RAMS for Solar PV & Renewable Energy Installations: FREE Template + Generator
Create a professional, UK‑compliant RAMS for solar PV and renewables in minutes. Includes hazards, controls, method steps, PPE, permits and site‑specific prompts.
Trusted by 100+ UK contractors
“The RAMS generator saved us hours on every PV job. It hits all the UK requirements—G98/G99, working at height and commissioning—so our principal contractors sign off first time.”
5 star ratingAmar Choudhury· Director, BrightGen Solar Ltd
What you get
- Solar PV RAMS connecting roof access, electrical safety and G98/G99 paperwork in one document.
- String layout and test log template for voltage/current readings, insulation resistance and polarity checks.
- Weather and wind monitoring sheet for rooftop and MEWP operations.
- Battery/ESS addendum with isolation, fire plan and storage requirements when energy storage is included.
Why teams choose RAMSGen
Don't waste time wrangling ad-hoc Word templates. Create a site-specific Solar PV & Renewables RAMS from the start.
Benefits
- ✓Speed through PC approvals by proving WAH, electrical and DNO compliance are fully planned.
- ✓Reuse across domestic, commercial rooftop and ground-mount installs by editing only the project-specific data.
- ✓Give supervisors a turnkey briefing pack covering rescue, LOTO and testing responsibilities.
Risks of manual RAMS
- !RAMS without G98/G99 references or LOTO details stall commissioning approvals.
- !Missing fragile-roof and rescue plans expose installers to serious fall incidents.
- !Unlogged test data invites warranty disputes and DNO rejections.
Manual drafting
4 hrs
RAMSGen
8 min
Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation
Also searched for
solar installation rams, pv method statement, renewable energy risk assessment, solar panel risk assessment, inverter installation rams, battery storage rams
Generic RAMS template
Snapshot hazards
- Falls from height during roof access, panel placement and work near edges.
- Electric shock or arc from DC strings, inverters and AC circuits during installation/commissioning.
- Fragile or unstable roofs, rooflights and skylights leading to through‑falls.
- Dropped objects and falling materials from roofs/MEWPs to areas below.
- Musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling of panels, rails, inverters or batteries.
Critical controls
- Plan and control work at height: scaffold to TG20:21 or proprietary edge protection, MEWP with trained operator, fall restraint/arrest with inspected anchors, ladders only for short duration; implement rescue plan.
- Electrical safety: isolate and lock‑off supplies (LOTO), prove dead with a calibrated tester, maintain strings open‑circuit and covered, correct MC4‑type terminations, no live working unless justified by risk assessment and controlled.
- Fragile surface controls: survey roof, mark/guard fragile zones and rooflights, use crawling boards/roof ladders, demarcate safe walkways and keep clear of unsupported areas.
- Manual handling: lift plan, team lifts, panel carriers/suction aids, mechanical lifting (hoist/crane), avoid twisting; stage materials close to point of use.
- Dropped‑object and weather controls: toe‑boards, tool lanyards, debris nets/exclusion zones, secure materials at height, monitor wind/rain/ice and stop work when limits or manufacturer restrictions are exceeded.
Permits & references
- Electrical Isolation/Lock‑Out Tag‑Out Permit to Work.
- Roof access/working at height permit with fragile roof controls specified.
- Lift plan and permit for hoist/crane/MEWP, with LOLER/PUWER evidence.
- DNO G98/G99 application/approval and commissioning notification.
- Traffic management/street works permit where works interface with the public highway.
Implementation walkthrough
- 1
Pre‑start: review drawings, design, RAMS and product datasheets; complete site induction and brief the team; verify competencies and equipment inspections.
- 2
Establish access and exclusion zones: install/inspect scaffold or position MEWP; confirm Scafftag/LOLER status; set barriers and signage; agree rescue arrangements.
- 3
Electrical safety set‑up: identify isolation points; apply LOTO to AC supply; confirm absence of back‑feed from any existing PV/battery; test for dead; display warning tags.
- 4
Roof preparation: inspect roof condition; identify/guard fragile areas and rooflights; fix temporary lifelines/anchors if specified; stage rescue kit and housekeeping controls.
- 5
Lifting and logistics: lift rails/panels to roof via hoist/crane per lift plan; check wind speed; secure loads; keep public/exclusion zones enforced.
- 6
Mounting system: set out and fix rails/brackets to structural members per design; use specified fasteners and sealants; maintain drainage and weatherproofing.
- 7
Module installation: lift, place and fix PV modules; keep strings open‑circuit (use string caps/covers); route and secure DC cabling with UV‑rated clips; maintain polarity and segregation.
- 8
Inverter and balance‑of‑system: mount inverters/isolators/SPDs; make DC/AC terminations; label circuits and isolation points; ensure earthing/bonding and cable management are correct.
- 9
Testing, commissioning and notification: perform BS 7671/MCS tests (continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop, RCD/functional); complete Electrical Installation Certificate and schedules; submit DNO G98/G99 documentation; energise only when authorised.
- 10
Handover and demobilisation: produce as‑builts, O&M manuals and warranties; client demonstration; remove temporary works; clear waste; close permits and sign off RAMS.
How to create a site-specific Solar PV & Renewables RAMS
Transform the generic template above into a compliant, site-specific document by addressing these critical areas:
Site-specific customization checklist
- 1
Project address, client and CDM dutyholders (PC/PD/Contractor).
- 2
Roof type, pitch, condition, identified fragile areas and anchor locations.
- 3
Chosen access method (scaffold/MEWP/ladders) and detailed rescue arrangements.
- 4
Wind limits and weather triggers for stopping work, per equipment/manufacturer.
- 5
Lifting plan: crane/hoist position, ground bearing pressures and exclusion zones.
- 6
Asbestos survey status (especially pre‑2000 buildings) and control measures.
- 7
Isolation points and any existing PV/ESS that could back‑feed; metering and earthing arrangement.
- 8
DNO references (G98/G99), meter location and switchgear details.
- 9
Public interface and traffic/pedestrian management near entrances, schools or retail.
- 10
Environmental constraints: noise hours, bird nesting, runoff control and waste segregation.
HSE compliance alert
This RAMS must be adapted for the site and signed by a competent person. No work on or near live conductors unless justified and controlled. Comply with UK CDM 2015, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Why RAMSGen makes this easier
Instead of manually editing Word templates and cross-referencing multiple guidance documents, RAMSGen walks you through each customization step with intelligent prompts. Answer questions about your site, and the platform automatically generates a compliant RAMS that incorporates:
- Project-specific hazards based on your site layout and access constraints
- Emergency plans with routes to the nearest A&E and site-specific assembly points
- Permits, inspections, and quality checkpoints aligned to your schedule
- Branded PDF exports ready for principal contractor submission
Frequently asked questions
What should a Solar PV RAMS include?
Scope and drawings, team roles/competence, hazard and control measures, access and rescue plan, isolations/LOTO, installation method, test/commissioning procedure, emergency arrangements, permits (e.g., G98/G99, lifting) and handover records.
Do I need DNO permission (G98/G99) before connecting?
Most small systems up to roughly 16 A per phase (about 3.68 kW single‑phase) are connect‑and‑notify under G98. Larger systems usually require prior DNO approval under G99 before energisation. Always confirm with the local DNO for your exact design.
What wind speed should stop rooftop PV work?
Follow the equipment/manufacturer limits. As a guide: many MEWPs are limited to 12.5 m/s (28 mph). For roof sheeting/panels, stop around 10 m/s–12 m/s (22–27 mph) or sooner if handling large modules. Record your site limits in the RAMS and monitor with an anemometer.
What electrical tests are required for commissioning?
Typical tests include continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, RCD/functional checks and PV string open‑circuit voltage/short‑circuit current as per BS 7671 and manufacturer/MCS guidance. Issue an Electrical Installation Certificate with schedules.
Do I need an asbestos survey before fixing brackets?
For buildings constructed before 2000, assume asbestos may be present. If drilling or disturbing fabric, arrange an appropriate asbestos survey (often Refurbishment & Demolition type for intrusive work) and follow the control plan.
How do you control DC arc and polarity risks on PV arrays?
Keep modules covered and strings open‑circuit until final connection; maintain correct polarity; use approved MC4‑compatible connectors and crimp tools; avoid mixing connector brands; isolate DC at inverter/combiner; never break DC under load; label all circuits.
What rescue plan is needed for roof work?
Define a prompt, non‑MEWP rescue for a suspended worker (e.g., pre‑rigged rescue kit or rope access team), identify anchor points, assign trained personnel, brief the method at the start of the shift and practice as required.
How should battery energy storage (if included) be managed in the RAMS?
Store and handle per manufacturer guidance; prevent short circuits; control charging; maintain ventilation/clearances; keep ignition sources away; provide appropriate fire response plan; isolate and label clearly; only competent electricians make live terminations.
Who signs the RAMS and when should it be reviewed?
The contractor’s authorised person signs and issues it to the Principal Contractor for acceptance. Brief all operatives (sign‑on). Review and re‑brief after any change in design, method, equipment, weather conditions or team composition.
What documentation should be handed over at completion?
Electrical Installation Certificate and schedules, commissioning sheets, DNO notification/approval, MCS certificate (where applicable), as‑built drawings, O&M manual, warranties and maintenance recommendations.
Calculate your RAMS preparation costs
See how much time and money you could save by switching from manual RAMS preparation to RAMSGen's automated workflow.
RAMSGen Cost Calculator
Use the slider to discover the time and cost savings with RAMSGen.
Monthly volume
4 RAMS
Manually
£960
24 hrs of labour
RAMSGen
£60
2.4 hrs with RAMSGen
You save
£900
21.6 hrs saved
Useful articles
Deep dives picked for Solar PV & Renewables teams.
Build a site-specific RAMS in minutes for free!
Open this template in RAMSGen, tailor the task, and export a branded RAMS ready for site.