When we inspect solar systems in Calgary, we’re not just checking whether the panels are “on”—we’re looking at how safely and efficiently the entire system is performing in real‑world conditions. Rooftop solar lives in a harsh environment: sun, snow, wind, hail, and wildlife all leave their mark over time. A proper inspection looks at the panels, the mounting, the wiring, the electrical panel, and the surroundings to understand how well the system is actually working, not just how it looks from the ground.

One of the first things we look for is bird and animal activity around and under the panels. Birds, squirrels, and other small animals can nest beneath the array, bringing nesting material, droppings, and debris that trap moisture and create fire risks or corrosion points. We also check for chewed or exposed wiring, which can lead to shorts, ground faults, or intermittent performance issues that don’t show up until conditions are just right.

We then assess physical obstructions and debris, including broken branches, leaves, and wind‑blown material that may be sitting on or around the panels. Even a partial covering on a few cells can significantly reduce output or create hotspots that damage the panel over time. In Calgary’s tree‑lined streets and windy conditions, it’s common to find seasonal debris that needs to be cleared and monitored.

A key part of the inspection is understanding shading patterns throughout the day and across seasons. We look at nearby trees, neighbouring structures, chimneys, and roof features that may cast shadows on the array, especially during winter when the sun is lower. Shading doesn’t just reduce production—it can affect how strings and inverters behave, sometimes causing one shaded panel to drag down the performance of the entire string.

We also evaluate the efficiency and performance of the panels themselves. That includes checking for visible damage like cracks, chips, delamination, discoloration, or hotspots (often identified with thermal imaging). We compare expected output to actual performance where possible, looking for signs of degradation, underperforming strings, or panels that may not be contributing as they should. This helps identify whether an issue is localized to a few panels or systemic across the array.

Beyond the roof, we inspect the wiring, connections, inverters, and the home’s electrical panel. We look for loose or corroded connections, improper cable management, damaged conduit, and signs of overheating or stress at terminations. At the electrical panel, we confirm that breakers, labelling, grounding, and bonding are appropriate for the system and that there are no obvious safety concerns or code‑related red flags. This is where solar becomes part of the home’s broader electrical system, so it needs to be safe, clearly organized, and properly integrated.

Altogether, a Calgary solar inspection often reveals a mix of environmental wear, wildlife impact, debris, shading, and electrical issues that slowly chip away at performance and safety. By documenting what we find—birds and nests, branches and leaves, shading patterns, panel efficiency, and electrical panel conditions—you get a clear picture of how your system is really doing and what steps will keep it producing safely for years to come.