GSES - Global Sustainable Energy Solutions

Inspection of Grid Connected Systems – Example

Step 1 of 6

3. Inverter/PCE
Here will be all the information and questions related to the PV/Battery Inverter. If PV and Battery have different Inverters, complete checklist for both. For an AC coupled battery answer the relevant questions here.
3A. Inverter Serial Number(s)
Please include SNs of all relevant inverters on site
3A. Inverter Serial Number Image(s)
3B. Inverter Compliance

Yes – compliant

No – non-compliant
The selected inverter(s) should be on the CEC approved inverters list at the time of installation to ensure that it is eligible for government rebates and also complies with safety standards.
Link to Approved Inverters
3B. Inverter Compliance – Rectification Recommendation
3C. Inverter Shutdown Procedure Sticker

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – shutdown procedure exists but is generic and missing system specific details

Major non-compliance – shutdown procedure is not present
There should be a shutdown procedure that outlines how to safely shut down the system placed adjacent to the equipment such that the sign is highly visible. If the PV system has DC array disconnectors, then need: “WARNING: PV ARRAY d.c. ISOLATORS DO NOT DE-ENERGIZE THE PV ARRAY AND PV CABLES.
AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 5.7 and AS/NZS 5139:2019 Clause 7.16
3C. Inverter Shutdown Procedure Sticker – Rectification Recommendation
3C. Inverter Shutdown Procedure Sticker Image(s)
3E. Inverter Mounting

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – inverter is stable but missing a screw

Major non-compliance – inverter is falling off the bracket, or bracket off the wall
Ensure the inverter is mounted securely using methods according to the inverter’s installation manual, and ensure the material it is mounted to has no risk of falling or breaking.
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Clause 1.7.2 d)
3E. Inverter Mounting – Rectification Recommendation
3E. Inverter Mounting Image(s)
3F. Inverter Location/Clearances

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – shelving or other structures have been added since the inverter installation not meeting clearance

Major non-compliance – inverter in direct sun with no shading, or clearances not met
Inverter is not installed in direct sunlight, and clearances are maintained
AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 Clause 2.4.1 c&d)
3F. Inverter Location/Clearances – Rectification Recommendation
3F. Inverter Location/Clearances Image(s)
Please include photos of your measurements for the clearances
3G. Inverter Frame Earthing

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – no protective earthing

N/A – Inverter does not have a earthing location on the frame
Ensure that the inverter frame is earthed (continuously with other system components) all the way to the Multiple Earthed Neutral (MEN) bar at the MSB.
3G. Inverter Frame Earthing – Rectification Recommendation
3G. Inverter Frame Earthing Image(s)
3H. Earthing to MEN

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – earthing not installed to the inverter or battery
All electrical components are earthed with all earthing connections properly connected to the MEN, including battery and PV
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Clause 5.4 & 5.5
3H. Earthing to MEN – Rectification Recommendation
3H. Earthing to MEN Image(s)
3I. AC Cable Terminations at Inverter

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – cat5 run in the same conduit as power cables

Major non-compliance – no conduit
Inverter AC cables are adequately protected and secured in conduits. If there are multiple types of cables such as LV and ELV they must be rated for it
as according to AS/NZS 3000 Section 3.9.8.
3I. AC Cable Terminations at Inverter – Rectification Recommendation
3I. AC Cable Terminations at Inverter Image(s)
3J. AC Cable Size

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – cable is undersized for the inverter output current or OCPD
Ensure the AC cable from the inverter to the switchboard is correctly rated at a minimum of the inverter’s maximum output current.
AS/NZS 3000:2018, AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017
3J. AC Cable Size – Rectification Recommendation
3J. AC Cable Size Image(s)
3K. DC Cable Size

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – cable is undersized for the current rating or OCPD
Ensure any DC cables from the battery or PV array to the inverter is correctly rated to their maximum output currents.
AS/NZS 3000:2018, AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017
3K. DC Cable Size – Rectification Recommendation
3K. DC Cable Size Image(s)
3L. DC Voltage Drop <5% Check

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – cable is undersized for the current rating or OCPD
The voltage drop from the battery/PV array to the inverter should be less than 5%.
AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 4.4.2.4, AS/NZS 5139:2019 Clause 6.3.1.5.4
3L. DC Voltage Drop <5% Check – Rectification Recommendation
3L. DC Voltage Drop <5% Check Image(s)
Please include photos of your voltage measurements
3M. DC Isolators – multiple

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – signage not installed

Major non-compliance – isolators not grouped

Not required
If the inverter and battery cable is greater than 2m, an isolator needs to be installed adjacent to each component. Ensure that the DC isolators have the required IP rating (minimum IP56 outdoors) with cables and glands not entering from the top of the isolator. AS/NZS 5139:2019 Clause 5.3.1.3.7 ,6.3.1.3.7 AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 4.4.7 If there are multiple separate DC disconnection switches there needs to be a sign that states “WARNING: MULTIPLE d.c. SOURCES” “TURN OFF ALL d.c. ISOLATORS TO ISOLATE EQUIPMENT”. And they must also be grouped so that they can be operated simultaneously.
AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 5.5.2.1, 4.5.4.2
3M. DC Isolators – multiple – Rectification Recommendation
3M. DC Isolators – Multiple Image(s)
3N. DC Isolators – IP

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – top-down entry in the isolator, not rated for outdoor use

Not required
Check that the installation of isolators and wiring enclosures maintains their IP ratings by ensuring there are no top-down cable entries
as according to AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 4.4.7.
3N. DC Isolators – IP – Rectification Recommendation
3N. DC Isolators – IP Image(s)
3O. Conduit Labels

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – labeled once or labels have worn off

Major non-compliance – not labeled at all
Ensure any conduits coming from energy sources, ie. solar or battery, are labelled at intervals no longer than 2m.
AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 Clause 6.11.3.2
3O. Conduit Labels – Rectification Recommendation
3O. Conduit Labels Image(s)
3P. Inverter Infrared Image(s)
Using an infrared camera, ensure the inverter is operating with no hot spots at normal operating temperatures specified by the installation manual or datasheet.
3P. Inverter Infrared Imaging Notes
3Q. Inverter Issues Checklist
Since inverter installation manuals typically are quite lengthy, it is useful to have an extra checklist item so inspectors can note down any other potential issues that don’t comply with the installation manual. For example, the installation mounting angle could be incorrect or if any error codes are being shown on the inverter.
AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 Clause 2.4.1
3Q. Inverter Issues Checklist Image(s)
3R. Inverter Verification Test Results

4. Battery
4A. Battery Serial Number(s)
It is recommended to take photos of the battery specifications so that installation details can be cross-checked and serial numbers can be acquired for any future maintenance.
4A. Battery SN Images
4B. Battery Compliance

Yes – compliant

No – non-compliant
The selected battery should be on the CEC approved batteries list at the time of installation to ensure that it is eligible for government rebates and also complies with safety standards.
Link to Approved Batteries
4C. Battery Mounting

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – missing a fastener but still secure

Major non-compliance – battery mounting unsecure and at risk of falling
Must ensure that the battery is mounted securely and not at risk of falling or damaging the product. This is dependent on the manufacturer but it should always be secured in some way.
4C. Battery Mounting – Rectification Recommendation
4D. Battery Inspection Image(s)
4E. Battery Signage
Yes – compliant
Minor non-compliance -missing system voltage and short circuit current
Minor non-compliance -missing explosion hazard sign
Minor non-compliance -missing toxic fume hazard sign
Minor non-compliance -missing “do not disconnect under load” sign
Minor non-compliance -missing battery isolator or circuit breaker label
Ensure all applicable signs are installed on the BESS.
AS/NZS 5139 Section 7
4E. Battery Signage – Rectification Recommendation
4E. Battery Signage Image(s)
4F. Battery Physical Protection

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – has only one bollard, but 2 would be required in the front and back for full protection

Major non-compliance – no bollards installed for vehicular protection

N/A – battery no physical danger to battery
Must ensure that the battery is physically protected from damage eg. vehicles etc. AS/NZS 5139
4F. Battery Mounting – Rectification Recommendation
4F. Battery Mounting Image(s)
4G. Smoke Alarm

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – smoke alarm not installed

N/A
If installed indoors ensure a smoke alarm is installed also
AS/NZS 5139 5.3.4
4G. Smoke Alarm – Rectification Recommendation
4G. Smoke Alarm Image(s)
4H. Battery Location

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – battery is located in a restricted location or in direct sunlight
The battery is not located in a restricted area, < 600m from appliances, nor in direct sunlight
AS/NZS 5139 4.2.2, 4.2.3.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3.1
4H. Battery Location – Rectification Recommendation
4H. Battery Location Image(s)
4I. Battery Clearance

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – battery does not meet required manufacturer clearances
Manufacturer clearances are maintained
Manufacturer specifications
4I. Battery Clearance – Rectification Recommendation
4I. Battery Clearance Image(s)
Please include photos with your measurements and a screenshot of the battery manufacturer specifications
4J. Battery Non-Combustible Barrier

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – no non-combustible barrier

N/A – Battery not opposite a habitable room
If the battery energy storage system (BESS) is installed near or on a wall with a habitable room on the other side, a suitably non-combustible barrier must be installed.
AS/NZS 5139 Clause 4.4.4.2 or 5.2.4.2
4J. Battery Non-Combustible Barrier – Rectification Recommendation
4J. Battery Non-Combustible Barrier Image(s)
Please also include a photo of the room the battery is adjacent to, if saying it is not habitable
4K. Battery Earthing

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – earth conductor is undersized

Major non-compliance – battery is not earthed and should be
Ensure the battery metal enclosure/ metallic parts is appropriately earthed with a minimum cable size of 6mm^2 and there is continuity in the earthing from the battery to the inverter to the switchboard’s earth bar.
AS/NZS 5139:2019 Clause 5.3.1.7 & 6.3.1.7
4K. Battery Earthing – Rectification Recommendation
4K. Battery Earthing Image(s)
Please ensure you get the size of the conductor in the photo
4L. Battery Isolators/OCPD

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – >3m and missing second OCPD

Major non-compliance – no OCPDinstalled

Not required
Most batteries come with integrated DC protection, for those which don’t, ensure there is a correctly installed and rated DC isolator and/or circuit breaker to protect the BESS. If the PCE and battery are greater than 3m apart then a secondary OCPD device required near the PCE.
AS/NZS 5139 5.3.1.4.7
4L. Battery Isolators/OCPD – Rectification Recommendation
4L. Battery Isolators/OCPD Image(s)
4M. Battery Cable

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – battery cables are routed in a way where there are conductive loops

Major non-compliance – battery cable is undersized
Ensure the battery cable is sized to the continuous output current, as well as any possible fault current, or OCPD. And also meets manufacturer recommendations.
AS/NZS 5139 4.3.1.2 or 5.3.1.2
4M. Battery Cable – Rectification Recommendation
4M. Battery Cable Image(s)
Please ensure you get the size of the conductor in the photo
4N. Battery Verification Test Results
Verified the neutral connection to the MEN in Grid Supply mode
Verified the neutral connection to the MEN in Alternative Supply mode
Verified only one MEN in Grid Supply Mode
Verified only one MEN in Alternative Supply Mode
4N. Battery Verification Test Results – Notes

5. PV Array
5A. PV Module Serial Number(s)
It is recommended to take photos of the PV module specifications so that installation details can be cross-checked and serial numbers can be acquired for any future maintenance.
5A. PV Module SN Images
5B. PV Module Compliance

Yes – compliant

No – non-compliant
PV modules need to be approved by the Clean Energy Council to ensure that they are compliant with Australian safety standards and so they are eligible to receive small-scale technology certificates (STCs).

Link to Approved Modules
5B. PV Module Compliance – Rectification Recommendation
5C. Exclusion Zones

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – PV array skirts the exclusion zone on one side

Major non-compliance – no exclusion zones at all
Ensure the PV array exclusion zones are maintained as specified by the manufacturer.
AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 4.3.2.2.5, Manufacturer Documentation
5C. Exclusion Zones – Rectification Recommendation
5C. Exclusion Zones Image(s)
Please include a photo of your measurements of the exclusion zone, along with a screenshot of the manufacturer documentation
5D. Array Mounting

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – No space between modules for thermal expansion, array isn’t torqued properly

Major non-compliance – PV module clamping zones are out of manufacturer guidelines, some clamps are missing
Ensure the clamping zones and torquing of the pv module clamps are correct as identified in the manufacturer documentation.
Manufacturer manual
5D. Array Mounting – Rectification Recommendation
5D. Array Mounting Image(s)
Please include a photo of your measurements of the clamping zone, along with a screenshot of the manufacturer documentation
5E. IR Check on PV Array
Important to perform an infrared test on the PV array and identify any possible hotspots or future performance issues
5E. IR Check on PV module Image(s)
Please include infrared photos of the PV array
5F. Soiling/Cleanliness of the PV Array
5F. Soiling/Cleanliness of the PV Array Image(s)
5G. PV Cable Management

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – A few cables not secured properly or conductive loops

Major non-compliance – Most of the cables are not secured or being pulled in an unsafe manner
Ensure all PV DC cables and earthing cables are adequately secured with stainless steel cable ties and do not contact the roof. Also ensure that the bend radius is maintained and they are laid in a way that minimises conductive loops.
AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 4.4.3.1, 4.3.2.3.3
5G. PV Cable Management – Rectification Recommendation
5G. PV Cable Management Image(s)
5H. Array Plug and Socket Connectors

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – Plug and socket connectors do not have the wire nut properly torqued

Major non-compliance – Plug and socket connectors are not of the same make and model
All DC connectors are of the same type/model from the same manufacturer where they are married at a connection point.
AS/NZS 5033:2021 4.3.9.1
5H. Array Plug and Socket Connectors – Rectification Recommendation
5H. Array Plug and Socket Connectors Image(s)
5I. Array Earthing

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – earth lugs and cables installed, but not cold galv sprayed,

Major non-compliance – significant array earthing missed (eg. row or set of modules)
Earthing cable should be adequately sized (at least 4mm2) as according to standards. And that the entire array has been earthed appropriately.
AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 4.6.3
5I. Array Earthing – Rectification Recommendation
5I. Array Earthing Image(s)
5K. DC Isolator/ Disconnection point

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – disconnection point not labeled

Major non-compliance – no method of isolation or DC isolator without a shroud
Ensure that there is an accessible DC isolator or properly labelled disconnection point. If an isolator is installed, check that it is sized correctly and that all cable entries are sealed.
AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 5.5.2.2
5K. DC Isolator/ Disconnection point – Rectification Recommendation
5K. DC Isolator/ Disconnection point Image(s)
5L. Array Cable Junction Box

Yes – compliant

Major non-compliance – indoor rated box, or not sealed

N/A – no rooftop junction box
All cable junction boxes mounted outdoors have a minimum IP 55 rating, and have been correctly installed to prevent water ingress.
AS/NZS 3000:2018 4.1.2, 4.1.3, AS/NZS 5033:2021 4.4
5L. Array Cable Junction Box – Rectification Recommendation
5L. Array Cable Junction Box Image(s)
5M. Sealed Penetrations

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – waterproofing attempted but incomplete

Major non-compliance – no waterproofing
Ensure any holes in the roof, such as cable penetrations, are appropriately sealed to be waterproof.
AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 4.4.5.1
5M. Sealed Penetrations – Rectification Recommendation
5M. Sealed Penetrations Image(s)
5N. Drainage Tee

Yes – compliant

Minor non-compliance – drainage tee installed, but clogged

Major non-compliance – no drainage method installed

Not required, conduit not directly piped to enclosure
Ensure a drainage tee is installed at the lowest point of the PV conduit run
AS/NZS 5033 4.1
5N. Drainage Tee – Rectification Recommendation
5N. Drainage Tee Image(s)
5O. PV System Verification Test Results

6. Final Declaration
Declaration
Please verify everything is correct with your form. If so then sign below and submit
6A. Inspector Signature
I verify that this inspection was completed by me and is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the above inspection report will now be issued.

UEERE0072 Inspection Checklist – Example

Inspection of Grid Connected Systems – Example

1. General Site Information

2. MSB and Balance of System

3. Inverter/PCE

4. Battery

5. PV Array

6. Final Declaration

Declaration