What does this rooftop solar pv punch checklist cover?

9 items across 3 sections, covering array recheck, repair and proof, labels and closure. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.

Who should run this inspection?

The install crew lead on a callback, or the GC's superintendent closing rooftop punch items.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

During closeout, after the array has cycled through weather and other trades have finished any rooftop work above or around it.

Why do these items ask for a photo?

5 of the 9 items call for photo evidence, 6 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.

What most often fails a rooftop solar pv punch inspection?

A clamp backed off after thermal cycling and was retorqued, but never marked, so the next walk can't tell it was addressed. A flashing touch-up sealed on the surface while the underlying reverse lap that let water in was left in place.

Can I use this checklist in RTI?

Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Free checklist

Rooftop solar PV

Rooftop solar PV punch checklist

Rooftop solar PV punch is where small misses become callbacks after the crew has demobilized. This checklist walks the finished work the way the owner and the next trade will see it, with the photo that closes each item instead of a note that reopens it. Work is commonly verified against NEC (NFPA 70), the applicable building code, manufacturer's published instructions. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

Start free with this checklist Download as PDF

The checklist

Every item, and the photo evidence it needs

The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.

Array recheck

Array rechecked row by row after other trades' rooftop work
Glass, frames and backsheets looked at again after weather and nearby rooftop work; any new damage marked by row and column for the installer.
No photo
Wire management rechecked for dropped leads and loose clips
Clips, ties and trays checked along each row after thermal cycling, with any lead that has dropped toward the roof listed for the installer to re-secure.
Mount flashings looked at from the array side after weather
Each reachable mount checked for lifted flashing, cracked sealant or staining at the base; roof-side repairs referred to the roofer.

Repair and proof

Each defect located and photographed in context
A close shot of the clamp, label or flashing plus a wide shot placing it on the array by row and column.
Loose clamps retorqued and re-marked
Clamp brought back to the specified torque, torque mark reapplied, adjacent clamps in the row spot-checked.
No photo

Labels and closure

Missing or faded labels replaced
Rapid-shutdown, disconnect and directory labels present and legible at every required location before the array is signed off.
No photo
No remaining rooftop items before array signoff
All punch items closed with photos, roof left clear of debris and fasteners before the area is released to turnover.
Fire-access pathways and setbacks clear at closeout
Pathways and setbacks around the array free of leftover material, spare rails, ballast and conduit, matching the permitted layout.
Turnover documents and owner walkthrough on file
As-built layout and single-line, module and inverter datasheets, warranties and the commissioning record handed over; owner shown the shutdown initiator.
No photo

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

A clamp backed off after thermal cycling and was retorqued, but never marked, so the next walk can't tell it was addressed.
A flashing touch-up sealed on the surface while the underlying reverse lap that let water in was left in place.

Verified against

NEC (NFPA 70)

Common questions

6 answers

What does this rooftop solar pv punch checklist cover?: 9 items across 3 sections, covering array recheck, repair and proof, labels and closure. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
Who should run this inspection?: The install crew lead on a callback, or the GC's superintendent closing rooftop punch items.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: During closeout, after the array has cycled through weather and other trades have finished any rooftop work above or around it.
Why do these items ask for a photo?: 5 of the 9 items call for photo evidence, 6 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
What most often fails a rooftop solar pv punch inspection?: A clamp backed off after thermal cycling and was retorqued, but never marked, so the next walk can't tell it was addressed. A flashing touch-up sealed on the surface while the underlying reverse lap that let water in was left in place.
Can I use this checklist in RTI?: Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Related checklists

Rooftop solar PV Rough-inRooftop solar PV rough-in inspection checklistRoof attachments, flashing and structural fastening verified before modules and wire management cover the roof15 items16 photos Rooftop solar PV FinalRooftop solar PV final inspection checklistModules torqued, grounding and wire management complete, rapid-shutdown and labeling in place, with energization observed and documented15 items20 photos

Run it with the Photo Gate

A checklist nobody can submit half-finished

Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 6 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.