Clear answer, explained.
Annual inspection covers the physical condition of panels, racking, mounting hardware, and roof penetrations; electrical connections and combiner boxes; inverter performance logs; and monitoring system accuracy. For systems with battery storage, inspection should also include the battery enclosure, cooling systems, and protection relay settings.
Thermographic inspection is conducted during generating conditions — clear sun with the system running — using an infrared camera mounted on a drone or handheld device. It identifies hotspots in modules caused by cell micro-cracks, bypass diode failure, or delamination. These faults reduce output and, in severe cases, represent a fire risk. Annual production monitoring data provides a prompt for scheduling thermographic inspection — if specific strings are underperforming, thermographic inspection pinpoints the affected modules.
In Ontario, where seasonal freeze-thaw cycles and snow loading are annual events, spring inspection specifically assessing racking integrity and mounting hardware is advisable. Ice formation under panels and freeze-thaw movement of flashing and penetration seals can loosen connections over time. Most manufacturer warranties require documented annual inspections — failure to maintain inspection records can be cited as a basis for denying warranty claims when faults occur.
What this means in practice.
- Annual inspection: physical, electrical, and inverter review
- Thermographic survey: every 2–3 years or when output drops
- Ontario spring inspection for racking and freeze-thaw damage
- Battery storage: additional inspection requirements apply
- Documented inspection records support manufacturer warranty claims
- Monitoring data identifies which strings warrant thermographic priority
Best-fit environments.
- All commercial and industrial rooftop solar installations
- Systems operating in Ontario's seasonal climate
- Any installation where racking was original to the building
- Facilities where warranty coverage is approaching its end and claims need documentation
