Solar Panel Installation - General Checklist
Author: Novade Solutions
Published on: 4/12/2023Solar Panel Installation - General Checklist
General Information
Installation Checklist
Introduction
Modules and PV Array
Check the conformity of module specification in accordance with the design simulation and that all installed modules are of the same characteristics.
Check the number of modules: number of modules in series and in parallel and compare with design.
Check with the help of a compass, if the modules are well oriented in south or north direction (according to the hemisphere), by positioning the compass against the east or west edge of a module.
Check the inclination of the modules (tilt angle) using the inclinometer.
Check with a level if the east-west axis of the modules is properly horizontal.
Check that the height of the lowest point of the modules from the ground is greater than or equal to the height in the specifications.
Check the cleanness of the solar array (each cell).
Ensure that no module is damaged: broken glass, frame, twisted, scratched.
With the installer, measure the voltage output from each string and ensure it’s consistent with the design and that it’s uniform across all the strings.
Check and ensure that every module is fastened to the structure at every bolt hole in an manner that is robust, acceptable and that will deter vandalism.
Photo Attachments
Electrical Wiring
Ensure cable conformity : Compare cable specifications and sections with those provided by the manufacturer for the power and the distances measured on site.
Check that all cable connections are inside the junction boxes provided for this purpose; no connection between two cables should be visible.
Ensure all cable glands and conduits match the cable size and are properly sealed. All cable entries into the terminal box should be through cable glands.
. Check that all housings connections are at a minimum height of 50 cm from the ground level.
Choose a sample of the cable and test it by pulling on a cable out of a gland to ensure that it is sufficiently tight to hold the cable.
Check that all cable terminals are properly fastened and sufficiently tight.
Check the cable interconnection between the modules is fastened to the structure at regular intervals by use of suitable clips or cable ties.
Check that all surface cabling is of armoured type and if not armoured should be placed in electrical conduits and protected using protective tiles to prevent damage from passing vehicles.
Check that there are no overhead cables. All interconnecting cables (e.g. connecting two support structures) should be guided to the ground and conform to point 7 above.
Verify the existence and proper connection of grounding rods for both earthing and lightning surge protection.
Photo Attachments
Solar Support Structure
Check if all the members of the supporting structure are of the material provided. Ensure that no parts are susceptible to corrosion. Check for proper and uniform painting of the structure.
Check the proper eye alignment of the support posts.
Check with a spirit level the verticality and horizontality of poles and modules (this allows to check the general quality of the completed work).
Check the bolting has been done at every hole.
Check if the foundations are of sufficient size.
Check for obvious weaknesses such as structures that are grossly swaying.
Photo Attachments
Inverter or other AC interface
Check the conformity of inverter specifications (or interface).
Check the inverter (or interface) is correctly mounted at more than 50 cm above the ground level.
Make sure inverter is well protected from adverse weather conditions and is as close as possible to the PV array e.g. placed in the shade of the modules.
Check that the inverter is mounted directly on a solid wall or equipped with a back plate, and that the wall/back plate can support the weight of the inverter.
. Ensure protective devices have been installed between the PV array and the inverter e.g. DC Disconnects, DC Breakers, Surge Protectors etc.
Photo Attachments
Pump Unit
Check the conformity of motor specifications.
Check the conformity of pump specifications.
Check that the splicing kit is of suitable type, quality and workmanship.
Check that the pump setting depth complies with the purchase order/TOR.
During installation, check that the drop cable and well probe cable is fastened to the pipe using suitable cable ties and (tape or metallic clips MUST NOT be used) at intervals of 3 meters.
During Test Run:
Photo Attachments
Drill head
Ensure that all the components of the drill/well head are of corrosion resistant material.
Check that the gate valve meets the specifications and that it is fully open. Valve handle should be removed to avoid accidental closure.
Check the conformity of the water meter to the specifications and mounting direction. Monitor compliance with the minimum safety lengths: 20 times the nominal diameter upstream, 10 times downstream.
Photo Attachments
System monitoring and control
System registered on remote monitoring platform.
Controller registered/activated for data logging and remote access provided.
Alerts & notifications activated to system owner’s email/SMS.
Photo Attachments
General
2 days hands on training of operators/users/NGO done on site.
Testing, Installation and commissioning report handed to NGO.
Photo Attachments
Download PDF
Save to Novade
Solar Panel Installation - General Checklist
General Information
Installation Checklist
Introduction
Modules and PV Array
Check the conformity of module specification in accordance with the design simulation and that all installed modules are of the same characteristics.
Check the number of modules: number of modules in series and in parallel and compare with design.
Check with the help of a compass, if the modules are well oriented in south or north direction (according to the hemisphere), by positioning the compass against the east or west edge of a module.
Check the inclination of the modules (tilt angle) using the inclinometer.
Check with a level if the east-west axis of the modules is properly horizontal.
Check that the height of the lowest point of the modules from the ground is greater than or equal to the height in the specifications.
Check the cleanness of the solar array (each cell).
Ensure that no module is damaged: broken glass, frame, twisted, scratched.
With the installer, measure the voltage output from each string and ensure it’s consistent with the design and that it’s uniform across all the strings.
Check and ensure that every module is fastened to the structure at every bolt hole in an manner that is robust, acceptable and that will deter vandalism.
Photo Attachments
Electrical Wiring
Ensure cable conformity : Compare cable specifications and sections with those provided by the manufacturer for the power and the distances measured on site.
Check that all cable connections are inside the junction boxes provided for this purpose; no connection between two cables should be visible.
Ensure all cable glands and conduits match the cable size and are properly sealed. All cable entries into the terminal box should be through cable glands.
. Check that all housings connections are at a minimum height of 50 cm from the ground level.
Choose a sample of the cable and test it by pulling on a cable out of a gland to ensure that it is sufficiently tight to hold the cable.
Check that all cable terminals are properly fastened and sufficiently tight.
Check the cable interconnection between the modules is fastened to the structure at regular intervals by use of suitable clips or cable ties.
Check that all surface cabling is of armoured type and if not armoured should be placed in electrical conduits and protected using protective tiles to prevent damage from passing vehicles.
Check that there are no overhead cables. All interconnecting cables (e.g. connecting two support structures) should be guided to the ground and conform to point 7 above.
Verify the existence and proper connection of grounding rods for both earthing and lightning surge protection.
Photo Attachments
Solar Support Structure
Check if all the members of the supporting structure are of the material provided. Ensure that no parts are susceptible to corrosion. Check for proper and uniform painting of the structure.
Check the proper eye alignment of the support posts.
Check with a spirit level the verticality and horizontality of poles and modules (this allows to check the general quality of the completed work).
Check the bolting has been done at every hole.
Check if the foundations are of sufficient size.
Check for obvious weaknesses such as structures that are grossly swaying.
Photo Attachments
Inverter or other AC interface
Check the conformity of inverter specifications (or interface).
Check the inverter (or interface) is correctly mounted at more than 50 cm above the ground level.
Make sure inverter is well protected from adverse weather conditions and is as close as possible to the PV array e.g. placed in the shade of the modules.
Check that the inverter is mounted directly on a solid wall or equipped with a back plate, and that the wall/back plate can support the weight of the inverter.
. Ensure protective devices have been installed between the PV array and the inverter e.g. DC Disconnects, DC Breakers, Surge Protectors etc.
Photo Attachments
Pump Unit
Check the conformity of motor specifications.
Check the conformity of pump specifications.
Check that the splicing kit is of suitable type, quality and workmanship.
Check that the pump setting depth complies with the purchase order/TOR.
During installation, check that the drop cable and well probe cable is fastened to the pipe using suitable cable ties and (tape or metallic clips MUST NOT be used) at intervals of 3 meters.
During Test Run:
Photo Attachments
Drill head
Ensure that all the components of the drill/well head are of corrosion resistant material.
Check that the gate valve meets the specifications and that it is fully open. Valve handle should be removed to avoid accidental closure.
Check the conformity of the water meter to the specifications and mounting direction. Monitor compliance with the minimum safety lengths: 20 times the nominal diameter upstream, 10 times downstream.
Photo Attachments
System monitoring and control
System registered on remote monitoring platform.
Controller registered/activated for data logging and remote access provided.
Alerts & notifications activated to system owner’s email/SMS.
Photo Attachments
General
2 days hands on training of operators/users/NGO done on site.
Testing, Installation and commissioning report handed to NGO.
Photo Attachments