Hey guys, can you elaborate on how solar panels affect your home inspections? If at all.
If they are installed on a roof, I check that the installation is flashed and sealed properly but I do not do any diagnostics on the electrical performance.
4 Likes
The question is can you elaborate on how solar panels affect your home inspections?
2 Likes
This^ Plus I look for proper attachments in the attic ( make sure they are installed to trusses/secured blocking).
3 Likes
Although exempt from SOP, I do look at the wiring; looking for proper service panel and breaker conditions, grounding, etc.
1 Like
Yeah I don’t plan to spend much time on the panels, but I guess keeping an eye out for attachment or wiring issues is good.
About every other home has solar panels here in sunny CA. I first disclaim that they are not part of a home inspection. However, as a courtesy, I include some pictures and attempt to estimate the age and nominal (peak) wattage (by reading the manufacturer label). If there is an obvious problem (e.g. dirty panels, trees blocking sun, red lights, error messages, loose wires, etc.), I will report those. I specifically avoid any statement to that the fact that the system is running properly, which absolutely requires a specialist.
If it is a grid-tie system (99% are), I recommend that a buyer ask the current homeowner for a copy of their annual net usage statement from the utility company. PG&E calls it their “True-Up” statement. It will provide a summary of the watts generated versus watts used for the entire year. It is probably the best indicator that the system is running properly.
Besides flashing problems when panels are installed on the roof that are clearly within our SOP, the thing to watch out for is what was potentially changed (altered) when the panels were added. I ran across a dryer vent that was rerouted from the roof to the garage that, of course, is a firewall breach.
4 Likes
Very useful point, thanks. I’m gonna insert a comment to use when inspecting a home with solar panels stating I do not inspect the system. Does anyone have one to share?
You’ve got good so far. I’ll add that in our area most solar panels seem to be on long term financing plans that go with the home. Enough buyers agents seem unaware (or willfully ignorant) that we added a sentence to our “outside the scope” statement to verify ownership or finance terms prior to closing.
1 Like
Check visible roof penetrations, disclaim areas of the roof concealed beneath the panels, check for obvious physical damage to the panels, attempt to get my voltage sniffer onto the wires coming off the panels (usually in a box near where they tap into the house power) and report that some power is being generated, advise that this is only a very limited evaluation and recommend further checking from a specialist.
I’m somewhat new to encountering many panels (moved from Oregon to Maui) but one quirk I’m running into is roofers are adamant that they don’t touch panels and solars guys are adamant that they touch roofs. So, it seems like you literally must have both contractors on-site at the same time to get any physical work done. Here in Maui getting one contractor to show up on time is nearly impossible. Two? Good luck!
3 Likes
I note that there is a solar system present and that it is excluded from this general home inspection and recommend that the buyer have it inspected by a solar specialist. See Internachi SOP sect. 3.2 (IV) k.
4 Likes
Thanks Matt. I went into my agreements and added the statement about this being outside the scope and what I will look for as a courtesy. I also added a solar panel narrative in my template. Thanks for your help.
1 Like
Care to share what that looks like?
I am not trained or certified to evaluate, and report on solar panels. Nor am I willing to accept the liability of pretending that I am.
I include a disclaimer in my report, and on-site summary, to inform the client that neither the solar panels (including mounting hardware, wiring, equipment performance), or any part of the building that may be hidden or obscured by solar panels is within the scope of the general home inspection.
4 Likes
I have a disclaimer in my reports that I am not qualified nor required to inspect solar panels, however, I don’t overlook any obvious damage to the panels and would report on such.
5 Likes
Same.
Yep
And this.
I would also include critter issues such as nests for example. And then,
And
or at least proper training/certifications
Of course looking at how it ties into the disconnect and/or distribution system should be looked at for obvious reasons.
2 Likes