Residence. Harwinton Town Garage.
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PHOTOVOLTAIC ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION INSPECTIONS
Photovoltaic Electrical Roof Installation.A photovoltaic system converts solar energy into electrical energy. As the sun strikes the photovoltaic (PV) panels the solar power is converted to direct current electricity. This electrical current is converted into alternating current in an inverter that is synchronized with the utility power source. This electrical source may provide all or a part of the electrical needs of the premises. If the power production is less than the demand, power is supplemented by the utility. If the power generated exceeds the demand, the excess is sold back to the utility. This system is called grid connected.

We have been trained by SunPower Corporation and are qualified to perform quality assurance inspections on installed systems.
INSPECTION FOCUS
  
Code and Compliance
  • Conductor size, type, color
  • Conduit size, type, fittings and support
  • Properly rated & listed over-current protection
  • Solar breaker is appropiate size for service panel
  • DC disconnect external to first penetration
  • Equipment & DC system grounding
  • NEC labeling in place
 Overview of photovoltaic collectors on a roof.
Face of a photovoltaic collector.
System Performance
  • Check actual kWh performance with site conditions
  • Evaluate array shading
  • Determine azimuth angle
  • Indentify Inverter problems
  • Record ground faults, error codes, transformer buzzing
  • Record wire size and length (voltage drop concerns)
  • Determine whether seies strings are split in different directions
  • Identify heavy soiling
 Photovoltaic inverter, DC disconnect and electric meter.
Ground wire for photovoltaic roof collector.
Workmanship and Aesthetics
  • Appearance, module alignment
  • Conductors protected andpropetly manages
  • Conduit routing
  • Rooftop mounting secured to rafters
  • Penetrations flashed, sealed
  • Module interconnects secure, suspended, not stressed
  • Array junction box size, strain relief fittings
 Roof bracketing system for photovoltaic roof collector.

Roof flashing for photovoltaic collector.
FIELD INSPECTION REPORT  
The field inspection report is a checklist report which specifically addresses these areas:
  • Array
  • Mounting
  • Inverter
  • Array to inverter wiring
  • DC Disconnect
  • Inverter to MSP Wiring
  • AC Disconnect
  • Main Service Panel (MSP)
  • System Safety
Collection box to transfer electricity from the collectors to the inverter.
 
 
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