Solar System Inspection and Problem Assessment Form

The purpose of this comprehensive inspection and problem assessment form is to provide:

1. a standardized format for routine solar water heating system inspection,
2. in depth information on encountered system problems,
3. a method by which interested parties can evaluate solar systems in the field.
The form is broken down into several subject sections. These include:
1. FORM USAGE INSTRUCTIONS - provides information on using and completing the form

2. INSPECTOR INFORMATION - provides information regarding the inspector

3. SYSTEM INFORMATION - provides information regarding the system location and dates of inspection

4. SYSTEM DETAILS - provides information on the system manufacturer and model, system type, SRCC certification, labels, and a variety of general information.

5. SYSTEM PROBLEMS - provides general information on problem symptoms, types, resolution, and repair dates and costs.

6.SYSTEM INSPECTION - provides the installer the capability to specify detailed system inspection and problem information. The make of the various components should be identified regardless of whether or not problems have been encountered. The various components are listed by subsystem category, i.e., collector, controls, storage, and transport.

7. INPUT AREA FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTS - Inspectors are to use this area to provide relevant information on the inspection, system, and encountered problems that were not covered in the form. This information will be used for analysis and, if deemed necessary, added to the future editions of the form.

8. SUBMITTAL AND RESET BUTTONS are to be used to either submit the form once it has been completed, or to reset the form to its default.

1. FORM USAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Inspectors are to complete all categories of this problem assessment form as indicated below.

The form uses many input methods.

  • lists from which to choose numerous selections,
  • pull down menus that are used primarily for single item choices (denoted by scroll arrows),
  • text boxes for the user to type requested information.
If there are multiple items in a specific category, click on each separate item with your mouse while holding the Ctrl key down. (For example, if under the Collector Category, both "Riser Tube Leak" and "Header Tube Leak" apply, simply click the first option ("Rise Tube Leaks") with your mouse, then hold down the Ctr key and click the second option ("Header Tube Leak").

For selection of single items, simply click the item with the mouse - you do not have to activate the Ctrl key. (Use the Command key on the Macintosh.) If you do not select any options in the problem categories, the "No problem" option is the default. In the "Make" categories, a selection must be made.

If the "Inspection" or "Make/Information" that you encounter in the field are not listed on this form in any of the categories, please specify and describe that specific "Inspection" and "Make/Other" in the "Other" window at the bottom of this form. Items that you submit that are not currently on the list will be evaluated and added to the problem and make category options.

If you make a mistake and select an item accidentally, simply click that item again and it will be deselected. If you want to reset the complete form and start all over again, simple click the "Reset the form" button.

Once you have completed the form, please click the "Submit the form" button and the form will be forwarded to the appropriate site for tabulation and analysis. If you have any questions regarding this form, either provide them in the "Other" window at the bottom of the form or contact "e-mail address would go here."


2. INSPECTOR INFORMATION

Project ID:   Other:
Inspection company:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip code:
Telephone:
Fax:
E-mail:
Inspection company contact :
(technical)

3. SYSTEM INFORMATION

Resident Name
Installation address:
Installation City:
Date system installed: Month Year Time
Date of Inspection 1: Month Year Time
Additional Inspect 2: Month Year Time
Additional Inspect 3: Month Year Time
Additional Inspect 4: Month Year Time

4. SYSTEM DETAILS

System manufacturer:
System model number:
System type:
SRCC System Certification #:
System Certification components used in the system installation?
Is the owners manual available?
Is the warranty information available?
Is the system accessible for servicing?
What is the gallons size of the solar tank?   Other:
What is the gallons size of the auxiliary tank?   Other:
Is the auxillary tank electric or gas?
What type of system controller is used?   Other:
Which of the following labels are attached to the system and its components?
How many collectors are installed?
What size (in feet) are the solar collectors?   Other:
Were there problems with this system

5. SYSTEM PROBLEMS

Problem Symtoms:

Other:
Problem Type (Select all that apply): Installation Operation
Component Maintenance
Problems resolved?
Date problem was resolved? Month Year Time
System repair costs: Labor   Parts   Total

6. SYSTEM INSPECTION
GENERAL
Inspection day conditions:
All wall penetrations are fire-rated?:
Exposed components below 140 F?:
Combustible materials away from high temperature?:
No headroom or air circulation interference?:
Acceptable noise and vibrations?:

COLLECTOR SUBSYSTEM

Component Inspection Make/Information
Collector Make:


Other:

Model #:
Collector mounting Mounting Method


Other:
Collector orientation:
Collector tilt (from horizontal - in degrees):
Clearance under collector (in inches):
Distance from collector to tank (in feet): Horizontal:      Vertical:

CONTROLS SUBSYSTEM

Component Inspection Make/Information
Controller-Differential Make:


Other:

Model #:
Controller-Differential: Set points (in F): On set point:      Off set point:
Controller-Differential: High limit temperature setting (in F):
Controller-Differential: Is auto freeze recirculation set?:
Sensor
Sensor, wiring
Controller-Timer Make:


Other:
Controller-Timer On/Off Settings: On:      Off:
Controller-Timer Current Time Setting Correct:
Controller-Photovoltaic Make:


Other:

Model #:
Controller-Photovoltaic Pump-PV disconnect switch installed?:
Wiring, Photovoltaic Wire gauge:

STORAGE SUBSYSTEM

Component Inspection Make/Information
Heater, water, solar, storage Make:


Other:

Model #:
Heater, water, aux, electric Make:


Other:

Model #:
Heater, water, aux, gas Make:


Other:

Model #:
Electricity to Water Heaters
Heater, water, dip tube, feed
Heater, water, dip tube, return

TRANSPORT SUBSYSTEM

Component Inspection Make/Information
Pump, AC Make:


Other:

Model #:
Pump, DC Make:


Other:

Model #:
With Pump Operating: Temp from collector (F):
Temp to collector (F):
System temperature (at and with faucet running - F):
Flow rate:
Temperature at Temp Gauge located between solar and auxiliary tanks:
Drainback tank Make:


Other:
Expansion tank Make:


Other:
Heat exchanger Make:


Other:
Heat exhanger type
Heat transfer fluid Make:


Other:
Heat transfer loop
Piping Feed line diameter (Nom"):
Return line diameter (Nom"):
Type:


Other:
Piping, joints
Piping, roof penetration Penetration method:


Other:
Hose, connection
Insulation, exterior Insulation type:


Other:

Thickness of insulation (inches):


Other:

UV protective coating:

Other:
Insulation, interior
Occupant
Temperature Gauge Make:


Other:
Transformer Make:


Other:
Valve, Air Vent Make:


Other:
Valve, Anti-Scald Make:


Other:

Model #:

Valve set temperature:
Valve, Automatic Draindown Make:


Other:
Valve, Check