sanemlist
Technical reference — privacy

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Sanemlist Research Ltd. collects, uses, stores, and discloses personal information when you interact with sanemlist, an informational resource focused on photovoltaic system documentation. The policy sets out the types of information we process, the lawful grounds for processing, cookie practices, data retention, and the rights available to data subjects. The policy applies to information collected via the website and by direct correspondence such as email or uploaded supporting material.

Overview

Sanemlist operates as an independent technical reference. We do not operate commercial customer accounts or provide contracting services. The primary personal data processed are those you choose to provide when you contact us, submit technical material, or request an administrative acknowledgement. Minimal technical cookies are used for site functionality and to record cookie preferences. Where analytics are enabled, they are configured to minimise personally identifiable detail and to aggregate metrics. This policy explains how such data are handled, how long they are kept, and the mechanisms available to exercise rights including access, correction, and erasure. Where legal obligations require retention of certain records, we will observe those obligations and will document the legal basis for retention. The policy aims to be clear and concise so that technically literate readers can assess how their submissions and enquiries are processed.

Data we collect

When you interact with sanemlist the categories of personal data we may collect include contact identifiers such as your name, email address, and telephone number if provided; any material you upload or include in messages such as diagrams or datasheets which may contain identifiable metadata; and correspondence content where you send corrections, technical sources, or inquiries. We also process technical metadata automatically: IP address, browser user agent, and timestamps required for basic operation and security. Where you submit monitoring data or performance logs, that content is treated as data you have chosen to share and may be handled as technical material linked to your contact details only if you provide them. Minimal analytics data may be processed in an anonymised or pseudonymised form. We do not collect special categories of personal data and we ask you not to provide sensitive personal information in uploads or messages.

How we use data

We use information you supply to respond to enquiries, to acknowledge receipt when requested, and to review submissions for relevance and technical clarity. Submitted technical material may inform edits or annotations to public pages where appropriate; in such cases, we will not publish personal contact details without explicit permission. Contact data are also used for basic site administration and to comply with legal obligations such as record-keeping. Automatic logs and metadata are used to maintain site security, detect abuse, and improve site resilience. When analytics are enabled, we process aggregated metrics to understand general usage patterns. The lawful basis for processing contact information is typically your consent when you provide it and our legitimate interest in operating the website and responding to technical correspondence. When required by law or contract, we will process data to meet legal obligations or to fulfil a requested administrative acknowledgement where you opt in to receive that message.

Cookies and tracking

Sanemlist uses minimal cookies necessary for basic technical functionality and for storing your cookie preferences. The cookie consent control presented on the site enables you to accept or reject optional cookies. Functional cookies allow the site to remember your session and preferences. Optional cookies, such as anonymised analytics, are used only when you consent. No advertising cookies are used. Where third-party analytics are used, they are configured to anonymise IP addresses and to minimise retention. You may clear cookies via your browser settings at any time; rejecting optional cookies may reduce the availability of aggregated metrics but will not prevent access to the informational content of the site. The cookie control remains visible until a preference is recorded in local storage unless the browser blocks local storage, in which case the site will function but preferences cannot be retained persistently.

Sharing and third parties

We do not sell personal data. We may disclose personal data to service providers who perform functions on our behalf, such as secure hosting, email delivery, and minimal analytics. Where such providers process data, we select processors who can provide appropriate technical and organisational measures and where required we enter data processing agreements. If you submit material that references third-party proprietary data, you must ensure you have the right to share that material. We may also disclose information to comply with legal obligations, respond to lawful requests from public authorities, or to protect the safety, rights, or property of sanemlist and its users. Any disclosure is limited to the minimum necessary for the purpose stated and is subject to appropriate safeguards. When an external processor is used, data transfers outside the United Kingdom will only occur under adequacy arrangements or with appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses where permitted by law.

Retention and security

Contact information and enquiry records are retained only for as long as necessary to process requests and to meet administrative or legal obligations. As a general guideline, we retain contact and submission records for up to three years following the last substantive interaction unless a longer retention period is justified by law or necessary for dispute resolution. Uploaded technical material that becomes incorporated into public reference content may be retained as part of that public record; personal identifiers will not be published without explicit permission. We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures such as encrypted transport (HTTPS), access controls for administrative systems, and processor agreements to protect data from unauthorised access. No system is entirely risk free and we maintain incident response measures to address potential breaches promptly, including notification to affected parties and regulators where required by law.

Your rights

Depending on applicable law, you may have rights regarding the personal data we hold about you. These typically include the right to access the information we hold, to request correction of inaccurate information, to request erasure in certain circumstances, to restrict or object to certain processing activities, and to request a machine-readable copy of data you provided (data portability) where applicable. If our processing is based on consent you may withdraw that consent at any time for future processing. To exercise your rights, contact us using the details below and provide sufficient information to identify the records. We will respond within the statutory timeframes where applicable. If you are in the United Kingdom you may lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office if you consider our handling of personal data infringes data protection law.

Contact and data controller

The data controller for sanemlist content is Sanemlist Research Ltd., located at 21 Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RQ, United Kingdom. For enquiries about this policy, to exercise rights, or to submit technical material with licensing or provenance information, please contact: [email protected] or call +44 1223 451210 during normal administrative hours. If you prefer, you may send postal correspondence to the address above. When contacting us, include sufficient detail to help us locate the relevant records. Administrative acknowledgements are available on request when indicated during submission; an acknowledgement does not constitute technical endorsement of the content supplied.