06/05/2026
☀️ SOLAR INSPECTIONS: what is the inspector looking at? ☀️
The law states the inspector must inspect _all_ of the prescribed work to determine if it complies. With solar installations being markedly more complex than a standard switchboard, the electrician and inspector need to get everything right.
Here's roughly how I go about it:
1. Documentation. I need it _all_ before I set foot on site, exactly as 4777.1 and 5033 stipulate. Then I'm checking:
* Wind certificate for mounting frame and clamping zones of PV modules
* Inverter installation requirements, like space around the inverter for ventilation and external earthing requirements
* Data sheets, site map accuracy, voltage rise calculations, etc.
* Voc and Isc calculations against inverter specs
An inspector cannot effectively carry out an accurate inspection if all key documentation is not present.
On site, next up is:
2. Visual inspection of inverter and relevant switchboards, including labelling. Then a visual inspection of all other components, starting in the roof space. I'll be checking for the appropriate signage, installation location of DC wiring systems, gluing and labelling of all conduits, anchoring of flexible conduits at both ends, appropriate support, etc.
I'm also checking that the AC inverter cable is installed correctly, particularly regarding mechanical protection if concealed in a stud wall.
3. Then we jump onto the roof. I'm verifying:
* PV modules and mounting frame are installed in accordance with the documentation (as per 1170.2), checking clamping zones, feet spacing and correct installation, and ensuring no PV modules are installed on rail overhangs
* Protection against corrosion of earthing terminations, and size of all conductors
* Support of wiring systems with steel ties, and water ingress countermeasures
4. Testing!
* While on the roof, verify earth continuity of mounting frames and modules
* Verify earthing to inverter and any other relevant parts
* IR test DC and AC cables
* Polarity test DC and AC cables, including continuity of DC strings
* Test DC isolator operation under load, and verify disconnection within 2s and reconnection after 60s.
I'll lastly verify correct regional settings (Australia A) and that the earth fault alarm has been set up for the customer on their smart device.
There's lots to it, but that's broadly it! A thorough inspection is not only the law, it protects the customer from danger and the electrician from a 'show cause' after an audit.
Generation and storage inspections were taken away from General-class inspectors and remade into a specialist RE class, recognising the particular dangers of such systems and the necessity of getting it right.
As as LGREV class inspector, I take my obligations seriously and strive to protect both the customer and the electrician from the ramifications of non-compliant work.
