Solar Panel Inspection
Day Checklist

Solar Permit Inspection Checklist

For residential rooftop PV systems · Grid-tied · Standard installation

Section 1 — Before the Inspector Arrives

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  Approved permit on siteThe AHJ-approved permit card or printout must be physically present at the job site during all inspections.
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  Approved plans on siteThe stamped/approved plan set (site plan, single-line diagram, equipment list) must be available for the inspector to reference.
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  Equipment spec sheets availableManufacturer data sheets for panels, inverter, and racking — in case the inspector has questions about listed equipment.
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  Access to electrical panel clearedThe main electrical panel must be accessible — clear at least 3 feet of clearance in front of the panel for the inspector.
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  Installer or knowledgeable party on siteSomeone who can answer questions about the installation method and access the roof if needed.

Section 2 — Structural Rough-In Inspection

After racking mounted — before panels installed

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  Lag bolts in raftersAll lag bolts must penetrate into rafters — not sheathing only. Inspector may probe or tap to verify rafter location. Typical minimum embedment: 2.5 inches into rafter.
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  Lag bolt size meets specsLag bolt diameter and length must match racking manufacturer specs (typically 5/16" or 3/8" diameter, 3" or longer). Reference your racking installation manual.
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  Flashing properly installedEvery roof penetration must have a manufacturer-approved flashing kit properly integrated under existing roofing material — not caulk-only. Verify flashing type matches roofing material (comp shingle, tile, metal).
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  IFC fire setbacks correct18-inch clear perimeter at all roof edges (eave, rake). On hip roofs: 36-inch clear access path from eave to ridge. Measure and confirm before inspector arrives.
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  Layout matches approved plansRack placement matches the approved roof plan exactly. If any field changes were made, a plan amendment must be submitted and approved before inspection.

Section 3 — Electrical Rough-In Inspection

After conduit and wiring runs — before cover

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  Correct conduit type for locationEMT in dry/interior locations; rigid PVC, aluminum, or rigid steel for wet/exterior locations. Conduit must be properly supported — no sagging runs.
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  Conduit fill within NEC limitsNumber and size of conductors in each conduit must not exceed NEC fill limits. Your installer's SLD should specify conductor sizes and conduit fill calculations.
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  Conductor sizing correctWire gauge must be appropriate for circuit ampacity and voltage drop per NEC Article 690. Verify conductor sizes match the approved SLD.
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  Grounding and bondingArray frame and all racking metal must be bonded and grounded per NEC 690.47. Grounding conductor properly sized and connected. Equipment grounding conductors (EGC) installed in all conduit runs.

Section 4 — Final Inspection

After all work complete — required in every jurisdiction

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  Equipment matches approved plansPanel model numbers, inverter model, racking brand — all must match the equipment list in the approved permit documents exactly. No substitutions without an approved plan amendment.
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  NEC 690.56 label at main panelLabel indicating solar PV source is connected must be installed at the main electrical panel. Typically reads: "WARNING: ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD — DO NOT TOUCH TERMINALS — TERMINALS ON BOTH LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN OPEN POSITION."
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  Inverter labels installedRequired NEC labels at inverter: equipment nameplate, disconnect identification, PV system source circuit information. Verify all labels are present and legible.
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  AC disconnect labeled and accessibleAC disconnect must be labeled, within line-of-sight of the utility meter (or lockable open), and operable without tools. Rapid shutdown initiator must be labeled "SOLAR PV SYSTEM RAPID SHUTDOWN."
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  Rapid shutdown system functionalNEC 690.12 — system must de-energize conductors within 30 seconds of initiating shutdown. Test with installer before inspection to confirm rapid shutdown is functional. Initiator (typically labeled switch or breaker) must be accessible and clearly labeled.
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  Fire setbacks verified (roof walk)Inspector may walk the roof and physically measure perimeter setbacks. Confirm 18-inch clear perimeter and hip/ridge access paths match approved roof plan before calling for final inspection.
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  Inverter clearances met3 feet clearance in front of inverter required for service access. Inverter must not be installed in a location where it blocks required egress or electrical panel access.
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  System ready for energization testIf inspector requests to see the system operational, it must be ready to energize — inverter functioning, panels clean and unobstructed, all connections complete. (Note: grid export must await utility PTO.)

Section 5 — After Passing Final Inspection

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  Obtain Certificate of Completion from AHJRequest the official Certificate of Completion or passing inspection record from your AHJ — this is what your utility needs. Your installer should handle this, but confirm it was obtained.
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  Submit inspection report to utilityFinal inspection report must be submitted to your utility's interconnection team. Reference your interconnection application number. Utility PTO review clock starts here.
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  Wait for PTO before energizingDo not export power to the grid until Permission to Operate (PTO) is received in writing from your utility. PTO typically arrives 15–45 business days after the utility receives the inspection report.

Inspection Date: _____________________    Inspector Name: _____________________    Permit #: _____________________

Notes / Corrections Required: