Standards of Professional Practice
Certified Solar Health Inspection
Level 2 Solar Inspection
A certified inspection that measures a solar system's production health and longevity.
About these Standards
Solar inspections are not a single service. Four distinct levels exist in practice, performed by different professionals, requiring different qualifications, and producing different deliverables. This document is the standard of practice for one of them: the Level 2 Analyzed Solar Inspection, the certified inspection performed by a solar-certified property inspector or qualified solar technician to document a solar system's condition and measure its production health and longevity. Its primary application is within a real estate transaction, though it is equally valid outside one. It does not govern the other three levels, and it should not be cited as the standard for them.
How to read this document. Section 1 states what these Standards are. Section 2 defines all four levels of solar inspection, so that homeowners, real estate professionals, inspectors, insurers, lenders, and contractors share a common vocabulary and can tell which service they are receiving. Sections 3 through 6 are the standard of practice for the Level 2 inspection specifically, covering its purpose and scope, the roles involved, the components to be inspected, and the limits of the work. A separate standard may be published for each of the other levels.
Language used in these Standards. Inspectors inspect, measure, and observe. They do not "assess." Assessment is the language of appraisal, where a value is assigned. An inspection reports what was observed and what was measured.
These Standards are written to be publicly readable. A homeowner should be able to read them and understand exactly what was and was not done at their property. An inspector should be able to read them and know precisely what is required. An insurer or lender should be able to read them and know what the resulting report represents.
1. Introduction
These Standards define the minimum standard of practice for the Level 2 Analyzed Solar Inspection of residential photovoltaic systems, conducted by solar-certified property inspectors. They are intended for universal application, providing a consistent baseline across jurisdictions.
These Standards of Professional Practice:
- A. Make public the services provided by Sprk-Certified Inspectors.
- B. Define the scope and limitations of a visual inspection.
- C. Define the four recognized levels of solar inspection, who performs each, and what each produces.
- D. Clarify that the inspector operates in conjunction with Sprk to collect data for the purpose of generating a third-party Solar Inspection Report.
- E. Emphasize that this inspection is not for servicing, repairs, code compliance, or warranty validation, but for documenting conditions and characteristics relevant to home transactions.
2. Levels of Solar Inspection
Solar inspections are not a single service. Four distinct levels exist in practice, performed by different professionals, requiring different qualifications, and producing different deliverables. These Standards define all four so that homeowners, real estate professionals, inspectors, insurers, and contractors share a common vocabulary.
The four levels:
Level 1: Visual Solar Inspection
- Purpose
- Observe and document the visible condition of a solar system.
- Performed by
- A property inspector, or a qualified solar technician.
- Qualification required
- A qualified professional with a basic working understanding of solar system functionality and equipment. No solar-specific certification is required.
- Expected output
- Written observations and photo documentation of visible condition, typically delivered as a section within a standard home inspection report.
- What it does not do
- Observation only. It does not measure production output, so it cannot report on system health or remaining useful life.
Level 2: Analyzed Solar Inspection
Governed by this standard- Purpose
- Everything contained in a Level 1 Visual Solar Inspection, together with solar system analytics, to measure the production health and longevity of a solar system. Its primary application is within real estate transactions, though the same inspection is equally valid for confirming a system's health and longevity outside of a transaction.
- Performed by
- A solar-certified property inspector, or a qualified solar technician, who has been solar certified by Sprk or a comparable organization and has demonstrated proficiency in collecting solar system data.
- Qualification required
- Completion of a recognized solar inspection certification, a passing examination score, and demonstrated data-collection proficiency. Under these Standards that certification is Sprk Solar Certification Training, a three-hour course available on demand. See Section 4.3.
- Expected output
- The Solar Inspection Certificate: a third-party report grading the system A through F across solar energy production, energy storage, remaining useful life, and safety and installation quality, supported by photo documentation, and issued under the authority of the inspector.
- Governed by
- These Standards.
Level 3: Solar Repair Inspection
- Purpose
- Identify a specific fault in order to specify and price its correction.
- Performed by
- A qualified solar repair technician, or a licensed solar contractor.
- Qualification required
- Applicable state contractor or electrical licensure, and demonstrated solar installation or repair experience. Installer and code-official credentials, including NABCEP certifications, are aligned to this level.
- Expected output
- A repair specification or repair quote describing the work required to restore the system to full functionality.
- Relationship to Level 2
- Functionally equivalent to a contractor following a home inspection to confirm the inspector's findings and price the remedy. Not governed by these Standards.
Level 4: Solar Forensic Inspection
- Purpose
- Determine why a system failed catastrophically and establish the source of a major failure affecting the solar system or the property on which it sits.
- Performed by
- A NABCEP-certified solar professional who is also a licensed contractor, with extensive solar installation and repair experience.
- Qualification required
- NABCEP certification, applicable contractor licensure, and extensive hands-on solar installation and repair experience, typically a decade or more. The practitioner must be able to interpret and apply electrical code, manufacturer specification, and industry documentation to establish causation. This is a deliberately high bar. Establishing why a system failed, in a matter that may reach an insurer or a court, requires someone who has built and repaired these systems, not only inspected them.
- Expected output
- A forensic report establishing cause, attributing the failure to its code source, and supported by full industry, manufacturer, and code-based documentation. Typically produced for insurance dispute or litigation.
- Relationship to Level 2
- Not governed by these Standards. See Section 6.3.
Qualification is cumulative. A professional qualified at a higher level is qualified to perform the levels beneath it. A licensed solar contractor may perform a Level 1 inspection; a Level 4 practitioner may perform a Level 3. The levels describe increasing capability, not separate silos.
Certification bodies. Section 2 defines these four levels as an industry taxonomy, independent of any single provider. Where a level requires certification, that certification may be issued by Sprk or by a comparable organization. Sections 3 through 6, which govern the Level 2 inspection under these Standards specifically, require Sprk Solar Certification Training as described in Section 4.3.
Scope of practice. Levels 1 and 2 are within the scope of a qualified property inspector. Levels 3 and 4 require licensure, trade experience, or both, and are generally outside the scope of a home inspection. An inspector should not represent work at Level 3 or 4 without the qualifications described above.
Insurance. Inspectors are responsible for confirming with their errors and omissions carrier that solar inspection is covered under their policy, and for understanding any conditions the carrier places on that coverage, which commonly include documented training, a recognized certification, adherence to a written standard of practice, and a defined scope with stated exclusions.
3. Purpose and Scope of a Level 2 Analyzed Solar Inspection
The purpose of the Level 2 Analyzed Solar Inspection is to document the observable condition and relevant characteristics of a residential Photovoltaic (PV) system, and to measure its production output, so that the production health and longevity of the system can be measured rather than merely described.
The primary application of this inspection is within a real estate transaction, where a buyer, seller, agent, lender, appraiser, or insurer requires an independent account of the system's condition. The same inspection is equally valid outside a transaction, where an owner simply wants a system's health and longevity confirmed.
A Level 2 inspection contains everything a Level 1 Visual Solar Inspection contains, plus solar system analytics. In practice this means two parts performed together: the visual observation of all readily accessible components described in Section 5, and a live production measurement taken with a clamp-on multimeter as described in 3.4.D. Neither part alone constitutes a Level 2 inspection. Visual observation performed without the production measurement is a Level 1 Visual Solar Inspection.
These Standards apply to readily accessible and visible components, including (when present):
- A. Panel array and mounting system conditions.
- B. Inverters and associated electrical equipment.
- C. Battery storage medium, including physical battery systems or net metering arrangements.
- D. Conduit labeling and system identification.
- E. Visible damage, safety issues, or improper installation.
- F. Ownership type (Owned, Loan, Lease/PPA) if identifiable.
- G. Installer identity (if observable or disclosed).
- H. Measured production output via clamp-on multimeter.
- I. System orientation, rooftop fire code setbacks, shading, and other observable influences.
Inspectors shall:
- A. Perform a visual inspection of accessible components.
- B. Operate systems only via normal, homeowner-accessible controls.
- C. Submit inspection data and photos to Sprk.
- D. Measure and record live energy output using a clamp-on multimeter.
- E. Deliver the report generated by Sprk to the client.
4. Inspector Role and Sprk Collaboration in a Level 2 Analyzed Solar Inspection
The inspector's role is to collect visual data to the best of their ability. The inspection is not exhaustive or diagnostic in nature.
Sprk's role is to:
- A. Analyze submitted data.
- B. Cross-reference public and proprietary sources, including but not limited to NREL and installer records.
- C. Generate a standardized report based on verified inputs.
- D. Return the report to the inspector for client delivery.
Inspectors must complete Sprk Solar Certification Training, a three-hour course available on demand, pass the corresponding examination, and demonstrate proficiency in collecting solar system data. Inspectors who have done so hold the Solar Certified Inspector designation, and their certification number appears on each report they issue.
The final report is issued under the authority of the inspector, not Sprk. Inspectors are responsible for ensuring accuracy of submitted observations.
5. Components to Be Inspected and Described in a Level 2 Analyzed Solar Inspection
Inspectors shall observe and document the following components when visible and safe to access:
- A. Panel array, including count, visible condition, orientation, mounting system, and shading.
- B. Wire and clamp integrity beneath panels.
- C. Conduit labeling and routing.
- D. Inverter type (Inverter (String) or Inverter (Micro)), visible manufacturer labels, and general condition.
- E. Ground equipment, including disconnects and battery inverters where present.
- F. Electrical panel solar breaker labeling and solar tie-in location.
- G. Roof penetration points and any visible sealant or wear.
- H. Signs of shading, pest activity, or installation deficiencies.
Inspectors shall also collect the following information when observable or provided:
- A. System size (kW) based on observable panel wattage or inverter capacity.
- B. Inverter count and type.
- C. Year of installation, if labeled.
- D. Installer name, if visible.
- E. Ownership type, if discernible.
- F. Production output reading using a clamp-on multimeter.
- G. Any notable obstructions or limitations encountered during inspection.
Inspectors are expected to report only on components that are accessible and safe to inspect. Not all data points may be observable in all cases.
6. General Limitations and Exclusions of a Level 2 Analyzed Solar Inspection
Inspections performed in accordance with these Standards are visual inspections supplemented by a single production measurement. They are non-invasive and not technically exhaustive.
Inspectors are NOT required to:
- A. Dismantle or access sealed equipment.
- B. Evaluate system performance beyond visible indicators.
- C. Determine warranty status or installer compliance.
- D. Confirm building permits, code compliance, or financial performance.
- E. Inspect battery storage medium beyond exterior observation.
- F. Provide repair recommendations or cost estimates.
Repair and forensic work are excluded. These Standards govern the Level 2 Analyzed Solar Inspection only. Level 3 Solar Repair Inspections and Level 4 Solar Forensic Inspections fall outside this scope and are performed under separate qualifications and separate engagement terms.
Equipment outside this scope. Live electrical testing, opening of energized equipment, and the use of insulation-resistance testers, PV commissioning equipment, or irradiance measurement equipment are outside the scope of these Standards. Electrical measurements and testing should be performed only by persons properly trained and qualified for the equipment and hazards involved, legally permitted to perform the work in their jurisdiction, and appropriately insured.
Glossary
Italicized terms in the body are defined here.
Accessible: Components that can be reached and observed safely without the need for tools, disassembly, or unsafe roof access.
Analyzed Solar Inspection (Level 2): An inspection containing everything in a Level 1 Visual Solar Inspection, together with solar system analytics, to measure the production health and longevity of a solar system. See Section 2.2.
Battery Storage Medium: Any system that allows for excess solar energy to be stored for later use. In this document, it includes both physical battery units and net metering arrangements, depending on how energy is retained and utilized.
Clamp-On Multimeter: A handheld tool used to measure the current flowing through a solar system's main output cable, used by inspectors to document productive output at the time of inspection.
Conduit Labeling: Required markings that identify electrical conduits as part of a solar system, typically reading "PV" or "Solar Circuit."
Energy Production Reading: The measured electrical output from a solar system during inspection, typically recorded in amps or kilowatts using a clamp-on multimeter.
Ground Equipment: Any solar components installed at or near ground level, such as string inverters, battery inverters, disconnect switches, and combiner boxes.
Inspector (Sprk-Certified): A property inspector who has completed Sprk's solar certification training and is authorized to collect data for a Sprk-generated Solar Inspection Report.
Property Inspector: A qualified professional who inspects residential property. Used in place of "home inspector" throughout these Standards to reflect that the work is not limited to single-family homes.
Inverter (Micro): A device attached to each individual panel that converts DC to AC power at the panel level.
Inverter (String): A centralized inverter that collects DC power from multiple panels and converts it to AC in one location.
Mounting System: Hardware used to attach and secure solar panels to a roof or ground rack, including rails, clamps, and flashing.
Net Metering: An arrangement with the utility where excess solar energy sent to the grid can offset the home's electricity use at other times. Treated in this document as a valid form of energy storage medium.
Ownership Type: The legal or contractual arrangement under which a solar system is installed, including Owned, Financed (Loan), or Leased/PPA. This term refers to what the inspector attempts to identify, not verify.
Panel Array: The full set of solar panels installed on a property, often divided by roof face or directional orientation.
Photovoltaic (PV) System: A system that converts sunlight into electricity using solar panels, inverters, and supporting electrical equipment.
Production Output: The live electrical output of the solar system as measured at the time of inspection. This may vary based on sunlight, shading, and equipment status.
Rooftop Fire Code Setbacks: The required clearances between panel edges and roof ridges or sides, designed for firefighter access. Typically 18 inches from ridge and 36 inches from side edges.
Solar Breaker: A dedicated breaker in the main electrical panel that connects the solar system to the home's electrical load center.
Solar Documentation: Any materials available to the inspector or homeowner that pertain to system installation, ownership, warranties, or monitoring. While not required for inspection, documentation assists in accurate reporting.
Solar Forensic Inspection (Level 4): An inspection determining why a system failed catastrophically and establishing the source of a major failure. See Section 2.2.
Solar Inspection Report: A document generated by Sprk, based on the inspector's submitted observations and measurements, which summarizes the observed condition, components, and measured performance of the system. Presented as the Solar Inspection Certificate. Most commonly used within a real estate transaction.
Solar Repair Inspection (Level 3): An inspection performed by a qualified solar repair technician or a licensed solar contractor that produces a repair specification or repair quote. See Section 2.2.
Sprk: A software and services platform that partners with certified inspectors to generate third-party solar and energy reports. Sprk reviews submitted inspection data and supplements it with public and technical sources to produce the final report.
System Size (kW): The total rated power output of a solar system, typically based on panel wattage and count. This is estimated by the inspector from visible labeling or inverter specs.
UCC Filing: A type of lien (Uniform Commercial Code filing) that may exist on financed solar systems. This document acknowledges the concept but does not require inspectors to verify its presence.
Visual Inspection: A non-invasive, observational review of system components that does not include disassembly, testing, or system operation beyond accessible controls.
Visual Solar Inspection (Level 1): Observation and documentation of the visible condition of a solar system. See Section 2.2.
Sprk Certified Inc.
Published by Spark Certified Inc. These Standards define the minimum standard of practice for the Level 2 Analyzed Solar Inspection. Standards for the other levels of solar inspection may be published separately.