What to Check Before Signing Off on Your Philippine Solar Installation

The final panel is secured, the last wire is connected, and the hum of the inverter signals the dawn of your energy independence. The solar installation crew has completed their work, and they are now presenting you with a final document—the acceptance or completion form. In the excitement of the moment, it's tempting to quickly sign it, shake hands, and start enjoying your new solar power system.

However, this moment of sign-off is the single most critical checkpoint in your entire solar journey.

This is not just a formality. Signing this document officially transfers ownership and responsibility of the system to you. It typically triggers the final payment to your installer and signifies your satisfaction with the job performed. In the Philippines, a country where a solar investment must stand up to intense heat, torrential rains, and powerful typhoons, this final inspection is your last, best opportunity to ensure you've received the safe, high-performing system you paid for.

Before you put pen to paper, it's time to put on your discerning homeowner hat and run through a comprehensive checklist. This isn't about being difficult; it's about being diligent. This is what you absolutely must check before signing off on your new solar installation.

The Physical Walk-Through: An Eyes-On Inspection

Your first check should be a slow, methodical walk-through of the entire installation with the project lead. This is your chance to inspect the physical workmanship.

1. The Solar Panels and Array
While you don't need to get on the roof yourself, you should perform a thorough visual inspection from the ground, a window, or a safe vantage point.

Appearance: Are the panels clean? There should be no muddy footprints, sealant smudges, or excessive dust left over from the installation.
Condition: Look for any signs of damage. Check for cracked glass, deep scratches, or dented frames on the panels. These could be signs of mishandling during installation.
Alignment: Does the array look neat and orderly? The panels should be perfectly aligned with each other, with consistent spacing. A sloppy-looking array can be an indicator of rushed work elsewhere.

2. The Mounting System and Racking
The mounting system is the skeleton that holds your array to your roof, and its integrity is paramount.

Security: From your vantage point, does everything look secure and flush with the roof? There should be no visibly loose clamps or bolts.
Roof Integrity: Look around the array. Do you see any broken roof tiles or damage to your roofing material that may have occurred during the installation?
Ask About Typhoon-Proofing: Engage the installer. Ask them to confirm that the system was installed using techniques and hardware specifically designed for high-wind conditions. A professional will be happy to explain how their typhoon-proof mounting system works and how it secures your investment against severe weather.

3. Wiring and Cable Management
Neat wiring is not just about aesthetics; it’s a critical sign of a professional, safe, and durable installation.

On the Roof: Wires running from the panels should be neatly bundled and secured to the racking system with UV-resistant ties or clips. There should be no "spaghetti" of loose wires lying directly on the roof surface, where they can be damaged by heat, pooling water, or pests.
From Roof to Inverter: The main DC cables should be protected inside a durable, weather-resistant conduit. Check that this conduit is securely fastened to the wall and properly sealed at all entry points.

4. The Inverter and Other Components
The inverter is the heart of your system. Check its physical installation carefully.

Location: Is the inverter installed in the agreed-upon location? It should be in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, shielded from direct afternoon sun and rain.
Mounting: Is it mounted securely to the wall? Give it a gentle nudge; it should be rock solid.
Surrounding Area: Check that all associated components, like DC/AC isolators and circuit breakers, are installed neatly and labeled clearly.

The Functional Check: Proving It Works

A system that looks good is one thing; a system that works as designed is another. You must see it in action before you sign off.

1. The Live System Demonstration
Ask the installer to power up the system in front of you.

Inverter Wake-Up: You should see the inverter's screen light up, go through its startup sequence, and begin showing real-time power production (measured in watts or kilowatts). This is the "moment of truth" that confirms electricity is flowing from your panels.
Absence of Faults: The inverter should show a normal operating status. There should be no red or orange warning lights and no error codes on the display.

2. The Monitoring System Handover
This is a non-negotiable step. A modern solar system is only as good as the monitoring that comes with it.

Setup and Login: The installer must set up the monitoring application on your smartphone or computer and ensure it is communicating with your inverter. Do not let them leave until you have successfully logged in and can see your system's data.
Tutorial: They should provide a basic tutorial on how to use the app. You should know how to check your live production, view your daily and monthly energy harvest, and understand the basic graphs. This tool is your primary means of verifying system performance long after the crew is gone.

3. Emergency Shutdown Procedure
Safety is paramount. The installer must walk you through the correct and safe procedure for shutting down your entire solar system. They should physically point out the different AC and DC breakers and isolators and explain the sequence in which they should be turned off in an emergency or for maintenance.

The Paperwork Trail: Your Proof and Protection

The physical system is only half of what you get. The documentation is the other half, and it's what protects you and your investment for the next 25+ years. Demand a "turnover kit" containing all the essential documents.

1. The Commissioning Report
After completing their work, the crew should have performed a series of detailed electrical and performance tests. Ask for a copy of the final commissioning report. This document contains the results of all the critical commissioning tests and serves as the official proof that your system was installed correctly and is safe to operate.

2. Warranty Documentation
This is perhaps the most important paperwork you will receive. Ensure you have the physical or digital copies of all three major warranties:

Solar Panel Warranty: Typically a 12-25 year product warranty and a 25-30 year performance warranty.
Inverter Warranty: Typically between 5-12 years.
Workmanship Warranty: This comes from the installer and covers defects related to the installation itself, usually for 1-10 years.

Having these official solar warranties in hand is crucial for any future claims.

3. As-Built Plan and Manuals
You should receive a final version of the system's electrical diagram, known as an "as-built" plan, which reflects the exact final installation. You should also be given the user manuals for your inverter and any other major components.

4. Utility Application Status
For grid-tied systems in the Philippines, the job isn't truly "done" until the net-metering application with your utility (like Meralco or your local electric cooperative) is approved and the new bidirectional meter is installed.

Clarify Status: Ask the installer for the current status of your application. Have they submitted all the required documents? What are the next steps and expected timelines? Having a clear understanding of the Meralco net-metering guide or your DU's process is vital.

The Final Polish: Site Cleanliness

The final, simple check is of the site itself. A professional team takes pride in their work from start to finish. They should leave your property as clean as, or cleaner than, they found it. There should be no stray screws, wire clippings, packaging, or construction debris left behind.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be wary if your installer:

Seems rushed and pressures you to sign the form quickly.
Is unable or unwilling to provide the full set of documentation mentioned above.
Cannot demonstrate a working system or a functioning monitoring app.
Is dismissive of your questions or concerns.

These are potential signs of underlying problems or common solar installation mistakes that a diligent final check can help you avoid.

Signing off on your solar installation is a significant moment. By taking the time to perform these crucial checks, you are not being difficult—you are being a responsible system owner. You are ensuring that your considerable investment is safe, sound, and ready to deliver on its promise of clean energy and financial savings for decades to come.