Auditing SpS Tickets

Purpose

This SOP outlines the required steps and quality checks for auditing SpS tickets. SpS audits follow the general auditing workflow but require additional attention due to unique scopes of work, jurisdictional requirements, and code-critical tasks.

Reference Materials

• General Audit SOP: LINK

• Ground Mount Installation Audit Training: LINK

• Retrofit / Structural Reinforcement Training: LINK

1. General Guidance for All SpS Audits

1. Always review the service ticket notes

   • Confirm the full scope of work assigned.

   • Check for jurisdictional requirements, contractor notes, or special instructions.

2. Verify plan sets and engineering

   • Check that the crew followed the stamped engineering or approved D&E scope of work.
     
     

3. Review workmanship and NEC compliance
   
   

   • Grounding and bonding

   • Breaker sizing and labeling

   • Conductor sizing and termination

   • Panelboard configuration and torque quality

   • Clearances and accessibility
     
     

4. Confirm system commissioning (when applicable)

   • For electrical scopes performed after PV installation, verify full system commissioning and monitoring functionality.
     
     

2. Audit Criteria by Ticket Type

SpS – Derate

Definition: Reducing the main breaker size to achieve required busbar backfeed compliance per NEC 705.12.

Audit Requirements:

• Verify the main breaker is derated to the value shown on the approved plans.

• Confirm breaker is listed for the panel and is installed in the proper position.

• Ensure labeling has been updated accordingly.

• Confirm torque quality and that the panel cover fits properly.
  
  

SpS – Electrical Platform / Flood Platform

Some AHJs (especially flood-zone areas) require electrical equipment to be elevated above a specified height.

Audit Requirements:

• Confirm the platform height complies with AHJ requirements (typically based on FEMA Flood Zone Base Flood Elevation).

• Ensure the platform dimensions allow for:

  • NEC 110.26 workspace clearance:

    • 30" width,

    • 36" depth working area,

    • 6.5 ft minimum headroom.
      
      

• Check structural stability and anchoring.

  • Most areas will require that it be install on some type of concrete slab. Check highline for guidance.

SpS – Ground Mount

• Ground mounts have to be done to engineering plans and that training of what to look for can be found here. 

SpS – Ground Rod

Audit Requirements:

• Verify installation of two ground rods (if required by AHJ)

  • NEC minimum: 8 ft rods driven full length

  • Minimum 6 ft separation between rods

• Confirm:

  • #6 AWG copper grounding electrode conductor (unless engineering specifies otherwise)

  • Correct clamps (UL listed, irreversible crimps where required)

  • Bonding to the existing grounding electrode system

• Ensure rods are flush with or below grade level unless AHJ requires an access point.

SpS – MSP Upgrade 

Often performed by a licensed contractor or in-house electrician.

Audit Requirements:

• Review the scope of work provided to contractor/electrician.

• Verify:

  • Proper grounding & bonding

  • Correct neutral/ground configuration

  • Correct wire sizing and terminations

  • Breaker positions & labeling

  • Load-side or supply-side connection matches the plans

  • Workspace clearance (NEC 110.26)

• If upgrade occurred before PV install:

  • Ensure the panel is fully operational and ready for interconnection.

• If upgrade occurred after PV install:

  • Confirm PV system is fully commissioned and monitoring is functional.

SpS – Retrofit (Structural / Sistering Rafters)

Audit Requirements:

• Confirm compliance with engineering spec:

  • Sistered lumber size

  • Minimum required overlap length

  • Nail pattern (spacing, stagger, edge distance)

  • Fastener type (Typically 10D nails) 

• Verify that the engineer-specified reinforcement pattern was applied  correctly. 

A more depth training can be found here. 

SpS – Subpanel Installation

Treated similarly to an MSP upgrade, but with additional neutral/ground separation rules.

Audit Requirements:

• Verify:

  • Grounds and neutrals separated on isolated bars

  • Subpanel neutral bar is floating (not bonded to enclosure)

  • Correct OCPD feeder sizing

  • Conduit installation

  • Breaker labeling

  • Workspace clearance

• Confirm commissioning if PV was done after initial install.

SpS – Trenching

Audit Requirements:

• Confirm depth meets or exceeds NEC requirements:

  • 18" minimum for direct burial (UF-B or USE-2)

  • 24" typical for conduit with individual conductors

  • Check AHJ/utility rules—some require 24–36"

• Verify:

  • Correct conduit type (Schedule 40/80) (Check plans) 

  • Caution tape placed at required depth (this one is hit or miss really depends on the AHJ enforcement, I wouldn't necessarily fail them for this alone) 

  • No sharp bends or crushed sections

SpS – Interconnection

Audit Requirements:

• Similar to a electrical install audit and MSP upgrade/sub panel 

• Ensure that we have completed the requested SOW 

• And follow the MSP upgrade/Sub panel audit requirements

SpS – miscelleaneous work

Audit Requirements:

• Confirm what is being requested is complete (very simple) 

3. Documentation Requirements

For all SpS audits, auditors must upload the following:

• Clear photos of completed work

• Photos verifying code compliance and workmanship

• Updated plans annotated as needed

• Screenshots of monitoring (if applicable)

• Notes summarizing:

  • Whether the scope was completed

  • Any discrepancies found

  • Pass/fail result

  • Notes for follow-up or re-dispatch

4. Audit Failures

Mark an SpS audit as FAIL if:

• Scope of work was not completed

• Work does not match engineering or plans

• NEC/code violations are present

• Monitoring is incomplete or system will not pass inspection

• Safety hazards exist

5. Escalation

Escalate to Field Support Manager or Electrical Supervisor when:

• AHJ requirements conflict with engineering

• Grounding or bonding deficiencies cannot be verified

• Contractor workmanship is substantially below standard

• Structural modifications deviate from stamped engineering