Did My Solar Installer Finish the Job?

Did Your Solar Installer Finish the Job?

Tick off each item your installer has actually delivered. We’ll score the install and tell you what’s missing — before you sign the final acceptance paperwork. None of this requires you to inspect live electrical work yourself; it’s the documents, labels, monitoring access, and warranty paperwork you should have in hand.

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items confirmed

Documents (must have on file)

Closed-out building and electrical permitYour AHJ (city or county) has signed off the inspection. Ask the installer for the closed-permit document or the inspection card. Utility Permission to Operate (PTO)The utility has approved interconnection and authorized you to turn the system on. Without PTO, you cannot legally export to the grid. As-built design drawingsFinal electrical and structural drawings reflecting what was actually installed (not just the original proposal). Equipment list with serial numbersEvery panel, microinverter or string inverter, optimizer, battery module, and rapid shutdown device. Workmanship warranty in writingMost installers offer 5 to 25 years on labor and roof penetrations. Get the term and what’s covered in writing.

Physical install (visible from the ground)

Rapid shutdown switch labeled at main panelNEC requires a clearly labeled emergency disconnect that drops the system voltage in case of fire. Check that the label is permanent and visible. Permanent signage at main service panel and inverter“Solar PV system – rapid shutdown” plus arc-flash and DC voltage warnings. Required by NEC 690. Roof penetrations sealedEvery standoff and conduit penetration should be flashed and sealed. Visible from the ground or from photos the installer should provide. Conduit runs neat and supportedConduit between panels and inverter should be straight, supported every few feet, and not in contact with the roof shingles. Panels secured and alignedNo visibly tilted, loose, or misaligned panels. The array should look like the proposal.

Monitoring and performance

Monitoring app login workingYou should have your own credentials for Enphase, SolarEdge, Tesla, or whatever monitoring platform the inverter uses. Not just the installer’s account. First week of production data is reasonableCheck the monitoring app. Daily production should match seasonal expectations. If month-1 production is dramatically below the contract, raise it now. Production guarantee documentedThe contract should specify expected annual kWh and what happens if production falls short. Read this carefully.

Warranties (manufacturer)

Panel manufacturer warranty registeredTypically 25 years on power output, 12-25 years on product. Some manufacturers require online registration to activate. Inverter warranty in handString inverters: 10-12 years standard. Microinverters and optimizers: 25 years standard. Check the term and confirm registration. Battery warranty (if installed)Typically 10 years and a throughput limit (e.g. 27.4 MWh for Tesla Powerwall 3). Read the throughput cap; heavy-cycling installations can hit it before the time limit.

Financing and lien (if you financed)

Loan documents finalized and APR matches quoteVerify APR, term, monthly payment, and any dealer fees against the original financing quote. Dealer fees are sometimes baked into the system price. UCC-1 lien filing reviewedSome solar lenders file a UCC-1 fixture filing securing the system as collateral. Confirm whether one was filed and what it covers. This can complicate selling your home. Lease or PPA escalator and transfer terms (if applicable)Annual escalator percentage and transfer process at home sale. Get these in writing before signing acceptance.

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Checklist last updated 2026-05-09 Based on US NEC and IRS Section 25D requirements current as of 2026

Did My Solar Installer Finish the Job?

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