PV Installation Audit

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Inspection checklist

Important information
The following technical checklist shall be used for the site inspections. In general, inspections will be limited in scope to the contents of this checklist. However, inspectors may use their knowledge and experience to provide additional information if they deem it to be appropriate for any particular system (final question allows free-form text if there is no relevant question). NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE ACCESSED THE DESIGN INFORMATION IN THE CRM BEFORE INSPECTING
Date & Time of inspection
Prepared by:

Health and Safety Inspectors have a duty of care for their own health and safety, for those working in proximity and for end customers. It is expected that inspectors will make a generic risk assessment for the anticipated work, as defined below. On arrival on site, a briefing should be obtained from the installation contractor, if present and in any case, a dynamic risk assessment should be carried out and the generic risk assessment updated with any relevant information. After avoiding, removing or controlling any risks identified, the inspector must assess any residual risks and decide whether or not it is safe to proceed
Inspectors are not responsible for inspecting H&S aspects of installation work. However, any unsafe practices observed in passing must be reported to the inspections manager or iChoosr, who will raise the matter with the contractor. In urgent cases, the supervisor should be requested to cease working until the issue can be resolved
Dynamic risk assessment:<br>Any risks on site to yourself or others not<br>already eliminated or reduced to an<br>acceptable level?
Who is on site? List site personnel & trades
trade:

Number of panels as per design
How many panels?
No broken panel glass or signs of warping
Installer has taken reasonable precautions to avoid shading of the modules
Orientation & pitch as per design
If module labels accessible, module type & rating as per design
Mounting type and layout as per design
Roof hook numbers & spacing as per design (pitched roofs)
Ballast quantity, weight and distribution meets design and is secure (Flat roofs) and as per design
- Yes
- No
- N/A
Rail overhang is acceptable
Clamp zones correct
If installer present, ask them to demonstrate how they control torque setting of clamp screws
Modules plane is even, within approx. +/- 3mm (if no safe access to roof level, determined by eye at ground level)
Frame earthing present (note: this is not mandatory in the MCS guide)
Are tiles over roof hooks raised by less than approx. 5mm? (if no safe access to roof level, determined by eye at ground level)
Slate roofs - Solar Limpets fitted as per manufactures instructions
External cables routed neatly, protected against weather, UV or physical damage
Cable entry to building weathertight & durable (UV resistant, if exposed)

DC cables clipped up off surface
DC connectors protected from weather & not in area of water pooling
DC extension cables are mated to modules using same make & model of connector (check BOM & panel data sheet)
DC cable loops avoided, where possible
For installation crew's 1st inspection, ask to see DC crimp tool & check for correct make & model. Also ask to see installer's QC process for double-checking all DC connections following installation

Module mountings - check rafters in lofts for splits, missed rafters, etc. All ok?
All internal cables neatly routed and protected against physical damage
DC cable type & gauge correct
DC connections: check if accessible – pull test, same manufacturer for mating halves
DC cabling & connectors adequately labelled
DC isolator check: ratings, location, glands, terminal security DANGER: only competent engineers may perform this check. Insulating gloves must be worn, insulating tool must be used)
DC isolator label durably affixed

Correct type & rating (Max DC-power / max array power 0.80 to 1.15)
Separate MPPT input or inverters for shaded areas or different roof aspects
Mounted on suitable surface - fire retardant backing on structurally sound wall
Unlikely to cause audible noise nuisance (Yes = unlikely, No = problem)
Access for maintenance and in a place not likely to be covered or sustain accidental damage
Protected from direct sun
Has adequate ventilation (to manufacturer’s spec.)
If mounted in loft or other enclosed spaces within the building, is a mains-powered smoke or heat alarm, linked to any other house alarms, installed in a place designed to detect an inverter fire or smoke from the inverter? (Inspectors should note the presence of any such alarm, but are not expected to comment on its suitability.)
Set for G83/2 or G59/3, as appropriate
Monitoring system installed & operational (if possible)

a) String test data available and values reasonable?
b) AC test data available & reasonable?
# Signage & labelling as per MCS requirements, incl. Laminated bespoke electrical schematic Emergency shutdown procedure Solar on Roof sticker on or near consumer unit Main isolator label Dual supply label