Utility-Scale Solar Farm O&M Inspection Checklist

This utility-scale solar farm O&M inspection checklist ensures compliance with NERC FAC-002 facility connection requirements, IEC 62446-2 PV system maintenance standards, IEEE 1547 interconnection requirements, and OSHA General Industry safety standards. Designed for utility-scale solar asset managers and O&M technicians to conduct comprehensive site inspections at solar farms of 1 MW and above.

  • Industry: Renewable Energy
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Estimated Time: 3-6 hours
  • Role: Solar Asset Manager / Senior O&M Technician
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: NERC FAC-002 Facility Connection Requirements, IEC 62446-2 PV System Maintenance, IEEE 1547 Interconnection and Interoperability, NEC Article 690 Solar PV Systems, OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Safety

Site Security and Access

Perimeter security and site access control.

  • Perimeter fence intact with no breaches?
  • Site gates locked and access control functional?
  • Required warning signs posted (high voltage, no trespassing)?
  • No evidence of unauthorized access or vandalism?
  • Security cameras operational?

PV Array Inspection

Module condition and mounting system check.

  • Module field walkthrough completed (sample inspection)?
  • Thermal imaging survey completed or scheduled?
  • Module soiling within acceptable threshold (<5%)?
  • Racking and tracker systems (if applicable) functional?
  • DC cabling and conduit in good condition?

Inverters and Combiner Boxes

Power conversion equipment inspection.

  • All inverters online and at expected output?
  • Combiner/recombiner boxes inspected for overheating?
  • String-level monitoring showing no underperforming strings?
  • Pad-mount or step-up transformers inspected?
  • SCADA/monitoring system fully operational?

Substation and Interconnection

High-voltage equipment and grid interconnection check.

  • Medium/high-voltage switchgear in normal state?
  • Plant Power Controller (PPC) operating per utility dispatch?
  • Grid export within POA limits?
  • Revenue meter operating and data current?
  • SCADA/ICCP telemetry to utility confirmed?

Environmental Compliance

Environmental permit and habitat monitoring.

  • Stormwater management system functioning?
  • Vegetation management plan being followed?
  • No wildlife entanglement or nesting in equipment?
  • Hazardous materials (transformer oil, batteries) properly managed?
  • Erosion and sediment controls in place?

Performance and Reporting

Plant performance documentation and reporting.

  • Monthly Performance Ratio within contract guarantee?
  • Plant availability >98% (or per PPA requirement)?
  • Monthly asset manager report prepared?
  • NERC reporting obligations met?
  • Inspection Summary Notes

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Why Use This Utility-Scale Solar Farm O&M Inspection Checklist?

This utility-scale solar farm o&m inspection checklist helps renewable energy teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for solar asset manager / senior o&m technician professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with NERC FAC-002 Facility Connection Requirements, IEC 62446-2 PV System Maintenance, IEEE 1547 Interconnection and Interoperability, NEC Article 690 Solar PV Systems, OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Safety. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Utility-Scale Solar Farm O&M Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Site Security and Access, PV Array Inspection, Inverters and Combiner Boxes, Substation and Interconnection, Environmental Compliance, Performance and Reporting. It is designed for renewable energy operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 3-6 hours.

Who should use this Utility-Scale Solar Farm O&M Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Solar Asset Manager / Senior O&M Technician professionals in the renewable energy industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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