The 5 main types of solar panel Inspections

The 5 main types of solar panel inspections:

What are the 5 main inspection-types for solar panels?

The types of solar inspections would depend on your building department. In general, these are the 5 main inspection types that many “Authorities Having Jurisdiction” (AHJs) or building departments go by:

The 5 main types of solar panel Inspections:

1. Rough-Structural Inspection:
2. Final-Structural Inspection
3. Rough-Electrical Inspection
4. Final-Electrical Inspection
5. Fire setbacks inspections

Rough-Structural Inspection:

This inspection usually requires the solar stand-offs and rails to be installed without the solar panels mounted. In this type of inspection the inspector will check the structural integrity of the stand-offs, if there are any crack tiles, the quality of the flashing or if there are enough stand-offs per panel. The inspector wants to avoid water intrusion and panels falling from the roof due to high wind conditions.

Final-Structural Inspection

This inspection requires the solar panels to be mounted on the rails. There should not be any loose panel/s. Additionally the number and configuration of the solar array should match with the plans.

Rough-Electrical Inspection

In this inspection the inspector will check for grounding conductors, for optimizers and if the strings are running as per the plan set shows. This inspection usually requires the panels to not be mounted. Additionally, the contractor should open up all the electrical equipment enclosures.

Final-Electrical Inspection (Solar inspection checklist for electrical inspection)

This is usually the final inspection in which the inspector makes sure that the whole electrical side of the system follows code. Re-visit the check list above to make sure you have everything needed.

Fire setbacks inspections (by the fire department):

Some jurisdictions may require the fire department to check on the solar installation. If that’s the case, the fire-department representative will make sure that the solar array honors the fire setbacks established by code. 

As established before, failing to honor these codes may result in installation delays. Sometimes, if the installer makes the same mistakes over and over again, the building department may start charging for any extra inspection. That’s why it is important to know how to choose the best solar contractor.

If you are a installer waiting for an inspection to happen, I would recommend to read over this solar panel inspection checklist and make sure everything is ready before the inspector comes.