Originally Posted By: jeubank This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m looking for any tips you might give about inspecting a solar (off-the-grid) electrical system. I’ve figured out that I can test for amperage before the DC-to-AC inverter, and test for voltage at the receptacles, and test each storage battery for voltage. I wonder what else needs to be done?
– Inspected once, inspected right throughout southern Colorado
Originally Posted By: jeubank This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks, Joe. Your reference led me to http://www.iaei.org/magazine/99_a/wiles.htm, and it’s pretty much what I was looking for. Maybe more detail than I need for a general inspection, but it’s better to have more info than not enough! I’ll be doing the inspection tomorrow, and I’ll let you know afterwards if I come across anything unusual. I was at the property a few days ago to set up a radon test, and I took a look at the PV - looks the same as the others I’ve seen, but of course I’m not an expert (yet). Thanks again.
– Inspected once, inspected right throughout southern Colorado
Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I didn’t know that that type of system was part of a Home Inspection?
Does your State require licensing for HI's?
Better be careful and say nothing, or skip it all together, one day of training or "reading" the information you found could be difficult to understand.
Originally Posted By: jeubank This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Yes, Joe, you’re right about being careful and not commenting on something that I don’t understand well. I’ve had one college course on solar electrical, but it’s been awhile. I’ll just use this upcoming inspection as a time to educate myself better, without commenting much, if at all, on the solar electrical.
– Inspected once, inspected right throughout southern Colorado
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Although beyond the scope of the Inspection, it was observed that ... (bla bla bla). It is recommended that a qualified specialist inspect and evaluate the installation prior to escrow close, and that repairs or replacement be budgeted until that evaluation can be completed.
JMO and 2-nickels ... 
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong