Solar Panel Inspection 101: What to Expect
Safe, efficient solar power starts with a thorough (and required) inspection
Solar panel inspections cost between $150 and $350.
When installing solar, permit fees sometimes include an inspection.
Inspectors check the solar panels’ structure and the electrical system.
Official system inspections may be required to maintain the system warranty.
Owners can do visual inspections every few weeks.
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.
Working With Your AHJ
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.
Electrical System Inspection
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:
Main Service Panel
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.
Grounding
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.
AC and DC Switches
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.
Labels
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 Panel Structural Inspection
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Permit fees sometimes include the cost of a solar panel inspection, but it depends on local regulations. In some locations, the inspection process involves several site visits with a preinstallation, in-progress, and post-installation inspection. We’ve covered the latter. Working with an experienced installer can help you through each step of the inspection process.
No, you cannot turn on a new solar system before inspection. The inspector checks that the system is correctly connected to the grid and that safety components and features are in place. This process prevents problems on the electrical grid and offers protection against fire in your home.
Your local utility company may also require inspection documentation before you can connect to the grid. An inspection can ensure solar power efficiency and determine how you might increase it.
Solar panel inspection costs range between $150 and $350. The system's location can increase the cost, with roof-mounted panels being among the more expensive systems to inspect. Larger systems also cost more because of the time it takes to complete the inspection. Other factors affecting the price include the inverter type, objects around the system, and add-ons you purchase along with the inspection.
