Solar Installation Pre-Job Site Walk

Pre-job site walk inspection for solar installations covering roof condition, shading, electrical interconnection, and permit readiness.

Site Access and General Conditions

• Work area and access path are clear of obstructions
  Walkways, driveways, ladders, and staging areas are free of trip hazards, debris, loose materials, and stored items that would block safe access.
• Weather conditions are suitable for roof work
  Document current weather and verify there is no active precipitation, lightning, high winds, or other conditions that would make rooftop work unsafe.
• Roof access method identified and safe to use
  Confirm the planned access method (ladder, interior access, lift, or other) is available, stable, and appropriate for the site.
• Utility shutoff locations and emergency contacts identified
  Verify the crew knows the location of utility disconnects, emergency shutoffs, and the site contact list before work begins.

Roof Condition and Structural Readiness

• Roof covering is intact at planned attachment areas
  Check shingles, tiles, membrane, or metal panels at the planned array and attachment points for cracks, missing sections, corrosion, punctures, or active deterioration.
• Roof penetrations, flashing, and sealant condition acceptable
  Inspect existing vents, skylights, chimneys, and previous penetrations for visible leaks, damaged flashing, failed sealant, or other deficiencies that may affect installation.
• Roof slope and work surface allow safe installation
  Document whether the roof pitch, surface condition, and footing are suitable for safe PV installation and fall protection planning.
• Visible signs of structural distress noted
  Look for sagging, deflection, water damage, rot, cracked rafters, compromised decking, or other visible indicators that warrant engineer review or AHJ follow-up.
• Roof work area measured and documented
  Record the approximate usable roof area and note any obstructions that reduce array placement options.

Shading and Array Layout

• Shading obstructions identified during site walk
  Document trees, chimneys, vents, dormers, antennas, neighboring structures, and seasonal obstructions that may affect production.
• Proposed array location has acceptable solar exposure
  Confirm the selected array area has adequate exposure for the project design and note any significant shading concerns that could reduce output.
• Setback, fire access, and roof layout constraints reviewed
  Verify the layout accounts for required setbacks, ridge/edge clearances, and any fire access or maintenance pathways required by the AHJ.
• Array layout marked or documented on site
  Confirm the planned module and racking layout has been marked, sketched, or otherwise documented for field use.

Electrical Interconnection and Equipment

• Main service panel and disconnect locations identified
  Confirm the location of the main service equipment, PV interconnection point, and any required disconnects is known and accessible.
• Service capacity and interconnection details verified against design
  Check that the existing service rating, breaker space, and planned interconnection method match the approved design and permit documents.
• Equipment delivery matches approved submittals
  Verify modules, inverter(s), racking, disconnects, and other major components match the approved model numbers and quantities.
• Grounding and bonding plan reviewed
  Confirm the crew understands the grounding and bonding approach for the system and that required materials are available.
• Lockout/tagout or energy control needs identified
  Determine whether any energized work, shutdown coordination, or lockout/tagout steps are required before installation or tie-in work begins.

Permits, Documentation, and Sign-Off

• Approved permit set available on site
  Verify the latest approved permit drawings, revisions, and inspection documents are available to the crew before work begins.
• Utility interconnection requirements reviewed
  Confirm any utility application, net metering, or interconnection requirements are understood and documented for the project.
• Open deficiencies documented with corrective actions
  Record any deficiencies, non-conformances, or field changes discovered during the walk and assign next steps before mobilization.
• Inspector signature
  Inspector confirms the site walk findings and readiness status.