Solar Photovoltaic Inspection Checklist

This checklist is modeled after the framework provided by the Great Plains Institute, the Solar ABCs, and the best practices of the Solsmart Program.

Instructions: Submit all required information on this checklist, plans, and accompanying information with online application.

Checklist Items:

The city of New Brighton requires two inspections: one final building inspection, and one final electrical inspection.

Yes, the city provides online scheduling as an option. Half-hour time slots may be requested and confirmed.

Inspections take between 24 and 48 hours to complete after the time of the request.

Reference the MN Department of Labor and Industry's "Solar PV Resources" webpage, as well as the following four inspections categories:

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Is the photovoltaic (PV) system utility-interactive or standalone? 690.2
Is all the equipment listed for PV application? 690.4
Is the system grounded or ungrounded? (if ungrounded, the system needs to comply with 690.35)
Has DC Ground-Fault Protection been provided and properly labeled? 690.5 and 690.35(C)
What is the maximum PV system voltage? 690.7
Is all listed equipment rated for the maximum voltage? 690.7
Determine the maximum circuit current for the PV Source and Output Circuit; Inverter Output Circuit; Stand-Alone Inverter Input Circuit; and DC to DC Converter Output (refer to inverter documentation)

Are the conductor and cable ampacities determined at 125% before adjustment factors? 690.8 (B)
How are the PV Source and Output Circuit protected from overcurrent? 690.9 (A and B)
Do AC or DC OCPD's have the appropriate voltage, current and interrupt ratings? 690.9(C)
Has arc-fault circuit protection been provided for DC source and/or output circuits? 690.11
Is a rapid shutdown required and if so, how is it accomplished and identified? 690.12
Is the PV disconnect permanently marked and installed in a readily accessible location? 690.13
Has the fuse disconnecting means, if required, been installed? 690.16
Are PV source or output circuits > 30 volts in a raceway or guarded if readily accessible? 690.31
Is single conductor cable used outdoors Type USE-2 or listed and labeled PV wire? 690.31(C) (Ungrounded systems must be labeled PV wire only. 690.35)
Are PV source or output circuits on or inside a building in a metal raceway and marked? 690.31(G)
Are all connectors polarized, guarded, latching-type or tool-safeguarded, rated to interrupt the available current or labeled "Do Not Disconnect Under Load"? 690.33

Has the system been grounded at one single point? 690.42
Are all exposed non-current carrying metal parts of the PV system grounded? 690.43(A and B)
Are the mounting structures or systems used for equipment grounding? 690.43(C and D)
Are the interconnecting devices used for equipment grounding listed and identified? 690.43 (C and D)
Is the EGC properly sized and protected if exposed and smaller than Number 6? 690.50, 250.122, 250.120(c)
Has the grounding electrode system been installed? 690.47
If both are present, has the DC grounding electrode system been bonded to the AC GES? 690.47(C)
Was an auxiliary electrode installed at the array? 690.47

Has a plaque or directory been installed at each disconnecting means (capable of interconnection) denoting all electric power sources and power production sources? 705.10
□ Has the point of connection to other sources been installed per 705.12? 690.64
□ Is the supply side disconnect readily accessible and within 10 feet of the connection point? 705.12 (A)
□ Are the utility interactive inverters connected to the system through a dedicated circuit breaker or fusible disconnecting means? 705.12(D)(1)
□ Does the bus or conductor ampacity comply with 705.12(D) (2)?
□ Have all the required labels been applied? (See appendix 1 "NEC Labelling Requirements")

Inspection Categories