Solar PV Quality Audit Smaller Projects

• Client Name

• Site Name

• Conducted on

  Date

• Prepared by

• Site Address
  Address

• Contractor Company

• Lead Tech name

• Date of installation

  Date

• State

  Select NSW ACT VIC QLD SA WA TAS NT

  • NSW
  • ACT
  • VIC
  • QLD
  • SA
  • WA
  • TAS
  • NT

• Go to the main switchboard. Take a photo of the main switchboard with the doors closed.

  Media

Connection point

• Is the PV system connected to the correct NMI? (look for other meters, or unmetered sections)

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Take photos showing that the PV system is connected to the correct NMI

  Media

Main Switchboard signage

• All signs and labels should be permanent (e.g. traffolyte), readily visible and legible, securely attached

• 

• Is there a "PV" sign on or immediately adjacent to the main switchboard?<br><br>Must be 70mm, circular, green, REFLECTIVE, and readily visible to approaching emergency workers - refer AS/NZS 5033:2014 5.4.2

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take a photo of the main switchboard with the doors open.

  Media

• 

• Is there a voltage and current sign on the main switchboard?<br><br>Must be filled in. Must be visible when switchboard door is open. Text must be 5mm high. Black text on red background also acceptable. Refer AS/NZS 5033:2014 5.4.1

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 

• Is the inverter easy to find, or is there a map or plan at the main switchboard showing the inverter location?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.4

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the inverter connected directly to the main switchboard?

  Yes

  No

• 

• Is there a sign on the switchboard saying?<br><br>WARNING<br>MULTIPLE SUPPLIES<br>ISOLATE INVERTER SUPPLY AT DISTRIBUTION SWITCHBOARD ______________<br><br>___________ must state the PHYSICAL LOCATION of the switchboard that the inverter is connected to, not just the DB number.<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.3

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a laminated copy of the as-built single line diagram at the MSB?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the as-built single line diagram correct?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Go to the switchboard where the inverter is connected. Take photos with the doors closed and doors open.

  Media

Consumption monitoring

• Has consumption monitoring been installed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take photos of consumption monitoring meter and CTs

  Media

• Are the voltage inputs protected by either fuses or a dedicated MCB?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have CTs been installed in the correct location? (i.e. on main incomer, not on a submain)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the CT polarity correct?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the CT ratio set correctly in the meter?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the meter have comms to the internet? (for solaredge devices, look for <S_OK> on the LCD; for all devices check the portal)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Switchboard where the inverter is connected (may be the main switchboard or a sub-DB)

Signage

• 

• Is there a sign on the switchboard saying<br><br>WARNING<br>MULTIPLE SUPPLIES<br>ISOLATE ALL SUPPLIES BEFORE WORKING ON THIS SWITCHBOARD<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.2(a)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a sign adjacent to the inverter CB saying<br><br>'MAIN SWITCH (INVERTER SUPPLY)'?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.2(b)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a sign adjacent to the incomer CB saying one of:<br><br>'MAIN SWITCH (NORMAL SUPPLY)'<br>'MAIN SWITCH (GRID SUPPLY)'<br>'MAIN SWITCH (MAINS SUPPLY)'<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.2(c/d)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the inverter immediately adjacent to (i.e. within arms length) and visible from the switchboard it is connected to?<br>OR<br>Is there a sign on the switchboard giving the location of the inverter?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Connection point

• Is there a laminated copy of the as-built single line diagram at the switchboard?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the as-built single line diagram correct?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the MAIN SWITCH (INVERTER SUPPLY) actually isolate the inverter? (operate it to check)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Inverter CB and wiring

• Is the inverter CB rating adequate for the inverter size?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• What is the inverter CB make/model and rating?

• Is the inverter CB the same make/model and rating as specified in the most recent approved drawings?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Can you safely view the inverter CB terminals?

  Yes

  No

• Are terminals tight on Circuit Breaker?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the CB terminals free of signs of heat/hotspots?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the wire colours correct?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• What size wire has been used (mm2)?

General

• Are there any other issues or defects relating to switchboards?<br>(Add note with details)

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Does the building have a fire panel?

  Yes

  No

• 

• Is there a sign at the fire panel stating ‘MULTIPLE SUPPLIES’ explaining where to find the inverter shutdown procedures?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.7

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 

• Is the inverter easy to find, or is there a map or plan at the fire panel showing the inverter location?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.4

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there any other issues or defects relating to the fire panel?<br>(Add note with details)

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Take photos of the inverter

  Media

• What is the inverter make/model/rating?

• Are all the inverters the same make/model and rating as specified in the most recent approved drawings?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Access

• Is there adequate access/egress to inverter location? (min 600mm as per AS/NZS 3000)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the maximum DC array voltage above 600Vdc?

  Yes

  No

• Is the inverter installed in a secured lockable enclosure, accessible only by authorised personnel?<br><br>(Refer Verdia spec)<br>

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the access door/gate have a sign saying<br><br>WARNING: HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE<br>AUTHORIZED ACCESS ONLY<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033:2014 5.5.4

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Inverter Location (AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 5.3.1 and AS/NZS 3000:2007 2.9.2.5)

• Upright, firmly secured to the wall?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Well ventilated?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Protected from ingress of vermin, insects, water, and dust?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Exposed to direct sunlight?

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• If the inverter were to catch fire or generate smoke, would it compromise any fire/emergency escape routes? (AS4777.1 5.3.1, AS3000 2.10.2.5.h)

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Is there adequate clearance for ventilation and maintenance?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Inverter Signage

• Is there a permanent sign on/adjacent to the inverter detailing the emergency shutdown procedure?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.7 and AS/NZS 5033:2014 5.5.3

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the shutdown procedure specific to this system? e.g. do the names of switches in the procedure match the labels on the switches?<br><br>Refer CEC installer guidelines May 2017 8.7.1

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all the switches/equipment referred to in the procedure adjacent to (<3m) AND visible from the shutdown procedure?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.7

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the shutdown procedure include a warning that "isolation of the energy source by shutting down the inverter and isolating the IES may not de-energize the energy source and further actions may be required"?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.7

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Inverter operation

• Is the inverter date and time correct?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the inverter running?

  Yes

  No

  N/A
What temperature is the inverter running at?

Communications

• Is the inverter connected to comms/monitoring?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all the inverter communications daisy chained with Cat5/6 shielded cable?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All socket outlets for modems / switches etc have RCD protection, OR are "located in a position that is not likely to be accessed for general use; and clearly marked to indicate the restricted use of that socket-outlet and that RCD protection is not provided for that socket-outlet"? (AS/NZS 3000:2007 2.6.3.2.3.3)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the modem supplied from a dedicated MCB?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the MCB supplying the modem labelled?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

SolarEdge Systems

• Is this a SolarEdge system?<br>

  Yes

  No

• Is the total length of the communications cable less than 1,000 metres?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a surge protector for the communications port of every device?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there multiple inverters?

  Yes

  No

• Is the communications cabling terminated at the first and last inverter as per the inverter manual?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do the inverter stickers on the ‘physical layout template’ match the actual installation?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Attach a copy of the SolarEdge Physical Layout Template

  Media

General

• Are there any other issues or defects relating to the inverter?<br>(Add note with details)

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Take photos of cabling, conduits, and trays

  Media

DC cables / enclosures

• Are all DC cables marked "PV1-F"?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all DC cables segregated from AC cables?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If PV array voltage exceeds 600Vdc, is all DC cabling in HEAVY DUTY conduit, or covered cable tray, such that it is not accessible without the use of a tool?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033-2014 3.1

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all DC cables / conduits / trays marked with the word "SOLAR" at minimum 2m intervals?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033-2014 5.3.1

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 

• Are all PV array/string junction boxes labelled "WARNING: HAZARDOUS D.C. VOLTAGE"?<br><br>Text must be black on yellow background.<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033-2014 5.3.2

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Conduits

• Are conduits fixed with saddles at maximum 1m intervals, with two fixings per saddle? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all conduit bends made with elbow fittings, or bent smoothly, with no kinks, discolouration, or bubbling?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all PVC conduits out of direct sunlight? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all conduit entries and joints sealed and glued to prevent vermin/insect/water/dust ingress? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Cable trays / support systems

• Are there any cable trays / ladders present?

  Yes

  No

• Do all cable trays have pitched covers, including over bends and tees? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all cable tray bends/tees well made and neatly fixed and painted?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are cables fixed to the support system by proprietary nylon ties, straps or saddles, at 1000 mm centres for vertical runs and 2000 mm centres for horizontal runs? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are cable trays and ladders mounted at least 50mm clear from roof panels?<br>Cable trays and ladders shall not be directly screwed or fixed to roofing under any circumstances. (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are cable trays adequately bonded and earthed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

General

• Do all cables have adequate mechanical protection, UV protection, labelling, and support?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there any other issues or defects relating to ground-level cabling?<br>(Add note with details)

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Does this project include current transformers?

  Yes

  No

• Are the CT's safely accessible for inspection?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take photos of the CTs

  Media

• Are the CT nameplate ratings in accordance with the most recent approved drawings?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the transformers correctly connected as per the system requirements?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there adequate clearance between the primary and secondary circuit wiring?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the bolted electrical connections tight? (Use the calibrated torque-wrench method for verification)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all the shorting blocks in the correct position, either grounding or open as required?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Where is the CT grounding point?

• Take a photo of the CT grounding point

  Media

AC Isolators (at inverter)

• Is an AC isolator ADJACENT (AS3000 1.4.6 definition is "next to or adjoining without obstruction and within arms reach") to the inverter?

  Yes

  No

• Take photos of the AC isolator(s) showing make/model, labels, and IP/current/voltage ratings

  Media

• What is the brand / IP rating / current rating / voltage rating of the isolator(s)?

• Are the isolator(s) the same make/model and rating as specified in the most recent approved drawings?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the IP/current/voltage rating adequate?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a SIGN on the AC isolator saying:<br><br>INVERTER A.C. ISOLATOR<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 6.8

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the isolator fixed securely to the wall with at least two screws?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the isolator appropriately sealed to prevent ingress of vermin/insects/water/dust. i.e.<br>- conduits entries sealed and glued<br>- conduits bottom/side entry with a drip loop if outdoors<br>- pips installed over screw holes

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the isolator capable of being secured (padlocked) in the open position?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033:2014 4.3.5.2(e)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the inverter immediately adjacent to (i.e. within 3 metres and visible from) the switchboard where it is connected?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

DC Isolators (at inverter)

• Take photos of the DC isolator(s) showing make/model, labels, and IP/current/voltage ratings

  Media

• What is the brand / IP rating / current rating / voltage rating of the isolator?

• Are the isolator(s) the same make/model and rating as specified in the most recent approved drawings?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the IP/current/voltage rating adequate?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 

• Is there a SIGN on the DC isolator saying:<br><br>'PV ARRAY D.C. ISOLATOR'<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033-2014 5.5.2

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 

• If there are multiple DC isolators feeding one inverter, does the inverter have a sign saying:<br><br>WARNING: MULTIPLE D.C. SOURCES<br>TURN OFF ALL D.C. ISOLATORS TO ISOLATE EQUIPMENT<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033-2014 5.5.2

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the isolator fixed securely to the wall with at least two screws?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the isolator appropriately sealed to prevent ingress of vermin/insects/water/dust. i.e.<br>- conduits entries sealed and glued<br>- conduits bottom/side entry with a drip loop if outdoors<br>- pips installed over screw holes

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the isolator capable of being secured (padlocked) in the open position?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033:2014 4.3.5.2(e)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

DC Isolators (rooftop)

• Is there safe access to the roof?

  Yes

  No

• Take photos of the DC isolator(s) showing make/model, labels, and IP/current/voltage ratings

  Media

• What is the brand / IP rating / current rating / voltage rating of the isolator?

• Is the IP/current/voltage rating adequate?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 

• Is the isolator marked with an identification name or number according to the PV array wiring diagram?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033-2014 5.5.1

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is each isolator mounted adjacent to the panels which it isolates?<br>(i.e. is it clear which panels are connected to each isolator?)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do the labels on the rooftop isolators correspond with the labels on the ground-level isolators?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the isolator fixed securely to the bracket/strut with at least two screws?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the isolator appropriately sealed to prevent ingress of vermin/insects/water/dust. i.e.<br>- conduits entries sealed and glued<br>- conduits bottom/side entry with a drip loop if outdoors<br>- pips installed over screw holes

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the isolator capable of being secured (padlocked) in the open position?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033:2014 4.3.5.2(e)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the isolator shielded from direct sunlight? (Verdia spec) & is it compliant to the standards, if horizontally mounted must be as per diagram.

  Yes

  No

• Does the shield comply with AS5033

  

General

• Are there any other issues or defects relating to isolators?<br>(Add note with details)

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Is there safe access to the rooftop?

  Yes

  No

• Take photos of cabling, conduits, and trays

  Media

DC cables / enclosures

• Are all DC cables marked "PV1-F"?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all DC cables segregated from AC cables?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If PV array voltage exceeds 600Vdc, is all DC cabling in HEAVY DUTY conduit, or covered cable tray, such that it is not accessible without the use of a tool?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033-2014 3.1

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all DC cables / conduits / trays marked with the word "SOLAR" at minimum 2m intervals?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033-2014 5.3.1

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 

• Are all PV array/string junction boxes labelled "WARNING: HAZARDOUS D.C. VOLTAGE"?<br><br>Text must be black on yellow background.<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033-2014 5.3.2

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Conduits

• Are conduits fixed with saddles at maximum 1m intervals, with two fixings per saddle? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all conduit bends made with elbow fittings, or bent smoothly, with no kinks, discolouration, or bubbling?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all PVC conduits out of direct sunlight? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all conduit entries and joints sealed and glued to prevent vermin/insect/water/dust ingress? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Cable trays / support systems

• Are there any cable trays / ladders present?

  Yes

  No

• Do all cable trays have pitched covers, including over bends and tees? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all cable tray bends/tees made using standard catalogue manufactured accessories? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are cables fixed to the support system by proprietary nylon ties, straps or saddles, at 1000 mm centres for vertical runs and 2000 mm centres for horizontal runs? (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are cable trays and ladders mounted at least 50mm clear from roof panels?<br>Cable trays and ladders shall not be directly screwed or fixed to roofing under any circumstances. (Verdia spec)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are cable trays adequately bonded and earthed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

General

• Do all cables have adequate mechanical protection, UV protection, labelling, and support?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there any other issues or defects?<br>(Add note with details)

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Is there safe access to the rooftop?

  Yes

  No

• Take photos of rooftop

  Media

Structural

• Have the PV modules been installed in accordance with the structural certification?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have exclusion zones been maintained as per the structural certification?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have panels been installed at the correct tilt angle, as per the structural certification?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Rooftop safety equipment

• Is all existing rooftop safety equipment still usable (e.g. anchor points not covered by panels)?

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Is there safe access to the rooftop for maintenance of the panels, gutters, TV antennas, etc? (can you get everywhere on the roof without having to walk near a live edge or walk on top of panels?)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Earthing

• Is the array earthed as per manufacturer’s instructions and in such a way to ensure Earth Bond is continuous even if a panel is removed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the Earth connections made using acceptable methods i.e. Purpose made fitting, spayed with paint to prevent corrosion?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are DC cables longer than 50m installed in earthed metallic conduit or trunking?<br><br>Refer AS/NZS 5033:2014 3.5.2(d) - shielding as an overvoltage protection measure

  Yes

  No

  N/A

PV Modules and Racking

• Are all the panels in the array the same make/model and rating?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all panels free from shading?<br>(check that DC isolators / junction boxes don't cause any shading)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all panels installed at a minimum 10 degree tilt?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have any plastic cable ties been used?

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Are there any cables touching the roof?

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Has the racking and/or tilt kit been installed as per the manufacturers specifications? i.e. A minimum of two screws in the tilt kit feet, exclusion zones are clear.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Optimisers (SolarEdge Only)

• Is this a SolarEdge system (with optimisers)?

  Yes

  No

• Are all the optimisers in each string the same make/model and rating?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do the optimiser stickers on the ‘physical layout template’ match the actual installation?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are all string lengths less than 700 metres from the inverter positive terminal to the inverter negative terminal?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Penetrations

• Have all roof penetrations been made with an approved collar flashing & boot e.g. dectite?<br>NB Grinding a tile and passing the conduit between tiles is not an acceptable method as it is in breach of AS/NZS 3000 (clause 3.9.4.3.1)<br>Conduit passing through a hole in a steel roof and then sealed with silicon is in breach of Standards Australia Handbook 39-1997 (clause 8.6)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Inspect roof mounting and roof interfaces for water tightness.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Roof condition

• From a visual inspection - is the property free of any obvious signs of damage? e.g. cracked tiles

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• From a visual inspection, where required have tiles been ground adequately to sit flat in their original positions?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Has all rubbish and debris (e.g. loose screws) been removed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

General

• Are there any other issues or defects on the rooftop?<br>(Add note with details)

  No

  Yes

  N/A

• Is this a Stockland project?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Commissioning supervisor

• Is the person supervising the testing & commissioning a licensed electrician and CEC-accredited installer?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Name

• Provide a photo of their electrician's licence

  Media

• Provide a photo of their CEC accredited installer card

  Media

Equipment

• Has all test equipment being used been calibrated within the last 12 months?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Provide photos of all test equipment, showing the test/calibration stickers/tags

  Media

Commissioning tests

• What is the resistance of the earth electrode? (HV only)

• What is the resistance of the lightning protection system (if present)?

• Have phase rotation tests been carried out and are the results satisfactory?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have all tests required to demonstrate the operation of the automatic connection and disconnection of the PV system to and from the electricity network been carried out and are the results satisfactory?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have all tests required to prove that the PV system can export power to the site internal electrical loads been carried out and are the results satisfactory?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Please attach photos/copies of site acceptance test results/reports:

• SWMS for commissioning tasks

  Media

• Earth electrode measurement (HV only)

  Media

• Insulation resistance of all AC circuits

  Media

• Earth loop impedance of all AC circuits

  Media

• Insulation resistance of all DC circuits

  Media

• Phase rotation tests on inverter AC outputs

  Media

• Open circuit voltages and short circuit currents for all PV strings

  Media

• In-situ IV-curve tests (for string inverter systems only)

  Media

• Thermal images of in-service arrays

  Media

• Tests to demonstrate the operation of the automatic connection and disconnection of the PV system to and from the electricity network

  Media

• Tests to prove that the PV system can export power to the site internal electrical loads

  Media

• Any other issues?