What inspections do I need?
The typical solar inspections required include:
City inspection: Required by your city or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to close out any electrical or building permits required for the installation.
Utility inspection: Required by your utility company to approve grid interconnection.
We will schedule all the required inspections with the relevant electrical, city, county, and state authorities.
Do the inspectors need access to my whole property or just the solar site?
The inspectors will only need access to the areas relevant to the solar installation. They do not need full access to your entire property.
Typically, the inspectors will review:
- Roof area: Where the solar panels are mounted
- Outside the home: Where any conduit runs from the roof to the electrical panel
- Electrical panel: Where the solar system ties in
- Attic space: If wiring runs through it
They may also want to see areas in the home near the electrical panel, like the garage or utility room.
How long will it take to approve my solar system after installation?
The full approval process for your new solar system usually takes 2-4 weeks from the time installation is completed, depending on the required inspections for your location. Here’s what to expect:
- Local inspections: After installation, your city/county building department will need to inspect the system and approve it meets electrical and fire codes.
- Utility inspections: Your energy utility company will also need to inspect the system and approve your interconnection agreement before turning the system on.
- Final sign off: After passing inspections and testing, we can complete the final approval process and officially activate your solar system.
What’s looked for during the inspection?
Some of the key things solar inspectors look for during the inspection process are:
Roof structure and attachments: They will check that the roof can structurally support the panel weight and that mountings are properly secured.
Electrical connections: They confirm all wiring is up to code, properly sized, and adequately protected.
Voltage and currents: They test that voltage and currents are within expected ranges throughout the system.
Safety features: They check that all required safety mechanisms like shut off switches are installed and functional.
Panel condition: They inspect panels for any damage sustained during installation.
Inverter operation: They ensure the inverter is working properly to convert the solar energy into usable electricity.
Meter connection: They confirm the meter is correctly allowing energy to flow both ways.
Waterproofing: They check areas where roof or walls were penetrated to confirm proper seals.
The goal is to verify all solar components were installed correctly and safely.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the inspection?
For most inspections you are not required to be home, and there is very little you need to do on your end to prepare. We recommend:
Clear access to electrical panels: Make sure the area around your main electrical panel is clear so the inspector can easily access it.
Remove pets: For safety, please secure any pets away from the inspection areas.
Charge devices beforehand: There may be brief planned power shutdowns as part of inspection.
Will the inspection happen on a specific scheduled day?
Yes, the inspection will be scheduled on a specific day, and our team will take care of scheduling it for you.
You will be notified of the inspection date and details via email, as well as through updates on your project tracker in your myFreedom account.
Do I need to be home for the inspections?
For most inspections, you do not need to be home, as inspectors are only assessing the exterior of the property.
However, some jurisdictions may require entry to the attic or roof during the inspection. You or another adult would need to be home to provide the inspector access.
We’ll let you know at the time of scheduling if you need to be on site.
How will I know if I pass my inspections?
We will notify you as soon as we receive the results of the solar inspection via email and the updates in your myFreedom account.
You can count on us to keep you informed each step of the way until your system is fully signed off!
What if something fails inspection?
If any part of your solar system fails inspection, our team will take the necessary steps to resolve the issues and schedule your reinspection.
If any corrections need to be made to your system in order to pass the inspection, our scheduler will reach out to you to send a technician to address these issues. Rest assured our team has experience navigating this smoothly, and will keep you updated via email and your myFreedom account.
How soon after installation is the inspection?
Your inspection is typically requested very soon after installation is completed, and you’ll be updated on your date and time via email and in your myFreedom account. Please note that the inspection date is dictated by the availability of your city and utility inspection departments.
Rest assured we attempt to get the soonest possible inspection appointment time!
Who schedules the inspection appointment?
Inspection dates are determined by the city or utility, and we have limited flexibility to make adjustments. Any rescheduling requests are dependent upon city or utility availability and could result in significant delays to your project.`
`If you need to reschedule an inspection, please reach out to [email protected]. Our team will coordinate with the city or utility to find an alternate appointment, and notify you by email of your new time.