Who to Hire for a Solar Panel Inspection for Your New Home
Here comes the sun—and the inspection
If you’re going solar, knowing who to hire for a solar panel inspection for your home is essential. Whether you’re buying a home with solar panels or installing them on your new home, contact a solar panel installation company to inspect them and ensure they’re in good working order. Let’s look at the benefits of hiring the right person for solar panel inspection and why this is not a DIY job.
Benefits of Hiring a Solar Panel Inspector to Examine the Solar Panels on Your New Home
When you hire a local solar panel installation company to check your solar panels, they will inspect them and evaluate the electrical system, inverters, and wiring. They can also analyze the system is performance and ensure it’s safely installed. Solar panel inspectors will also check the rooftop equipment, including roof penetrations and the mounting system.
A certified or licensed solar panel inspector is the best pro to take on this job. They have the experience and training to catch issues so you can safely run your solar panel system.
Can I DIY a Solar Inspection?
Just as installing solar panels on the roof is a job for the pros, ensuring solar panels are installed correctly and effectively is a job for a highly trained professional. A solar inspection includes checking the panels and system components and troubleshooting any issues with the panels or the system. Some pros will also clean the solar panels.
This is not a DIY job without a licensed electrician's knowledge—depending on your state’s requirements—and solar panel inspection training. If you’re installing a new solar panel system, a local government official and your utility company must also perform a solar panel inspection before it can be connected to the grid.
Can I Hire an Electrician for a Solar Panel Inspection?
Solar panel installation professionals must also be licensed electricians or solar contractors, so you can hire an electrician to inspect solar panels if they’re certified to do so. If your electrician doesn't specialize in solar panels, they may not have the experience necessary to complete a proper inspection.
If there are issues with the system’s electrical components, an electrician may be the best person to remedy them. The best way to determine if you can hire an electrician for this job is to ask them if they have experience and are qualified.
How Do Solar Panel Inspectors Check Solar Panels?
To ensure your solar panels are working properly and efficiently, the inspector will inspect the electrical system and perform system diagnostics to identify any issues. If equipment is faulty or improperly installed, your pro will correct these issues or recommend next steps. Inspectors also evaluate the panel array and roof mount system and ensure the panels are unobstructed. Some inspectors also offer cleaning services.
