So, you've successfully obtained your contractor license to install solar systems in your area, found reliable solar suppliers, applied for your permits through GreenLancer, and have a project (or a few) lined up. Congrats!
Using a solar panel installation checklist for asphalt shingle roofs is especially helpful for your first few projects, helping you avoid costly mistakes, stay organized, and build confidence on the job site. Our rooftop solar installation checklist will guide you through every step, ensuring you're fully prepared before getting boots on the roof and mounting the solar array.
Solar Panel Installation Preparation
Safety is the top priority on every solar panel installation checklist. Installers work with two of the most hazardous elements in construction: electricity and heights. Before arriving at a job site, hold a safety meeting to review protocols, including fall protection, electrical hazards, and emergency procedures. All crew members should have proper safety equipment, such as harnesses, and be trained in ladder and roof safety.
Run through the GreenLancer rooftop solar installation checklist to ensure you have all the required tools and materials. Forgetting a necessary material can waste a lot of time.
Arriving at the Solar Job Site
When you arrive on the site:
Hang the building and/or electrical permit in a visible, safe place.
Set up an organized work area, keeping it away from any of the homeowner's valuables. This includes fold-out work tables, saws, shelves, etc. Being organized saves time, and saving time saves money.
Review your solar plan set to ensure you understand the project layout and requirements.
Plan the most effective way to install and work accordingly. For example, when placing the solar panels on the racking, avoid starting on the edge of the roof where you enter. This helps prevent delays and reduces tripping hazards.
Rooftop Solar Panel Installation Checklist
When you're ready to begin your first solar installation, our checklist ensures you have all the critical steps covered that don't require a licensed electrician. From setting up safety measures to installing panels and connecting the system, this guide helps you navigate each phase of the actual installation process smoothly and efficiently.
Phase 1 - Solar System Racking
Racking installation is the backbone of every solar project and a critical step in the rooftop solar installation checklist. Measuring, marking, and drilling racking accounts for nearly 70% of job site time, making precision essential.
Structural Integrity – Misaligned racking leads to misaligned panels, affecting both aesthetics and energy production. Taking time to measure and secure the racking properly ensures a professional, lasting installation.
Roof Protection – Poorly installed racking increases the risk of roof leaks. Proper sealing and waterproofing at every penetration prevent costly damage and protect the homeowner’s investment.
There are twelve steps to phase 1 - Solar Racking Installation
Following a solar panel installation checklist ensures each step of the racking process is precise and structurally sound.
Here’s how to get started:
Set Up the Ladder Carefully – Gently put the ladder in place. You can use an old towel or blanket to place between the ladder and the siding/gutter to avoid any scratches.
Secure the Safety Anchor – Secure the safety anchor. This will require a brave and confident individual to walk freely on the roof to its highest/safest point and place the safety anchor into a rafter. They then connect the remaining safety harnesses.
Crew Joins on the Roof – The remaining crew joins on the roof with the required tools. *Pro Tip: There is such a thing as too many cooks in the kitchen. Depending on the size and slope of the roof, most residential solar installation crews operate best, with three workers on the roof and one on the ground providing guidance.
Measure Array Corners – With the remainder of the solar installation crew on the roof, the leader on the roof will refer back to the solar plan set. At this point, it is time to measure the corners of the solar array.
Mark Rail Positions – Once you have completed the outline of your rooftop solar system, you need to identify where your rails will be. The solar panels you order will specify this location on the spec sheet. It is typically 1 foot from the top and bottom of the PV module. These markings will be used to snap your chalk line.
Locate and Mark Rafters – Locating and marking rafters is crucial to the installation. This is what solar inspectors will look for, and what makes the system structurally stable. Place a measuring tape from one end of the rail (step 5) to the other. Reference your plans and mark the appropriate rafter attachment point (in blue circles on your GreenLancer permit set) at the appropriate spacing.
Snap Chalk Lines for Rail Alignment – Snap a chalk line along the rail location from step 5. If done properly, this line should be perfectly straight. Having two people on both ends and one person snap it from the center is best.
Drill Pilot Holes – Drill pilot holes to the manufacturer’s specifications. For the IronRidge FlashFoot 2, this requires a ¼ inch drill bit. Then, take a pry bar and GENTLY lift the shingles around each hole to make room for the flashing. *IMPORTANT*: When drilling pilot holes, it should take a little muscle to get all the way into the rafter. Saw dust should come out of the hole as you bring the drill back out of the hole. Keep the drill bit spinning while exiting the hole. If a rafter is missed, do not make a big deal about it and draw the attention of the homeowner. Simply grab a hammer and try to feel where it is. Once the rafter has been located, use roof sealant to fix the hole that you missed to prevent leaks.
Install FlashFoot 2 – Insert the FlashFoot 2, and place it on the cap.
Cut and Attach Rails – Refer to your solar panel installation checklist to determine rail lengths, adding 2-6 inches for adjustments. Carefully walk aluminum IronRidge rails up the ladder and fasten them to the FlashFoot 2.
Ground the System – IronRidge solar rails are self-grounding, but they must be grounded properly to be safe. Each row of panels requires (1) ground lug to be placed on (1) rail. You can decide which rail makes the most sense on the job site.
(Optional) Install a SolaDeck to Hide Conduit –If attic space is available and you would like to hide your solar wire runs under the panels and through the attic back to the main service panel, you will want to install a “SolaDeck” for each string of panels. Installation is similar to the FlashFoot 2. Pry shingles gently, and fasten them in place per the manufacturer's instructions.
Phase 2 - Solar Micro-inverters or Power Optimizers
With your solar panel racking in place, the next item on the solar panel installation checklist is to install the micro-inverters or power optimizers.
From the end of your rail, measure the distance of the width of the solar panel by half. Example: If a panel is 40 inches wide, measure 20 inches and make a line on the top of the rail. This should be the center of the solar panel and indicate where you will place the micro-inverter. From there, mark every 40 inches, which will be the center of all of the remaining panels.
Fasten each micro-inverter to the rail in its specified location using the IronRidge micro-inverter bolt.
Phase 3 - Fasten Solar PV Panels
With your micro-inverters fastened to your rails, it is time to fasten your PV modules.
Align the First PV Module – Place the first module according to the array outline marked earlier. Precise alignment ensures a clean and professional installation.
Secure with IronRidge UFO – While one crew member holds the PV module in place, another fastens it using an IronRidge UFO clamp.
Repeat for Remaining Modules – Continue placing and fastening each module, checking alignment as you go.
Phase 4 - Site Cleanup and Handoff
The final step in the solar panel installation checklist is cleanup and system handoff, ensuring a safe and professional finish.
Connect Remaining Wires – Secure all wiring to the junction box or SolaDeck. The system is now ready for a licensed electrician to complete the final connection to the Main Service Panel.
Trim Excess Rail Length – If possible, cut any extra rail length for a clean, polished look.
Check for Loose Items – Ensure no tools, materials, or hardware are left on the roof that could fall and cause damage.
Inspect Wire Management – Verify that no wires are loose or touching the roof surface, preventing potential wear or damage.
Power Down the System – With installation complete and the site cleaned, turn off the PV system and schedule the final solar inspection.
And just like that, you've completed your first solar installation using our solar installation checklist! Keep the projects rolling, and you'll be installing like a pro in no time.
You will likely encounter solar permitting and engineering challenges once you've launched your solar installation career. GreenLancer helps solar professionals overcome these challenges with our solar permit design and engineering services. Sign up today for free or complete the submission form below to learn more.
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