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Solar Energy Plan: Install (M1) Photo Documentation

Comprehensive list installation photo package requirements and photo examples.

How to Use This Guide

This guide is organized into main sections (A - E), each containing several numbered sub-sections. You can find these sections in the right-hand menu to quickly access the information you need.

Guide Structure:

  • Main Sections (A - E): These divide the installation process into broad categories.

  • Numbered Sub-sections: Within each section, there are specific topics with numbering to facilitate identification.

Image Viewing

  • In each section, where applicable, you will find a tab with the option "Click to view images." Use this feature to see graphical examples that complement the documentation.

If you are unsure where to find something, use the right-hand menu to quickly locate relevant information.

Links

Downloadable versions of this article, including and excluding photos, are here for ease of access to reference this information in the field:

Take advantage of Palmetto LightReach SiteCapture Integration with the Palmetto JCO integrated template for ease of submission. See our Knowledge Base article here on SiteCapture: SiteCapture Integration

Category

Sub-section

[PS] Project Site

  • Site Information

  • Site Conditions

  • Component Identification

[R] Roof Work

  • Rooftop In Progress

  • Finished Arrays

  • Electrical - NON BOS

  • Additional Mounting Systems

[E] Electrical

  • Standard Requirements

  • If Applicable Requirements

[ES] Energy Storage

  • Standard Requirements

  • If Applicable Requirements

[PC] Project Completion

  • Commissioning

  • Site Improvement/Adders

General & Best Practices

  • Please reference the Solar Energy Plan: Eligible Sites Article for further information on allowable Homes, Structures, and eligible electrical equipment before installation.

  • Please take pictures only after the work has been completed. Pictures taken while the wiring has not been completed can cause confusion and delays in the review process.

  • When taking photos it is recommended to take a close up and a clear pullback

  • Items labeled as BEST PRACTICE support the confirmation of a job well done, but will not be a rejectable item if missing

M1 requirements are geared toward ensuring key principles of system production, safety, and customer experience.

PS) Project Site Photos

Site Information

PS1) Identification of the Home and Structure Style

  • Photos of the front of the Home and Address, identifying that the permitted design matches the physical structure

  • IF Identified as an Accessory Structure - Section D of the above article

    • Interior photos capturing the construction (rafters, purlins, etc), dimensions, and spacing.

    • Photos of the vertical supports indicating the construction upon a permanent foundation.

Click for Example Photos

Site Conditions

PS2) Pre-Existing Site Damage or Condition

  • Any pre-existing damage or conditions should also be documented and corrected, such as broken vent boot flashing, chimney cracks or leaks, altered satellite dishes, gutters, torn or missing shingles, shingle cap damage, and generally anything that could potentially be a workmanship liability in the project work area.

    • During the Quality Review, issues identified as impacting the Solar Installation without clear proof of correction will result in a rejection until proof of correction is provided. It is the responsibility of the EPC to ensure the condition of the site and structure meet Palmetto Quality requirements.

Example Photos

Pictured: Improper roofing correction for shingle roof
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Pictured: Rotting and failing roof framing
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Pictured: Improper roof chimney flashing leading to water penetration
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Pictured: Damaged and missing hip and 3-tab shingles
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PS3) Existing Code Violations or Outdated Equipment

  • It is the responsibility of all parties to make all reasonable efforts to ensure the home is solar ready (meaning all existing electrical equipment between the inverter output and the utility is suitable for connection and operation of the new system).

    • This includes PV installed on mounting planes with incorrect roofing material use, such as low slope shingle roofs or higher slopes with flat roof material.

    • Outdated Equipment as described in Section E in the Solar Energy Plan: Eligible Sites Article should be replaced Prior to system commissioning and captured in Photo Deliverables.

    • Please reference Multiple System Parameters Section F in the Solar Energy Plan: Eligible Sites Article

Example Photos

Pictured: A Main Service Panel with existing thermal damage

Component Identification

PS4) Module Label & Serial Number

  • A photo of the Module Label used onsite - The photograph must be clear and legible; images that are illegible may be deemed insufficient and could necessitate a request for enhanced clarity, leading to M1 Rejection and funding delays.

    • NOTE - Some labels are difficult to capture, you should never remove or alter a label in any way.

  • A photo of the unique Module Serial Number used onsite - this photo should be clear and legible. Any images unable to clearly read the module serial may result in request for image to be re-taken. No “stock” or warehouse images are allowed. Module serial number cannot be a duplicate of another PV system.

Example Photos

Module Label with Serial:

Module Serial Only:

Module Serial Only #2:

Module Label Only, No Serial:

PS5) Inverter(s) -or- Microinverters -or- Optimizers Label

  • A clear photo identifying the model of the inverter/micro inverter/AC module/optimizer used on site.

    • For sites with Multiple Inverter models, multiple photos will be required

  • These components should match exactly the information provided in the System Details & Site Qualification section of the account page.

    • Micro inverters inter-compatibility is very limited, but certain models will have capacity. Always ensure OEM guidance allows for usage before installation of any multi-model configuration.

Example Photos

SolarEdge Opti:

SolarEdge Inverter Label:

Tesla Inverter Serial:

QCells Micro Serial:

Enphase Microinverter Serial & Model:

Generac Combiner Side Label:

Generac PWRMicro:

PS6) Auxiliary Equipment Label with Serial Number.

  • Mandatory for incentive states (irrespective of monitoring portal access).

  • All Combiners Used on site irrespective of Brand.

    • Q.Home, IQ Combiner, Smart Combiner, Etc.

  • Clearly legible serial numbers for inverter & DC safety switch (SolarEdge/other)

Example Photos


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  • Enphase Stand Alone Envoy - If more than 4 branch circuits exist & a dedicated sub panel is being used.

Example Photos

PS7) Rooftop Stringing Diagram

  • For Tesla inverters, a picture of the MCI installed and a string map with MCI location is required.

    • Please note that Tesla recommends MCI Diode testing prior to installation.

Example Photos

  • For Generac PWRMicro Inverters, a diagram with the number of microinverters mounted on each array, along with a stinging diagram outlining the number of PWRMicros per string.

    • Please note stringing size determines OCPD sizing in the combiner. See sizing table here.

Example Photos

PS8) Microinverter -or - Optimizer map

  • This best practice will enable better levels of troubleshooting for the Service Team

Example Photos

PS9) Domestic Content Verification Photos

  • Please reference Solar Energy Plan: Domestic Content (M1) Submittal & Photo Requirements for Component Identification photo requirements. in addition to the above

    • Mounting Hardware - Rail

    • Mounting Hardware - Fasteners - Clamp

    • Mounting Hardware - Fastener - MLPE

    • Mounting Hardware - Fastener - Splice

  • There are many domestic content parts and the offering is subject to change. When in doubt, take numerous closeup photos of racking parts and packaging

R) Roof / Mounting System Photos

Click for Rooftop in Progress

R1) Close up of Attachments - Flashing & Sealant

  • Racking Systems without Flashing - Photos should highlight properly applied Sealant within or around the attachment

  • Racking Systems with Flashing - Provide photos showing properly installed flashing to manufacturer specs, along with sealant application

    • Attachments should adhere to manufacturer installation guidelines

    • While attachments are not represented on the ITC Eligibility Calculator, only attachments by approved vendors are eligible for funding.

    • For Metal Roofs ensure that attachments are certified for that application.

Example Photos

R2) Rooftop Equipment - Rail, Auxiliary equipment, and EGC are Installed

  • Provide a pullback of each mounting plane and array where all attachments, rails, wire, Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE), and EGC have been installed.

    • Wires should be secured with permanent, outdoor rated & UV-resistant clips or cable ties, installed on rail or directly to the modules. Wire management should be accessible for any necessary service.

    • All attachments, rail, and auxiliary equipment are installed correctly

      • For module frame mounted MLPE; provide a photo of the device mounted prior to the panel being placed on the array.

      • Ensure to follow manufacturer installation guidelines for both auxiliary equipment and MLPE

Example Photos

R3) Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC) Path: Include the route of grounding copper between the rails on the roof for each array installed.

  • This can include documentation of module to module grounding to affirm all rows of PV grounded

Example Photos

Pictured: Bare copper EGC grounding across rows
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Pictured: Row to row grounding, using DynoBond in this case

Click for Finished Arrays

R4) Completed photo for each Array

  • One completed photo of each array with all modules visible + Rail trimmed

    • All modules must be visible and countable

    • With low pitch roofs, or very tall homes, take photos of each array from the roof, accounting for every panel

    • Rail must be trimmed

Example Photos

R5) Tilt - Measured on Array

  • One photo per unique roof pitch. Include multiple photos for mixed pitch / mixed surface roofs

    • Photo measurements of the tilt should be clearly legible. Tilt must be taken on the module itself, rather than the roof surface.

    • Array Tilt must be between 5 and 45 degrees and match the provided design documents.

    • Screenshots from tilt smartphone apps are acceptable only if it shows context of the array being measured. Screenshots of tilt from a phone app in itself--without the context of the array being measured--are not acceptable.

    • IF the TILT in question is close to a PITCH violation (Shingles below 2/12 or 9.46 degrees; low pitch roofing material like rolled comp above 3/12 or 14 degrees or ) it is recommended to provide a PITCH Measurement on the roof surface to prevent rejections.

Example Photos

R6) Rooftop Wiring & Management per Array

  • Each array should have one photo that displays properly managed wires with at least one Module Level Power Electronic device.

  • Wires should not touch the roof surface for each array. Wire and bundles should be secured, and above the surface to prevent damage

    • Wires should be secured with permanent, outdoor rated & UV-resistant clips or cable ties, installed on rail or directly to the modules. Wire management should be accessible for any necessary service.

    • Do not wrap the conductors around the rail as a method of wire management. This will be very difficult to service and could result in damage to conductors.

Example Photos

Click for Rooftop Electrical

R7) Junction, Pull, and Outlet Boxes

  • Photo of open junction box with completed wiring and bonding. Include closeup of the conductor terminated, or the transition through conduit

    • Junction Boxes mounted to the roof must be rated for the intended application and installed per the manufacturer instructions.

  • 1 Photo for each junction box

    • J box should not have any more than 2" of exposed conductors outside of the array. Any exposed conductor over 2" will have to be installed in a conduit

    • Roof-top junction box should have a small weep hole at the lowest point to prevent water accumulation.

    • Plastic roof-top junction boxes should utilize side and bottom conduit entry points to avoid water intrusion.

    • Junction boxes must have push-in or crimp connectors, or DIN rail termination blocks for connectors.

Example Photos

R8) Conduit Path, Supports and Penetrations

  • (BEST PRACTICES - see also Electrical section E6)

  • Take pictures of the conduit path of travel from the array including the method for exiting the roof.

  • Stub out flashings and conduit exit practices should follow industry best practices.

    • Conduit should adhere to the standard application practices and requirements per NEC Code.

    • All Conduit supports should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Example Photos

Click for Alternate Mounting Systems

R9) Ballasted System

  • Ballast blocks installed on site must match ballast schedule

    • Please provide verification of ballast block composition and weight - a receipt from the yard where they were purchased OR an invoice if drop shipped or delivered to a warehouse

  • If installation deviates from manufacturer recommendations, such as AHJ restrictions, please include context on the engineering plans. Blocks and weight should be identified on plan sets.

  • Stamped engineering plans / letters should include wind/snow structural load calculations, embedment depths and/or footing dimensions and match installed racking structure.

Example Photos

E) Electrical Photos

Click for Standard Requirements

E1) Inverter(s) -or - Microinverter Combiner Wiring (Captures Production CTs)

  • If Enphase - Interior photos of IQ Combiner box showing complete AC wiring, including the breakers from the branch circuits and CT terminations.

    • Ensure wiring diagram is followed on door of combiner and the correct phase for each string is ran through production CT

    • If Enphase stand-alone Gateway Envoy is installed, please ensure it is installed in non-metallic NEMA Type 3R enclosure, with side or bottom conduit entry points, and production CT is not extended to allow for RGM data readings.

Enphase Example Photos

  • If QCells - Interior photos of Q.Home Combiner box showing complete AC wiring, including the breakers from the branch circuits and CT terminations. see QCells KB Article.

    • Ensure wiring diagram is followed on door of combiner and the correct phase for each string is ran through production CT, center breaker position PV2

QCells Example Photos

  • If SolarEdge - Photos of SolarEdge lower cabinet wiring showing RGM meter, DC strings terminated, AC feeders heading to service, comm wiring and battery feeders terminated (if needed).

    • Upper Cabinets as needed to document installed Cell Kits.

    • Side of inverter for Inverter Label

SolarEdge Example Photos

  • If Tesla - Photo of open Inverter wiring showing DC strings from roof terminated with clear count of total strings, AC feeders running to home service, RGM meter installed and capturing AC feeder, grounding shown completed.

    • For Powerwalls, please ensure ferrite core installation and drain wire termination are shown installed to manufacturer guidelines

Tesla Example Photos

  • If Generac - Photos of Generac cabinet wiring showing complete AC wiring, including the breakers from the branch circuits and CT terminations.

    • Control Cable & Drain Wire terminations aligned to the proper color coding.

Generac Example Photos

E2) Point of Interconnection

  • Pull back photos capturing the entire panel providing context of a properly wired system meeting all code requirements.

  • Close up photos of parallel lugs, distribution blocks, breakers, and wire terminations. Ensure that the products are rated for use and installed following manufacturers standards.

Example Photos

Pictured: DER PV breaker installed in the Main Service Panel
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Pictured: Load Side Tap with CTs installed

E3) Main Breaker

  • Close up of main breaker with rating clearly visible

    • The PV system AC output overcurrent device is properly sized and installed in accordance with NEC and/or manufacturers recommendations.

    • For PV systems that feed a panelboard, PV system overcurrent protection installed in the correct location within the panelboard.

Example Photos

E4) Main Panel Busbar

  • Main Service Panel label/sticker with rating clearly visible

    • Outdated Equipment as described in Section E in the Solar Energy Plan: Eligible Sites Article should be replaced Prior to system commissioning.

    • When a busbar rating is not available, such as an illegible sticker from age, a letter of confirmation from the Electrician/electrical officer attesting the busbar rating will be required.

Example Photos

E5) Pull back of Balance of System

  • Photo(s) showing the complete BOS equipment installed

  • Ideal photos are pullback photos showing full context of the BOS area.

    • Equipment in the installation area should abide by NEC code requirements for positioning and clearances.

Example Photos

E6) Conduit and Raceways

  • The conduit and raceways installed on site are shown in photos, including the trough grounding and weep hole placement.

  • Where conduit is installed it is BONDED, rated for use (size, rating, and type), properly mounted/supported per NEC Code requirements, and sealed when transitioning to conditioned space.

    • (Enphase ONLY) To address Crosstalk talk - Multiple Enphase systems on the same service require 1 meter (3.3 ft) of separation for all conduits to combiners. Palmetto LightReach systems ALWAYS require a Powerline filter for multiple Enphase systems.

Example Photos

E7) Consumption Metering (CTs)

  • Consumption Meter: All projects require consumption monitoring equipment installed to manufacturer specifications

  • CTs on service feeders, with direction of CTs visible

    • If service feeders are unable to be captured, branch circuiting can be used to capture home load feeders, ensuring the correct phasing is passed through the correct CTs

    • CT placement and orientation instructions vary per manufacturer. Always install CTs following OEM guidance.

    • Interconnection utilizing ConnectDER (or similar) requires pre-planning for CT installation, please ensure CTs are properly installed for all Palmetto Energy Plan Projects.

Example Photos

If CTs are physically unable to be installed, please include photo context holding up the physical CT as a reference to show the situation (e.g. busbars in meter/main panels where CTs physically cannot be placed, or split service setups where whole home consumption is not possible. These situations are not common)

Click for If Applicable Requirements

E8) Alternate Interconnection Methods - Load or Line Side Taps

  • Insulated piercing connectors (IPCS) are required to meet manufacturers specifications EXACTLY - wire sizing, wire type, torque values, tap placement, etc.

  • Photos should clearly identify that the installation meets all manufacturer standards.

  • (If applicable) When using Hoffman or load side taps, a picture of downstream sub panel with OCPD rating clearly visible is requested

Example Photos

E9) Alternate Interconnection Methods - Meter Collar Adaptor

  • Please show OCPD utilized with Meter Collar Adaptor, along with any wire terminations to collar on either end of installation

    • If meter collar installation requires utility coordination for installation, show all pending items and work in its incomplete form.

Example Photos

E10) Switches, Disconnects, and Disconnecting Means

  • Interior photos of all equipment installed with the Energy Distribution or Storage system showing the completed wiring, including terminations and bonding

  • If using Fused Disconnects, capture clear photos of Fuse rating and labels.

    • Ensure grounding and neutral bonding is correct based on interconnection. Please ensure grounds and neutrals are only bonded together at first means of interconnection to service disconnect (NEC Article 250)

  • This can include any site isolating devices such as Tesla Backup Switch or Enphase Gen 4 Meter Collar to create micro grid and backup configurations

Example Photos

ES) Energy Storage Photos

Click for Standard Requirements

ES1) Battery Label & Serial Number

  • Picture of the manufacturer label

  • Serial should be clear and legible for confirmation of battery series and any qualification, such as Domestic Content, FEOC, or Safe Harbor Material

Example Photos

ES2) Battery Wiring and Cabinet Details

  • General Requirements -

    • All battery AC feeder terminations should be clearly identifiable

    • Battery comms cable terminations and installation must be per manufacturer specifications

    • Photos must clearly show both cable ends terminated (in every component), ensuring the drain wire is landed on one end only of each run of comm cable

  • If Enphase - Ensure AC feeders and comm cable/drain wire terminations are shown clearly for both 5P and 10C installations. CTRL-SC3-NA-01 cable is the only comm cable permitted for use for Enphase battery installation.

Enphase Example Photos

  • If Solar Edge - Ensure that the internal wiring connection into the Stäubli MC4 Connector meets all Stäubli AND SolarEdge standards.

SolarEdge Example Photos

  • If Tesla - Additional details such as Ferrite core in Tesla Powerwall 3 will also need to be shown correctly following manufacturer guidelines.

Tesla Example Photos

  • If Generac - Terminations, control cables, and resistor placement should match the installation diagrams as indicated in the training material.

ES3) Battery Current Transformers

  • If Enphase - All Enphase battery 5P Battery installs require battery CT equipment installed to manufacturer specifications on Line 2 feeders

    • Photos should show the CT location and direction.

    • Follow manufacturer best practices in regards to CT length and possible splicing techniques.

Example Photo

ES4) Pull back of Balance of System

  • Photo(s) showing the full context of battery install location in relation to the BOS equipment

  • Pull back of install location with cover off showing compliance with manufacturer specifications

    • Batteries in right of way traffic areas may require the installation of bollards for protection.

  • Batteries should avoid being installed in full and direct sun exposure, such as southern facing walls with no shading

    • Crucial to avoid overheating and possible pre-mature failure of equipment

Example Photos


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Click for If Applicable Requirements

ES5) Site Controller Label and Wiring

  • Also known as a Gateway -or- System Controller -or- Transfer Switch

  • Picture of the manufacturer label and internal components. Photos should show serial, make & model and any breakers with ratings.

Example Photos

ES6) Sub Panels or Load Center

  • Combiner panels for large systems requiring multiple inverters, IQ Combiner boxes, or large sub panels for branch circuits: each sub panel should be shown fully wired, with legible closeups of breaker ratings, and the panel’s bus rating label

Example Photos

(PC) Project Completion Photos

Click for System Commissioning

As a reminder, ALL Palmetto Energy Plan projects are required to have integrated Cellular Connectivity that is confirmed at the M2 Activation Milestone. This can be utilized as the main or backup connection, but must be registered and reporting for all PLR sites.

SC1) Tesla System Commissioning

  • Commissioning of the system should be completed prior to leaving the site. System should be fully operational with all devices paired, active communication, reporting production and consumption data including cellular connection signal

    • If Main service upgrade or further work is pending, commissioning for the system will need to be shown completed with the finalized site work for M2

  • Tesla screenshots should show 'Palmetto LightReach' added as partner, inverter & CTs enabled, networking connected to Cellular and MPPT readouts. Include operations settings page for panel current limit & PCS settings

Example Photos

SC2) SolarEdge System Commissioning

  • NEEDED when using Power Control Setting for MPU avoidance.

    • Screenshots should clearly identify PCS settings and 20% minimum backup reserve

Example Photos

SC3) Other OEM System Commissioning - Best Practice

  • While commissioning photos from other manufacturers are not a required deliverable, photos of the commissioning steps can provide helpful context of system performance and serve to prevent possible rejections.

SC4) Generac System Commissioning

  • EcoBee required when installing the backup system (SDS)

Example Photo

Click for Site Improvement/Adders

This selection of photos may be captured and submitted at the M1 Installation Milestone, but if not completed will defer to the M2 Activation Milestone.

SI1) Main Panel Upgrade or Electrical Adder

  • Photos are provided at Activation (M2) submission.

  • Additional Electrical Adder work must abide by requirements in Electrical Conditions & Adders Knowledge Base article or adder work will not be considered satisfied

    • If adder work is not meeting requirements, a change order may be requested to remove the electrical adder

SI2) Trenching

  • Document any needed trench work performed. Trench depth must adhere to NEC 300.5.

Example Photo

SI3) Tree Removal

  • Palmetto Lightreach standards mandate that Tree Removal in the design process consists of the removal of the entire tree as trimming does not suffice.

  • For ease of project review please identify with photos and planset identification where the removal is planned.

Example Photos

SI4) Specific Incentive Required Photos (All incentive states)

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