Safe, efficient solar power starts with a thorough (and required) inspection
Your solar system inspection confirms safe electrical connections and proper structural mounting, meeting local fire safety codes before you can turn on your new panels.
Expect to pay $150 to $350 for a professional solar panel inspection, though permit fees in some areas include this inspection as part of the approval process.
Your inspector checks grounding, disconnect switches, safety labels, panel spacing, and mounting rail attachments to verify your home meets all electrical and structural safety requirements.
Hiring a local solar panel installation professional keeps your system compliant with local codes and handles the inspection process, ensuring your panels connect safely to the grid.
A completed solar panel installation isn’t the final step in harnessing the sun’s power. There are two parts to a solar panel inspection: the electrical system inspection and the structural inspection. Inspections are required to turn on the system, but you’ll also need them regularly to maintain the warranty and efficiency of the system. As long as your system has been installed correctly, you don’t need to worry about either part of the inspection process, but it can help to know what’s coming.
Local solar inspection guidelines vary with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), a government office or entity that regulates safety and building regulations and codes. The AHJ determines whether a government employee or private inspection service can perform the inspection, and some require an electrician to be present.
Work with an experienced local solar panel installer who is familiar with your AHJ. They can offer advice about the permitting process and will know what to expect during inspections. Their experience and advice will also help with practical decisions, such as the direction the solar panels should face.
The electrical system inspection ensures fire safety, proper installation, and that the correct safety measures are in place. Your inspector will check the materials, location, and distance between electrical components, including the following areas:
At the main service panel, the inspector will check that breakers, wires, and conduits are the correct size or gauge. Both the gauge and type of wire matter for fire safety. Additionally, all electrical connections should be tight and correctly located based on local AHJ guidelines and standards.
Proper grounding diverts fault currents from electrical surges, lightning strikes, or insulation faults. A fault current or short circuit is an unintended or uncontrolled current in the system that can easily cause damage. Inspectors look for a grounding rod and wire and check for the proper materials, such as weatherproof tape at connection points.
The alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) switches must be within a specific distance of one another and from the electrical meter. These same switches must be accessible to emergency responders in case of a fire or other emergency.
There also needs to be a disconnect switch for the AC and a disconnect switch for the DC located between the inverter and the utility meter. Some systems have a single switch for both AC and DC, which is a standalone switch or breaker on a service panel.
Safety labels must be placed on all system parts and features. A placard with the site layout should be placed next to the electrical meter and disconnect switch.
Solar panels are installed at a specific distance from the roof and roof edge for fire safety. This part of the inspection will also include examining the panels’ attachment points, mounting rail installation, and fastenings between the panels and the rails.
Cables shouldn’t dangle or touch the roof. When deciding if your home was good for solar, you may have reinforced the rafters to support the solar panels. If that’s the case, any rafter reinforcements will also get a once-over, too.
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