The panels are in place and the crew is finishing the work. Before you consider your photovoltaic system ready for everyday use, it is worth setting aside a dedicated appointment for the handover. This is where you can match what was agreed with what was installed and learn how to use the system.
A proper handover includes a demonstration, documentation, and a clear record of anything still outstanding. You do not need to become an electrician. You do need to know what you are taking delivery of, what access you have, and whom to call when you need help.
First, clarify the project’s current stage
Completion of the installation does not necessarily mean that the connection has been activated. At the start of the appointment, ask them to explain whether you are taking delivery of completed construction work, a system awaiting activation, or an installation that is already fully operational.
If a process with DEDDIE or your supplier is still outstanding, note what action remains and who is responsible for it. Do not treat a test production reading as confirmation that all procedures have been completed.
Also agree on when the normal-operation demonstration will take place if it is not yet possible. The general solar PV installation guide outlines the project stages; the handover focuses on what you should be able to verify at the end.
Compare the final installation with your agreement
Have the final quotation available and ask for a brief record of the equipment installed: the number and model of panels, total rated power, the exact inverter model, and the battery, if included. Check whether there were any changes and where they are documented.
If a component was replaced with a different model during installation, ask how this affects operation and the agreed specifications. The same brand does not automatically mean the same technical capability.
Take a visual tour with the person in charge, limited to areas that are safely accessible. Ask them to show you where the equipment is located, the designated access routes, and the signage. If the roof is difficult to access, ask for photographic documentation instead of climbing up to inspect it. Assessing the mounting and electrical connections is work for a professional.
Ask for the results of the professional inspections
Seeing production in the app is useful, but it does not replace the installation inspections. Ask which inspections were completed, who carried them out, and where the results were recorded.
The IEC 62446-1 covers the documentation, commissioning tests, and inspection of grid-connected photovoltaic systems. It is a useful technical reference for discussions with the installer, but it does not mean that the owner is expected to carry out measurements.
Ask them to explain the handover documents relevant to your installation:
- The electrical diagram as installed, and identification of the main devices.
- The recorded inspections, test reports, and any observations that require corrective action.
- The Installer’s Responsible Declaration, where required, together with its supporting documents.
- Operating instructions for the specific equipment.
DEDDIE provides information and forms for the Responsible Declaration of Installer and inspection reports. The responsible electrician determines which documentation applies in your case. Ask for copies and clarification on what has already been submitted.
Sign in to the app from your own device
Do not settle for seeing production on the installer’s phone. Open the app on your own phone using a personal account and recovery details that you control. Confirm that you can see the correct installation and that you can sign in again.
Ask them to clarify your permissions and the technical support team’s access. Roles vary by platform. For example, Fronius describes separate roles and permissions in Solar.web. Monitoring access does not mean that you should change technical settings or protection settings.
During the demonstration, ask them to show you:
- When the data was last updated and what a loss of communication looks like.
- Where instantaneous power in kW and generated energy in kWh are displayed.
- Which consumption, grid, or battery readings your equipment actually supports.
- Where to find alerts and historical data.
If a reading is unavailable, ask whether additional metering equipment is needed or whether it is a feature not included in your system. To learn how to make use of the data later, read our guide to photovoltaic monitoring.
Learn how to use the system and whom to contact
Ask for specific instructions on normal operation, messages that require contacting a technician, and how to respond safely to an unusual situation. Keep the instructions somewhere accessible to other household members or the relevant people at your business.
Do not open devices, disconnect plugs, or try to create a grid outage yourself to test a function. If backup power has been agreed, ask the responsible professional for a controlled demonstration when permitted, with clear identification of the circuits that are supported.
Make a note of the support contact and the information needed when submitting a request: the error message, when it appeared, and a photo of the screen, if you can take one safely. Also ask for a maintenance schedule suited to the installation and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Record outstanding items clearly
A shared handover checklist helps ensure that small but important tasks are not overlooked. For each outstanding item, write down what remains to be done, who is responsible, and the agreed date for follow-up.
For example, instead of writing “app pending,” record “complete the owner account invitation and confirm the connection from your device.” This is an illustrative example of how to organize tasks, not an actual customer case.
At the end of the appointment, check that you know the activation status, have the agreed deliverables, can log in to the app, and know how to request support. For equipment coverage, keep our guide to photovoltaic warranties separate.
At Solar Home, we handle the design, installation, and support of photovoltaic systems. If you are planning a new project, contact us to discuss your property’s needs and the scope of the proposal, along with the installation deliverables.
