Solar power units are becoming increasingly popular as an additional and alternate power source. However, they require careful installation and rigorous audits to ensure they are set up according to the specifications necessary and minimum quality standards mentioned in the Solar Inspection Form 231. Let’s examine some of the highlights of Solar Installation:
- How does an inspector conduct a Solar Installation audit, and what is usually included in these inspections?
- Why are these inspections vital for solar unit safety and optimum functioning?
- How does Fielda help conduct these solar installation inspections (Form 231) more efficiently?
What’s included in these inspections: During solar electric installation inspections, technicians check if the infrastructure has the minimum required quality and workmanship to meet performance standards while retaining an aesthetically pleasing structure. They inspect items like the materials used, for instance, if the outdoor components are UV protected and can withstand heat, and if metallic objects of different types with galvanic action are isolated from each other. They check equipment components to see if they are correctly mounted and if building penetration is appropriately sealed to ensure fire resistance. They inspect electrical connections and devices and check if overcurrent protection equipment is in place. Additionally, they inspect roof mounting to ensure the structure is secure and has a good life, examine if wires sizes are correct to contain voltage drops properly, and even validate if the owner has sufficient knowledge about the installation and how to operate it.
What makes solar electric installation inspections so crucial: Poorly installed solar installation can cause various problems. First, they can malfunction and prevent the proper supply of clean power within the stipulated output range. They can suffer wear and tear since they are exposed to the elements and lead to specific components not working correctly, causing wastage of power and inefficiencies in the unit. Defective installations with parts that do not meet the required specifications mentioned in form 231 can also result in risks of overheating, fire, and power supply disruption. Detailed solar electric installation inspections help identify any anomalies and take corrective action.
How does Fielda help manage solar electric installation inspections better: Inspectors use the standard form 231 for solar units and 231B for units with batteries. Fielda offers these and other renewable energy unit inspection forms as customizable checklists so inspectors can adapt them as needed. For example, they can record gaps in installation and immediately alert the owner on items that need remediation. Follow-ups are easily managed through Fielda’s transparent workflow management feature, and inspectors can seamlessly review status updates and planned action items via the app. In addition, data is securely captured in real-time, and operations can gain valuable insights from Fielda’s simple dashboards, metrics, and reports.
Audit: Conduct solar electric installation inspections in a fraction of the time it takes for manual data gathering
Manage: Share relevant information with internal and external stakeholders for ease and transparency
Monitor: Review progress and pursue follow-up action with real-time information updates.
About Fielda: Fielda helps companies manage and maintain their assets and gain real-time oversight of all tasks, workflows, and projects to improve operational efficiency, enhance team productivity and impact the bottom line. Whether it’s installations, inspections, repairs, replacement of parts, servicing and maintenance, or routine audits, with Fielda’s mobile data collection, GIS-enabled technology, automated and custom workflows, and analytics, you can eliminate errors, enhance response time, ease workflow bottlenecks, and simplify your field operations.