The Importance of Electrical Safety Inspections for Solar Systems

During the first quarter of this year, solar power accounted for more than half of all new electricity-generating capacity added to the U.S. grid. That percentage continues to climb. While solar systems are generally self-sufficient, they do require attention from time to time.

If you have installed solar panels or are considering it, you may wonder about electrical safety inspections. These are important to ensure safety and efficiency and ensure your business complies with safety standards.

This article covers some of the basics of electrical safety inspections and outlines why you should schedule them. This will guarantee that your solar energy system is safe and operating as efficiently as possible.

What Is an Electrical Safety Inspection?

Electrical safety inspections are like other maintenance checks, except they are specific to solar energy systems. Technicians conduct assessments to ensure every aspect of your solar electrical system is properly working. They also look for particular issues common to these systems.

They will examine junction boxes, diodes, and each solar panel. Inspectors will doubt-check to ensure the breakers are the appropriate size and type. They will inspect all wiring, connections, and electrical equipment.

Why Are Electrical Inspections Important?

There are many good reasons to have regular electrical inspections of your solar system. The main ones are safety, efficiency, and code compliance.

Safety

Quality solar energy systems are built to last. However, they are exposed to harsh conditions regularly.

Sunlight, wind, snow, rain, and extreme hot and cold temperatures can affect various components. They can also accumulate dust and debris over time, compromising electrical parts.

Each year, there are more than 50,000 electrical fires in the United States, causing close to 500 deaths. There are also hundreds of fatal electrocutions.

Regular inspections will significantly diminish the likelihood of such disasters. They also will help catch minor problems before they become major ones.

Efficiency

Efficiency is a crucial parameter in solar energy systems. Regular inspections are pivotal in ensuring your system operates at its full potential. Faulty wiring configurations or electrical faults might hinder your system from producing the optimum amount of energy it can generate. 

Periodic testing and inspections are instrumental in detecting such issues promptly, allowing technicians to rectify them and restore optimal functionality.

Code Compliance

Code compliance is not an arbitrary hoop to jump through. It guarantees that your energy system aligns with the most up-to-date safety standards laid out by the National Electric Code.

This encompasses various aspects, from wiring and grounding equipment to labeling protocols. A comprehensive inspection ensures that every facet of your electrical system aligns with these safety benchmarks, ensuring your system is efficient and compliant with industry norms.

Line Up Electrical Safety Inspections Today

Now that you understand the importance of electrical safety inspections, you can implement a plan. Regular maintenance will give you the peace of mind that your solar energy system is safe and working as it should.

Transform Energy offers commercial solar installation, repairs, and maintenance. We start each project with an energy assessment and analyze that information to create a system tailored to your unique energy needs. Reach out to us today to learn more.