualified electrician from an electrical company supports partner trades with the electrical work on the system. As climate trades, we ensure that we install PV systems collaboratively and efficiently while keeping safety a priority.”

Dirk Bollwerk, President of ZVDH, also welcomed the expansion of the agreement: “The agreement makes the installation of photovoltaic systems safer. We are pleased that the requirements now also apply equally to the plumbing trade.”

C2sun Experts' Conclusion: A Long-Overdue Development

The expansion of the agreement to include the plumbing trade is a significant and long-overdue step. As pressure on the solar industry grows to install more photovoltaic systems, safety and professionalism must not be neglected. This industry agreement ensures that all participating trades operate according to uniform safety standards—a development welcomed by industry experts.

By focusing on training and involving all relevant trades, the safety of workers is increased while also boosting the efficiency of PV system installation. For the SHK trade, this agreement not only adds a new area of expertise but also presents an opportunity to establish itself as a key player in the renewable energy sector.
For further information and training offers, visit the website of the Central Association for Sanitation, Heating, and Climate Control (ZVSHK). There you will also find model contracts and safety instructions essential for installing PV systems.

In this spirit: Shaping the future together and safely!