ITV Spain: Solar Panel homolgation

[Burgo]

I've seen more and more post on local forums about people having their ITVs failed due to solar panels being fitted. As always it seems to vary as to where you are and which test station it was. Also some are saying factory built motorhomes don't get it checked but PVCs or home builds do.
Page 28 of the old (2017) visual guide (can't attach whole guide as apparently at 4mb it's too large) seems to say "Generador de corriente" And "placas solar" are not classed as reforms, but some say this no longer applies.
Anyone know anything?? Or got an up to date guide?

 

[Minxy]

How would a test station know what was an 'extra' and what had been fitted by the manufacturer? There are so many MHs of various makes/types it would be impossible to have a record of them all for the testers to check against so the above seems a sensible way to deal with it so long as the item is 'safe', ie attached securely, then I personally can't see why it would be an issue.

I'm sure gus-lopez has mentioned stuff before so he may be more up to date.

 

[Burgo]

How would a test station know what was an 'extra' and what had been fitted by the manufacturer?

They know what the base vehicle spec is. Most things added after are classed as "reforms" and need to be CE approved, have a certificate of homolgation and be fiited by a qualified engineer. The item is then added to your vehicle "log book". Mine, for example, has the electric step fitted by Dethleffs in the book as an extra (but not the dealer fitted solar panels).

 

[EuroTrotters]

How would a test station know what was an 'extra' and what had been fitted by the manufacturer? There are so many MHs of various makes/types it would be impossible to have a record of them all for the testers to check against so the above seems a sensible way to deal with it so long as the item is 'safe', ie attached securely, then I personally can't see why it would be an issue.

I'm sure gus-lopez has mentioned stuff before so he may be more up to date.

That’s why the OP mentioned OVC and Home builds are the ones that seem to be checked and failed.

After all, these kind of regulations keep people in jobs

 

[Minxy]

They know what the base vehicle spec is. Most things added after are classed as "reforms" and need to be CE approved, have a certificate of homolgation and be fiited by a qualified engineer. The item is then added to your vehicle "log book". Mine, for example, has the electric step fitted by Dethleffs in the book as an extra (but not the dealer fitted solar panels).

So if your solar panels aren't mentioned as part of the basic spec do you have to remove them each time?

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[Minxy]

That’s why the OP mentioned OVC and Home builds are the ones that seem to be checked and failed.

After all, these kind of regulations keep people in jobs

OVC? Original vehicle construction?

 

[Burgo]

So if your solar panels are mentioned as part of the basic spec do you have to remove them each time?

Not if they are original equipment (in theory - as it can be open to interpretation by the inspector). Not for nothing is the ITV test referred to as visiting "The Tunnel Of Terror" over here...

 

[zoejean]

Heyy
Does anyone know where or how we can get our solar panels certified, we have 2 one was installed originally when new and one ourselves, failed itv last week and taking them off won’t be easy… any advice much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Burgo]

There's more and more talk over this in other forums over here as well as Facebook, so I am beginning to get worried over it again e.g. http://www.acpasion.net/foro/showthread.php?145239-Problema-ITV-y-placa-solar/page56 and the new thread at

Nuevos proyectos de reformas ITV octubre 2022 para Autocaravanas - AC Pasión | Portal Independiente Autocaravanista

Todo sobre motores, chasis, ruedas, suspensiones...

www.acpasion.net

 

[MartinandBev]

He
Does anyone know where or how we can get our solar panels certified, we have 2 one was installed originally when new and one ourselves, failed itv last week and taking them off won’t be easy… any advice much appreciated.
Thanks

Is this on a Motorhome or conversion ? My neighbour put his through yesterday and Solar didn’t even come into the equation, passed straight away (Alicante region)

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[MisterB]

I get ITV in France but not through a solar panel ...

 

[MartinandBev]

Just seen this from the vehicle department in Andalucía, not seen a BOE yet, but think that’s a matter of time

Broken Link Removed

copy into Google chrome for translation, but it says ….

The installation of solar panels in vehicles is considered reform, according to code 8.52 of the Vehicle Reform Manual , rev. 6th, edited by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.



Therefore, its legalization and entry on the ITV card is mandatory . To do this, the user must provide the following documentation to the ITV:

• Non-periodic inspection request, signed by the owner or his representative.
• Technical project and final work certification, issued by the competent technician*.
• Conformity report issued by the vehicle manufacturer or technical repair service.
• Workshop certificate that has carried out the installation of the solar panel.

*These documents are not necessary if a copy of the functional group authorized by the Ministry with powers in matters of Industry is presented.



However, given that in previous versions of the Reform Manual it was not explicitly established that the installation of solar panels be considered a reform, the Ministry has established a transitory period to regularize them, for which the client has:

• Two years from the publication of the new Manual.
• Or, you can do it at the next regulatory technical inspection that corresponds to the vehicle.

In any case, it is mandatory to note the installation of these plates on the ITV card. To do this, it is necessary to justify that said installation is prior to the entry into force of the 7th revision of the Manual of Reforms , providing one of the following documents:

• workshop certificate
• manufacturer's certificate
• Bill
• Declaration of responsibility of the owner (holder) of the vehicle.

In addition, you must provide the Non-periodic inspection Request signed by the owner or his representative.

 

[jumar]

Our van recently passed..Gus and myself upgraded our panel and added a tilting mechanism too....the testers eyes never viewed upwards.....

 

[MartinandBev]

Yeah mine did last week as well and I even asked the question and he shrugged his shoulders at the test centre in Pilar De Horadada

 

[WoldsSunlight]

Ah yes, the ITV stations in Spain (silent S...)
I took my LHD German registered VW T5 California to my local ITV station, in order to get it transferred to Spanish plates..... the van at the time was less than 8 months old, and I was the first owner.
ITV pass refused, as they couldn't determine whether the roof was original (they were using the reference of a 'standard' T5 panel van..) I tried (unsuccessfully, obviously..) to plead that why would I randomly decide to put a different roof on a perfectly fine, immaculate 8 month old campervan? No joy, just lots of disinterested shrugs etc...
A week later, and a €200 letter from VW Spain, to confirm what I already knew (that the roof was original...) and an ITV pass is awarded!!....please bear in mind that I had a perfectly clear EU CoC for the van, and the original invoice etc...... what a bunch of backward, donkey-walloping fucktards....

What pissed me off even more was passing a car (type unknown) travelling in the opposite direction a few days later, that had NOTHING forward of the A pillar, apart from an engine, wheels and radiator (no bonnet, no grille, no outer wings...)..... backward retards...glad I left after 6 years (don't know how I managed to stay that long really...)
Someone suggested to me at work that a surreptitious €50 note slipped to the tester might have altered things.... I replied that I wasn't going to lower my standards to suit their agenda.

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[gus-lopez]

are not classed as reforms, but some say this no longer applies.

Only the current regulations can apply.If legal before they are legal until the BoE changes.

How would a test station know what was an 'extra' and what had been fitted by the manufacturer? There are so many MHs of various makes/types it would be impossible to have a record of them all for the testers to check against so the above seems a sensible way to deal with it so long as the item is 'safe', ie attached securely, then I personally can't see why it would be an issue.

I'm sure gus-lopez has mentioned stuff before so he may be more up to date.

Everything is on the log book. & yes every vehicle ever sold in spain of any type along with boats, both sail & power, trailers both under & over 750kgs, have a full spec on the ITv computer systems. As said anything added that does not increase length , width or height or additional weight over the MGW & as shown in the OP's post is ok.

How would a test station know what was an 'extra' and what had been fitted by the manufacturer?

All on the ficha tecnica which is a technical log book.

here are so many MHs of various makes/types it would be impossible to have a record of them all for the testers to check against

AS above, no it isn't + they all have an 'unladen weight ' also?

Before I modified my van I asked at an itv station about placing the spare wheel on the door. not allowed ,requires a project even though up to 300mmm is allowed & it wouldn't have stuck out past the tow bar, which is homologated.
At the same time I asked about a rear ladder on the other door & that was perfectly ok . I already had an external sun visor but because that doesn't affect length,width height ,weight it doesn't count.

So if your solar panels aren't mentioned as part of the basic spec do you have to remove them each time

If they were there as an original installation they would not be specified individually but shown on the system as having them.
You need to be able to argue/discuss anything you are pulled on. I.e. if you had one & now have two & are told to remove them ask whay as the original was OEM, so you don't mind removing one.If not ask for the hajas de Reclamacion. Complaint forms.

When i converted my van it has 2 x 100w solar panels, 1 x maxxair fan, truma gas boiler, 3 way fridge , shower ,sureflo water pump, water tank, gray waste tank, toilet,
2 burner hob, sink, diesel heater, leaisure battery, 12 volt installation 220v installation ,external ehu. 2 x rear poliplas windows,all the internal cabinetry etc.
All of the above had to have a 'proyecto' a projet completed by an engineer as to what where & how it affected did not affect the vehicles length,width, height, weight , structure etc;etc;etc,etc,.It ammounts to 64(?) pages .
each item had to be detailed with make, & makers complete details including serial numbers type,etc.
The 12v system had to be certified by a competent person who also has the licence to sign off the certificate .
The 220v system the same
The water system the same
the gas system the same.
The cabinetry the same.
Weighbridge tickets showing total ,axle1 ,axle 2 weights.
( do this with empty water & diesel tanks not like I did with 00's of kilos full.)
Photos of each & every item individually complete with plate & serial numbers & installed photo's.
Photographs of the front ,back, each side, the roof , the whole underside showing tanks & pipe installations. Multiple inside photos.
Once all signed off by engineer you can deposit the project at the ITV station for them to read & then you make an appointment & they will spend multiple hours checking that each & everything on the project exists & is installed. The fact that they may be different makes to what is on the project doesn't come in to it. They check the length ,width, height,weight & take 00's of photo's to cover there rss as well.
everthing specified is added to the ficha tecnica & the classification changed to , in my case, "van with living accommodation"

I just make sure i have a copy of the project with me at itv time , no arguements as all shown & photo's also.

in the Op's post the second photo specifically states that they are ok on "Autocaravanas & vehiculos viviendas" = motorhomes & vehicles with living accommodation that come under CR 8:52
At the bottom of that photo in the info it also state that it doesn't apply to vehicles that have been modified under CR8.22 , whatever that is?

As jumar said we modified his original panel to tilt & it wasn't queried at the last months ITV?

A week later, and a €200 letter from VW Spain, to confirm what I already knew (that the roof was original...) and an ITV pass is awarded!!...

All on the computer system.If you have a phone with the BoE list of vehicles on which is updated yearly for vehicle value puposes you can just shovw it under there noses & if that doesn't work ask for the 'Hojas' That always will especially when you are correct. No one wants to be the subject of a gov.es visit.
When we used to rereg stuff we always threw in an obvious deviation from the stuff listed to draw attention away from anything we didn't want them noticing. Always worked .they would become so engrossed in the arguement that they'd forget half the stuff needing to be done & just put it through on what the computer said.

 

[nicholsong]

Only the current regulations can apply.If legal before they are legal until the BoE changes.

Everything is on the log book. & yes every vehicle ever sold in spain of any type along with boats, both sail & power, trailers both under & over 750kgs, have a full spec on the ITv computer systems. As said anything added that does not increase length , width or height or additional weight over the MGW & as shown in the OP's post is ok.



All on the ficha tecnica which is a technical log book.

AS above, no it isn't + they all have an 'unladen weight ' also?

Before I modified my van I asked at an itv station about placing the spare wheel on the door. not allowed ,requires a project even though up to 300mmm is allowed & it wouldn't have stuck out past the tow bar, which is homologated.
At the same time I asked about a rear ladder on the other door & that was perfectly ok . I already had an external sun visor but because that doesn't affect length,width height ,weight it doesn't count.


If they were there as an original installation they would not be specified individually but shown on the system as having them.
You need to be able to argue/discuss anything you are pulled on. I.e. if you had one & now have two & are told to remove them ask whay as the original was OEM, so you don't mind removing one.If not ask for the hajas de Reclamacion. Complaint forms.

When i converted my van it has 2 x 100w solar panels, 1 x maxxair fan, truma gas boiler, 3 way fridge , shower ,sureflo water pump, water tank, gray waste tank, toilet,
2 burner hob, sink, diesel heater, leaisure battery, 12 volt installation 220v installation ,external ehu. 2 x rear poliplas windows,all the internal cabinetry etc.
All of the above had to have a 'proyecto' a projet completed by an engineer as to what where & how it affected did not affect the vehicles length,width, height, weight , structure etc;etc;etc,etc,.It ammounts to 64(?) pages .
each item had to be detailed with make, & makers complete details including serial numbers type,etc.
The 12v system had to be certified by a competent person who also has the licence to sign off the certificate .
The 220v system the same
The water system the same
the gas system the same.
The cabinetry the same.
Weighbridge tickets showing total ,axle1 ,axle 2 weights.
( do this with empty water & diesel tanks not like I did with 00's of kilos full.)
Photos of each & every item individually complete with plate & serial numbers & installed photo's.
Photographs of the front ,back, each side, the roof , the whole underside showing tanks & pipe installations. Multiple inside photos.
Once all signed off by engineer you can deposit the project at the ITV station for them to read & then you make an appointment & they will spend multiple hours checking that each & everything on the project exists & is installed. The fact that they may be different makes to what is on the project doesn't come in to it. They check the length ,width, height,weight & take 00's of photo's to cover there rss as well.
everthing specified is added to the ficha tecnica & the classification changed to , in my case, "van with living accommodation"

I just make sure i have a copy of the project with me at itv time , no arguements as all shown & photo's also.

in the Op's post the second photo specifically states that they are ok on "Autocaravanas & vehiculos viviendas" = motorhomes & vehicles with living accommodation that come under CR 8:52
At the bottom of that photo in the info it also state that it doesn't apply to vehicles that have been modified under CR8.22 , whatever that is?

As jumar said we modified his original panel to tilt & it wasn't queried at the last months ITV?


All on the computer system.If you have a phone with the BoE list of vehicles on which is updated yearly for vehicle value puposes you can just shovw it under there noses & if that doesn't work ask for the 'Hojas' That always will especially when you are correct. No one wants to be the subject of a gov.es visit.
When we used to rereg stuff we always threw in an obvious deviation from the stuff listed to draw attention away from anything we didn't want them noticing. Always worked .they would become so engrossed in the arguement that they'd forget half the stuff needing to be done & just put it through on what the computer said.

Gus

Makes my having to re-register my MH in Poland as 'veteran' to get it passed being RHD, as comparatively easy. 'MOT' was easier and will be the last one required.

What would a Guardia Civil stop make of my registration?

Geoff

 

[gus-lopez]

Gus

Makes my having to re-register my MH in Poland as 'veteran' to get it passed being RHD, as comparatively easy. 'MOT' was easier and will be the last one required.

What would a Guardia Civil stop make of my registration?

Geoff

No problem for you as as long as legal in Poland the Vienna convention covers it.

 

[nicholsong]

No problem for you as as long as legal in Poland the Vienna convention covers it.

Yes that is the legal answer, but I bet they would look askance at a 2003 MH being classified as 'Veteran', as they probably would not know that there is no age requirement in Poland - although there is talk of making it 35 years in future.

 

[WoldsSunlight]

All on the computer system

Clearly not in my case, as they were using the height for a standard VW T5. I had seen other California T5s with Spanish plates on the roads, so for some reason (I think potential backhanders) they wouldn't pass mine. Like I said, all in the past and very happy to have left such a backward looking, corrupt society.

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[jumar]

Clearly not in my case, as they were using the height for a standard VW T5. I had seen other California T5s with Spanish plates on the roads, so for some reason (I think potential backhanders) they wouldn't pass mine. Like I said, all in the past and very happy to have left such a backward looking, corrupt society.

Sorry you feel so strongly about Spain.....we have been here for over 20 years...there is a Spanish way to overcome most issues...we and most of our Spanish Friends do not support corrupt practice 100%, that's very old school and generally doesn't wash here anymore....big steps have been taken to totally eradicate these illegal practices...

 

[nicholsong]

Sorry you feel so strongly about Spain.....we have been here for over 20 years...there is a Spanish way to overcome most issues...we and most of our Spanish Friends do not support corrupt practice 100%, that's very old school and generally doesn't wash here anymore....big steps have been taken to totally eradicate these illegal practices...

That is good to know, but the legally requirements seem to be abnormally stringent, and expensive, compared with most countries, even the French.

It is a shame that the EU did not see fit to equate all systems and requirements about vehicles, registration, driving licences etc. [Driving licences are generally dealt with under international conventions but there are anomalies between EU countries interpretations]

These are the things that effect people on a daily basis, not the CAP or which country contributes to which budget, although that filters through later.

 

[Burgo]

This from a Spanish m/h forum:
Buenos días, noticias frescas referentes a placas solares...

Vengo de la ITV. Al parecer, en octubre entra en vigor la 7a revisión del manual de Reformas.

Hasta ahora, no quedaba claro si homologar o no... A partir de octubre ya SÍ es obligatorio con las condiciones de esa revisión. Para el presente hay que hacer esto:

Pedir cita para reforma sin proyecto (que puede pedirse cuando toque la ITV reglamentaria), pagar un suplemento de 12euros para la anotación y aportar esta declaración responsable...

INFORMACIÓN PARA ANDALUCÍA.

 

[Joolsm]

On the same topic, I’m planning on getting Goldschmitt Levelling feet fitted to our new MH in Germany (when we eventually get it). Does anyone know how I would go about homologation in Spain of something fitted in another country? I’ve asked on a Spanish forum but not had any helpful replies…

 

[Basildog]

Only the current regulations can apply.If legal before they are legal until the BoE changes.

Everything is on the log book. & yes every vehicle ever sold in spain of any type along with boats, both sail & power, trailers both under & over 750kgs, have a full spec on the ITv computer systems. As said anything added that does not increase length , width or height or additional weight over the MGW & as shown in the OP's post is ok.



All on the ficha tecnica which is a technical log book.

AS above, no it isn't + they all have an 'unladen weight ' also?

Before I modified my van I asked at an itv station about placing the spare wheel on the door. not allowed ,requires a project even though up to 300mmm is allowed & it wouldn't have stuck out past the tow bar, which is homologated.
At the same time I asked about a rear ladder on the other door & that was perfectly ok . I already had an external sun visor but because that doesn't affect length,width height ,weight it doesn't count.


If they were there as an original installation they would not be specified individually but shown on the system as having them.
You need to be able to argue/discuss anything you are pulled on. I.e. if you had one & now have two & are told to remove them ask whay as the original was OEM, so you don't mind removing one.If not ask for the hajas de Reclamacion. Complaint forms.

When i converted my van it has 2 x 100w solar panels, 1 x maxxair fan, truma gas boiler, 3 way fridge , shower ,sureflo water pump, water tank, gray waste tank, toilet,
2 burner hob, sink, diesel heater, leaisure battery, 12 volt installation 220v installation ,external ehu. 2 x rear poliplas windows,all the internal cabinetry etc.
All of the above had to have a 'proyecto' a projet completed by an engineer as to what where & how it affected did not affect the vehicles length,width, height, weight , structure etc;etc;etc,etc,.It ammounts to 64(?) pages .
each item had to be detailed with make, & makers complete details including serial numbers type,etc.
The 12v system had to be certified by a competent person who also has the licence to sign off the certificate .
The 220v system the same
The water system the same
the gas system the same.
The cabinetry the same.
Weighbridge tickets showing total ,axle1 ,axle 2 weights.
( do this with empty water & diesel tanks not like I did with 00's of kilos full.)
Photos of each & every item individually complete with plate & serial numbers & installed photo's.
Photographs of the front ,back, each side, the roof , the whole underside showing tanks & pipe installations. Multiple inside photos.
Once all signed off by engineer you can deposit the project at the ITV station for them to read & then you make an appointment & they will spend multiple hours checking that each & everything on the project exists & is installed. The fact that they may be different makes to what is on the project doesn't come in to it. They check the length ,width, height,weight & take 00's of photo's to cover there rss as well.
everthing specified is added to the ficha tecnica & the classification changed to , in my case, "van with living accommodation"

I just make sure i have a copy of the project with me at itv time , no arguements as all shown & photo's also.

in the Op's post the second photo specifically states that they are ok on "Autocaravanas & vehiculos viviendas" = motorhomes & vehicles with living accommodation that come under CR 8:52
At the bottom of that photo in the info it also state that it doesn't apply to vehicles that have been modified under CR8.22 , whatever that is?

As jumar said we modified his original panel to tilt & it wasn't queried at the last months ITV?


All on the computer system.If you have a phone with the BoE list of vehicles on which is updated yearly for vehicle value puposes you can just shovw it under there noses & if that doesn't work ask for the 'Hojas' That always will especially when you are correct. No one wants to be the subject of a gov.es visit.
When we used to rereg stuff we always threw in an obvious deviation from the stuff listed to draw attention away from anything we didn't want them noticing. Always worked .they would become so engrossed in the arguement that they'd forget half the stuff needing to be done & just put it through on what the computer said.

About time we have something similar in the U.K.
What we see in our workshop now is actually unbelievable
The NCC is a joke along with the AWS

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[PaulOH]

This explains neatly why my rear bike rack and tow bar are listed on the 'fitxa tecnica' for my (imported) van.

I've done the ITV four times now with my van and they have never looked on or near the roof. I wonder now if they might when I bring it in next month?

I am thinking of installing solar, and have seen great installations involving flexible panels. For reasons to do with suspected overheating, I had thought of trying fixed panels with an air gap underneath - the heavier but maybe longer term option in this warmer climate. I don't think there's any point installing less than a 150kw capacity.

I can't afford to make this change now but I wonder if they would hoist a mirror!!! I'll let you know and shall ask the 'chavals` at the ITV centre

 

[EuroTrotters]

I've seen more and more post on local forums about people having their ITVs failed due to solar panels being fitted. As always it seems to vary as to where you are and which test station it was. Also some are saying factory built motorhomes don't get it checked but PVCs or home builds do.
Page 28 of the old (2017) visual guide (can't attach whole guide as apparently at 4mb it's too large) seems to say "Generador de corriente" And "placas solar" are not classed as reforms, but some say this no longer applies.
Anyone know anything?? Or got an up to date guide?View attachment 580568

Motor movers too !

 

[busbuddy]

It is a shame that the EU did not see fit to equate all systems and requirements about vehicles

The EU have been trying to do it for over a decade, trying to make ANY modification from factory original on any motor vehicle subject to stringent tests or even just making it illegal.
The uk is fairly unique in that our 'garden shed engineers' can rebuild a car from a rusted out scrapper to show winner without having to buy 'approved' parts.
Rules have changed a lot on major modifications but we have fought hard to stop 'approval' for parts and accessories becoming the norm.