Site Assessment Flashcards

Which document is typically required from the utility before beginning a grid-tied solar installation?

Answer: Interconnection agreement or permission to operate

An interconnection agreement or permission to operate (PTO) from the utility authorizes the customer-sited system to connect to and operate in parallel with the grid.

A site assessment for a ground-mount system should include soil testing primarily to evaluate what factor?

Answer: Bearing capacity and suitability for pile-driven foundations

Soil bearing capacity determines whether driven piles, helical piers, or concrete ballast foundations are appropriate to safely support the array structure.

When assessing a flat commercial roof for a ballasted solar array, which factor is MOST critical to evaluate first?

Answer: Structural dead load capacity

Ballasted systems add significant weight; the roof structure must be verified to support both the existing dead loads and the additional solar array loading.

What is the purpose of performing a shading analysis using the Solar Pathfinder at multiple points across a proposed array area?

Answer: To identify spatially varying shading that could create mismatched string performance

Shading can vary across an array footprint, and identifying these differences is essential for optimizing string layout and mitigation strategies like optimizers.

A site assessor notes that the proposed installation location is within an HOA-governed community. What is the primary action to take?

Answer: Review HOA covenants and local solar access laws to determine applicable aesthetic or placement requirements

Many states have solar access laws that limit HOA authority to prohibit solar, but HOAs may still impose reasonable aesthetic requirements, so reviewing both is essential.

What does a Net Energy Metering (NEM) tariff allow a solar customer to do?

Answer: Export excess electricity to the grid and receive a bill credit

NEM allows customers to export excess solar generation to the grid and receive a credit on their utility bill, typically at the retail electricity rate.

Which of the following conditions would MOST likely require a structural engineer's review before a rooftop solar installation?

Answer: A roof with visible sagging, deteriorated rafters, or questionable structural integrity

Signs of structural compromise such as sagging or deteriorated framing indicate potential load-carrying deficiencies that require a licensed structural engineer to evaluate before adding solar loads.