Plant Certificate Type A – For medium, high and extra-high voltage connections
When a decentralized power generation plant is connected to the grid, it must meet certain safety criteria depending on its size. For a generation plant of 950 kW or more, the Type A plant certificate is mandatory and applies to medium, high, and extra-high voltage connections.
According to directive VDE-AR-N 4110, 4120, or 4130, the Type A plant certificate is initiated and carried out as early as the planning phase. In the end, it confirms the grid-compliant electrical planning of a generation plant (EZA) including all generation units (EZE) and components based on around 50 criteria.
The MKH Greenergy Cert GmbH team is happy to answer any questions you may have.
+49 40 880 991 820
buero@ge-cert.de
Why is the Type A plant certificate important?
On the safe side with the Plant Certificate Type A
Without a plant certificate, the commissioning of a generation plant is not possible. On the other hand, if the electrical properties of a plant meet all grid connection guidelines, not only is the responsible grid operator on the safe side.
The Type A plant certificate and the final declaration of conformity
- guarantee the grid conformity of your electrical planning
- are the basis for remuneration according to EEG
- increase system stability with growing feed-in of renewable energies
Your advantages with MKH Greenergy Cert
Contact an accredited certifier right from the start of the planning phase. With app support, we take you as an operator straight to the Plant Certificate Type A. Our specially developed CertApp
- simplifies all processes,
- noticeably reduces the effort
- ensures maximum transparency over all steps and
- fast processing by experienced experts
Documents for a successful start
It is not possible without documents. For the Plant Certificate Type A, operators of decentralized plants must submit certain documents. These include basic information about all generation units and the electrical planning.
- Manufacturer data of all units and components
- Site plan and overview circuit diagram
- Simulations and calculations on grid conformity
- Protection and control concept
What does the testing procedure include?
If all the necessary documents are available, the official testing procedure begins. In order to ensure conformity with the defined standards, the following aspects are important in accordance with guideline VDE-AR 4110:
- Design requirements: technical documents, drawings, specifications
- Grid compatibility: voltage quality, reactive power control, frequency maintenance
- Protective measures: functional testing of the protection concepts
- Grid feedback: analysis of harmonic distortions and short-circuit currents
- Documentation: Completeness of all technical documents
- EMC testing: electromagnetic compatibility
FAQ – Plant Certificate Type A
Which documents are required for the Plant Certificate Type A?
According to the guidelines VDE-AR-N 4110 (medium voltage) and VDE-AR-N 4120 (high voltage), the following documents are required:
| VDE-AR-N 4110 | VDE-AR-N 4120 | |
|---|---|---|
| Data sheet of your generation plant or storage system | E.8 | E.6 |
| Grid feedback in mixed plants | E.2 | E.2 |
| Cover sheets of the unit and component certificates | E.13 and E.14 | E.11 and E.12 |
| Overview circuit diagram of the generation plant | ||
| Protection and control concept | ||
| Technical data of all generation units (EZE) | ||
| Grid operator questionnaire | E.9 | E.7 |
| Site plan |
How does plant certification work in practice?
- Examination of all submitted documents
- Simulations and calculations on grid conformity
- Documentation and evaluation of the results
- With a positive assessment: Issuance of the Type A plant certificate
Tip: At MKH, the entire process is digital and transparent via our CertApp.
What deadlines apply to Plant Certification Type A?
The Type A plant certificate is mandatory for commissioning.
Recommendation: Commission the certification several months before the planned commissioning.
With the CertApp, you can keep track of all deadlines and milestones.
How long does the Plant Certificate Type A remain valid?
The Plant Certificate Type A is the first step towards commissioning a decentralized generation plant. It is valid for up to twelve months and is replaced by the declaration of conformity. It is the final proof that the plant meets the requirements.
What steps follow after the Plant Certificate Type A has been issued?
The Plant Certificate proves that the electrical planning of the generation plant (EZA) is compliant with guidelines and the grid. Subsequently, grid operators also require the so-called declaration of conformity. This is also part of the service catalog of MKH Greenergy Cert GmbH as an accredited certification body