Reduce PV system safety and fire risk before an incident occurs
PV systems can operate for years while carrying safety issues that are not obvious from a distance. Connector problems, damaged wiring, inconsistent installation practices, incomplete documentation, and O&M process gaps can all increase fire, safety, and performance risk.
A safety audit helps identify these issues before they become incidents. It gives owners, operators, building owners, and asset managers a clearer view of what needs attention, where the risk is located, and which corrective actions should be prioritized.
Intertek CEA provides third-party PV safety audits for existing sites, with inspection findings documented in a practical format for technical teams, owners, insurers, and other stakeholders.
When this inspection helps
Use this page for situations like:
You want to reduce fire or safety risk in an operating PV system.
You need an independent review of rooftop or ground-mount PV installation quality.
You are concerned about wiring, connectors, damaged components, or inconsistent installation practices.
You need a punch list of safety issues with location and severity.
You want to review installer or O&M procedures.
A thermal event occurred and the site needs independent support or analysis.
You need documentation for an insurer, owner, O&M provider, installer, or legal/technical reviewer.
What we may test or review
The right safety audit scope depends on the PV system, the suspected risks, and whether the review is preventive or post-incident. Intertek CEA may combine site inspection, system testing, reporting, procedure review, and post-thermal-event support where needed.
| Method / service | What it helps identify | When it is useful |
|---|---|---|
| Full audit inspection | Overall safety condition of an existing PV site, including visible risks and issues that require corrective action. | Useful when the owner or operator needs an independent view of ongoing site safety. |
| Visual site safety inspection | Visible safety risks, damaged components, wiring concerns, connector issues, installation concerns, and other site-level observations. | Useful as a core part of the audit and for documenting physical conditions on site. |
| Full system testing | System-level issues that may affect safety or performance. | Useful when the audit needs to go beyond visual inspection and include broader field testing. |
| IV curve tracing | Electrical performance behavior that may point to abnormal module, string, or system operation. | Useful when performance behavior needs to be checked as part of the safety or due diligence review. |
| EL testing | Module microcracks and hidden module damage that visual inspection may miss. | Useful when module condition may be contributing to performance or safety risk. |
| Installer and O&M SOP review | Process gaps, inconsistent practices, or operational procedures that may contribute to safety or performance risk. | Useful when the audit needs to assess not only site condition, but also how the system is installed, maintained, or operated. |
| Issue punch list and inspection report | Description, location, and assessed severity of issues found during inspection. | Useful for prioritizing corrective actions and communicating findings across teams. |
| Emergency support after thermal events | Immediate site needs after a thermal event, including support for safe power-down and independent analysis. | Useful when a fire or thermal incident has already occurred and the site needs experienced technical support. |
| Root cause investigation support | Technical evidence related to why a safety or thermal incident occurred. | Useful when the site needs to understand the source of the issue and reduce repeat risk. |
| Evidence chain of custody witness and RCA third-party verification | Independent documentation and verification for post-incident investigation. | Useful when findings may support insurance, legal, supplier, installer, or O&M discussions. |
The exact scope depends on the system type, access, known risks, inspection objective, and whether the audit is being used for prevention, corrective action planning, or post-incident documentation.
How we decide the right scope
The final safety audit scope depends on the system type, the known risks, and how the results will be used.
What risk needs to be assessed?
Some audits focus on fire risk, connector or wiring issues, and visible installation concerns. Others need broader system testing, performance-related checks, or support after a thermal event.
What type of PV system is being reviewed?
Rooftop and ground-mount systems can have different access constraints, installation risks, and documentation needs. The inspection scope should reflect the site layout and how the system is operated and maintained.
Is this preventive or post-incident?
A preventive audit focuses on identifying and prioritizing risks before an incident occurs. A post-thermal-event review may require emergency support, independent analysis, root cause investigation support, and documentation that can be used with insurers or other stakeholders.
What level of documentation is needed?
Some owners need an internal corrective action list. Others need a formal report with issue descriptions, locations, assessed severity, photos, and evidence that can be shared with insurers, O&M providers, installers, or legal/technical reviewers.
Should procedures be reviewed as well as the site?
Safety risk is not always limited to physical components. Installer and O&M procedures can also affect long-term site safety. Reviewing SOPs can help identify process gaps that may contribute to recurring issues.
What you get
The report should give your team a clear view of:
Which site areas or systems were inspected
What safety and fire risks were identified
Where each issue is located
How severe each issue appears to be
Which findings require corrective action
Whether additional testing or root cause investigation is recommended
Whether installer or O&M procedures may need review or improvement
What documentation may support insurer, owner, O&M, installer, or legal/technical discussions
Request a commissioning field testing plan
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