Embedded Files
Be sure to check the department specific announcements for your department daily:
Be sure to check the department specific announcements for your department daily:
Aurora Modeling Update:
We now have AURORA back!
If you had an ION login for Aurora previously, please try logging in using the same email and password as before; it should still work. If you are unable to log in, try resetting your password, and if you are unable to get in at that point, let me know. Once you are in, send me a message letting me know you have access. If you have never had an Aurora login through ION before, please message me and I will get one made for you tonight. Next week, we will have a Dept. Huddle and go over how we are going to balance the SolarGraf and Aurora jobs, but for now, we will still be using SolarGraf for the projects currently in our queue until we start to see Aurora models/links come through from Proposals.
8/5/2025 - Ethan toth
SolarEdge Update:
We are no longer using the 10000 inverter. If you need a 10000, upsize to a 11400 instead. Also, we are going to allow up to a clipping ratio of 135% for the SolarEdge Home Hub inverters since their max is set at 200%. If your system size still lands between two inverter sizes, still consider and design for the best production values (whichever of the two inverter sizes produces 3% or more comparatively). Supply Chain is in conversations with Design and Compliance to see if we want to switch to just selecting inverters using the clipping ratio only, but we will let you know later on if we decide to go that route. For now, stick with the 3% rule.
8/5/2025 - Ethan Toth
Add-On SOP Update:
Verify Ownership of the Existing System
If the existing solar system is NOT owned by ION, Vision, or Zing, the Add-On design cannot proceed without executive approval. In this situation:
The project must be sent to Electrical Review for system disqualification.
If executive approval is granted, the account will be returned under your name, and you may move forward with the Add-On design as normal.
However, if a signed “Waiver and Release Add-On” document is found in the contract folder with the CIA, then you may proceed with the design—even if the existing system is owned by another company.
7/24/2025 - Ethan Toth
The Add-On SOP has officially been revamped and uploaded to Oracle! 🎉
I’ll continue updating it based on the feedback received, and I’ll also be revamping the example tool and adding helpful photos to make the process even clearer. Stay tuned for more improvements!
Link: https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/sops/design/add-on-sop
7/15/2025 - Ethan Toth
What: Design QA SOP updated
Why: Added more context and requirement to complete individual data collection and reminder to view PDF documents rather than just tool inputs to avoid any errors not getting caught during the PDF process
Where: https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/sops/design/design-qa
10/16/2024 - Ryan Long
The following markets will receive transfers this week to get some minimal initial stock of IQ8MC products. Please transition their proposals over to IQ8MC as of today.
North Carolina (Durham and Charlotte)
Chicago
Ohio
Richmond
CO Springs
New Mexico
Utah
Houston
Dallas
10/14/2024 - Ryan Long
2023 Upcoming Holiday Hours
For internal operations the holiday days will show up on the timecard as follows:
December 22
December 25
January 1
All FT employees that have been employed with ION for 90 days or more will see the 8 hours of holiday time on their timecard. Please keep in mind that this does not guarantee the day off and the field teams are not observing the 22nd, so we need to be cautious on how this information is relayed and I'm sure some internal operations team members will be working on that Friday.
As a reminder if hourly FT employees work on the dates ION pays the holiday time, they will get paid for whatever hours they work, plus the additional 8 hours of holiday time (this is not a time and half calculation). Holiday time does not count towards overtime calculations, so OT will not be paid unless the employee works over 40 hours during the holiday weeks.
Any salary employee that is required to work on the holiday will not receive the additional 8 hours for the day and will only be paid their normal salary.
Any salary employee that has not been employed for 90 days or more will see 8 hours of unpaid time for the holiday days that are paid, so if they are working, please make sure their manager/director sends an email to either HR or W2 Pay to get that unpaid time deleted.
Version:
2.3.1
Most recent update Date:
11/13/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
1. Added SOP for Field Pro Related Issues. SOP written by Braydon Anderson. Applied to Oracle 11/13 -DC
1. Added details regarding items requiring interdepartmental announcement outside of Sector 2. 11/13 -DC
Version:
2.3
Most recent update Date:
10/30/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
1. Migrated quiz from TalentLMS to Google Forms
1. Migrated quiz from TalentLMS to Google Forms
2. Added details about paint on internal compenents as a code violation grouped with interior rust.
1. Migrated quiz from TalentLMS to Google Forms
1. Migrated quiz from TalentLMS to Google Forms
Site Survey - Load Bearing Wall Sketch
1. Migrated quiz from TalentLMS to Google Forms
Site Survey - Traditional Surveys
1. Migrated quiz from TalentLMS to Google Forms
1. Added Google Forms Quiz at the end.
Site Survey - Portland Surveys
1. Added Google Forms Quiz at the end.
Site Survey - Energy Monitoring
1. Added Google Forms Quiz at the end.
1. Added Google Forms Quiz at the end.
1. Added step III(13)(3) detailing the process for electrical/structural reviews to mirror the cancellation process for requesting reviews.
2. Added step VIII(2)(2)(4) detailing the SOP for resurvey and logging errors via automatic change order through project assistant.
Project Assistant
1. When a resurvey is requested, it will prompt the user for the Resurvey Reason, Resurvey Reason Details, and Department Responsible. A Change Order record will be automatically created and instantly closed/completed with the information provided in the spreadsheet.
Version:
2.2.3
Most recent update Date:
10/23/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
Load Side Connections
1. Removed detail about electrical review requirement needed for derates and main breaker add-ins.
1. Removed detail about electrical review requirement needed for derates and main breaker add-ins.
1. Migrated quiz from TalentLMS to Google Forms
1. Migrated quiz from TalentLMS to Google Forms
1. Migrated quiz from TalentLMS to Google Forms
1. Migrated quiz from TalentLMS to Google Forms
New training by course ID:
summary:
ORACLE CHANGES & ANNOUNCEMENTS GUIDELINES
Guidelines for department leadership to use to solve training and SOP issues on the training platform in real time while complying with the existing formatting, order and process.
-10-23-2023 DC
Version:
2.2.2
Most recent update Date:
10/9/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
1. New Final Design document built into the Customer FD tab in the Baseline DT. The process for creating the Final Design Deliverable Document will change when Aurora 2.0 rolls out. Please see the brief walkthrough here.
2. DV requested rev letter tab created in the Baseline DT for DV initiated changes after permit/utility submissions.
Version:
2.2.1
Most recent update Date:
10/10/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
BASELINE DT & DWG
Structural upgrades are now automated. Click here to see the design specific announcement going over the specifics!
1. added detailed instruction for site survey on what to do with mobile homes and things to look for on site.
2. Added some examples of using the surrounding structures as context for identifying manufactured homes via aerial imagery.
3. Quiz added to the end of the unit for Site Survey.
New training by course ID:
summary:
A guide to overcoming common hiccups in the survey process. This goes hand in hand with the department SOP.
Version:
2.2
Most recent update Date:
9/18/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
1. Added a tricky example where there are extended gas lines ran across and in front of the existing service riser.
New training by course ID:
summary:
This is home to all leadership development trainings. All employees are welcome to read over and reference these; they are not exclusive!
A quick reference to four essential focus points for all middle and upper management.
A guide to the root cause problem solving process for leadership and employees alike.
Guidelines for effective time budgeting to optimize your productivity.
Guidelines for effective feedback and coaching delivery.
Version:
2.1.7.1
Most recent update Date:
9/11/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
Added a quiz at the end of the section.
Version:
2.1.7
Most recent update Date:
9/4/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
1. Added some details about buildings with multiple family dwellings
2. Added details regarding standard drawing keys
3. Added details about individual roof section drawings
1. Added details about calling out Classified and Listed replacement breakers for Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and Pusmatic.
New training by course ID:
summary:
This document goes over the standard proceedure for a typical survey and goes over general policies regarding scheduling, cancellations, dress and grooming, and etiquet.
ORACLE 2.1.6
ORACLE 2.1.6
Version:
2.1.6
Most recent update Date:
8/28/202
New training by course ID:
summary:
Site Survey Admin - General Policies
General guidelines regarding scheduling and customer contact
Site Survey Admin - SOP
Detailed step by step of the survey scheduling/rescheduling and resurvey processes.
ORACLE 2.1.5
ORACLE 2.1.5
Version:
2.1.5
Most recent update Date:
8/21/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
Step by step instructions on what to do and how to do it when sending jobs for electrical review
1. Added detail about NEC 110.26.(A)(3) Exception 2
2. Updated gas meter clearance to state that existing services that are within the required clearance of the gas meter will be grandfathered in with the utlity, but to be mindful of new equipment location to ensure proper clearance for all new BOS items.
1. Added note explaining that if the tilt is above 45 degrees to escalate to supervisor to send for DQ
Steps to Aurora - Cheat Sheet
1. Added Items regarding accounting for image skewing.
New training by course ID:
Summary:
SOP - COMPLIANCE - FOLLOW UP DUE DILLIGENCE
Step by step of active routine followup for AHJ database maintanence purposes.
ORACLE 2.1.4
ORACLE 2.1.4
Version: 2.1.4
Most recent update Date: 8/7/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
ELECTRICAL SERVICES - CODE VIOLATIONS
1. Updated verbiage to be more concise overall
2. Updated to correct code 110.26 for working clearance on services under 1000V
3. Updated section regarding HV/AC unit clearance to simply talk about all types of obstructions and debris instead of specific mechanical units.
4. Updated verbiage regarding ""water sources"" to be specific to indoor Nema 1&2 type panels in bathrooms and grouped panels in closets into the same category
5. Added a ""phone booth"" visual to help demonstrate what working clearance should look like for each piece of equipment.
1. Added an entirely new chapter regarding sourcing main breakers.
2. Included examples of plug-in type breakers to feed sub panels
3. Included examples of sourcing breaker retaining clips/other mechanical hold downs.
4. Linked to Load Side Connections for relevent info regarding protected feedthrough lugs as well as derates.
ORACLE 2.1.3
ORACLE 2.1.3
Version: 2.1.3
Most recent update Date: 7/31/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
1. In the overview for "PV compatible roof types," a link was added to redirect to Roof Damage training as needed.
1. under the overview for each roof type, linked to the Roof Analysis training to redirect to this training to identify different roof membranes as needed.
Project Assistant
1. Update Plan Set SOP to include this new update in PA. Design will now have to select YES or NO if equipment is behind a gate
1. Aurora Basics training talks about the process that needs to be followed when dropping modules. We should add this to the Final Design SOP as well
1. Added additional details regarding sheathing mounts and TJI framing.
ORACLE 2.1.2
ORACLE 2.1.2
Version:
2.1.2
Most recent update Date:
7/24/2023
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
1. Added 7 examples of work space clearance violations and whalkthroughs of what to do with them.
1. Added some details for working clearance and linked to to Electrical Code Violations for further details about general clearances and existing services.
2. Removed example 10 as it seems that it may have been causing a little confusion.
1. Updated proposal to reference proposalist. Updated images with this.
2. Rearranged so that reviewing the CIA comes before the proposal.
3. Clarified that the Salesforce Customer name/address is not the ultimate authority, it should come from the CIA/Utility Bill.
ORACLE 2.1.1
ORACLE 2.1.1
Version:
2.1.1
Most recent update Date:
7/18/2023
Reroof BOM
The reroof BOM Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) provides clear guidelines for determining when it is necessary to call out for a reroof and how to do so accurately.
ONLY COMPOSITE SHINGLE
What states require the reroof BOM:
Colorado
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Virginia
How to process a reroof:
Get a second opinion from your supervisor
Once the supervisor has reviewed all the roof photos from the site survey, approval can be given.
Customer FD Page (Design Tool)
Select the most applicable roof condition from the dropdown
RE-ROOF REQUIRED. There is significant wear and/or damage present on the roof membrane which would not accommodate the solar installation
This selection is chosen when damage/wear is present on the entire roof section where modules are being installed.
RE-ROOF REQUIRED. The existing roof membrane type is unable to support a sufficient way of mounting the Solar array. Reroof required to an acceptable roof membrane type required for installation.
This selection is chosen when the roof type is not compatible with the roof mounts.
Minor Roof Damage Present. The existing roof is sufficient for solar installation, but it is recommended that the missing shingles are replaced before, during, or after the solar installation.
This selection is chosen when there are missing shingles on the roof section where modules are being installed, but the overall roof condition is good enough for the installation to happen safely.
Minor Roof Damage Present. The existing roof is sufficient for solar installation, but it is recommended that the broken or missing tiles be replaced before, during, or after the solar installation.
This selection is chosen when there are broken or missing tiles on the roof section where modules are being installed.
Minor Roof Damage Present. The existing roof is sufficient for solar installation, but it is recommended that the worn composition shingle ridge caps be replaced before, during, or after the solar installation.
This selection is chosen when the ridge caps are worn, cracked, or missing on the roof section where modules are being installed.
Cover Sheet Notation:
In the LAYOUT section notate that a reroof is required and why its required.
Fill out the Reroof Input section at the bottom of the Front tab in the design tool
Required Ancilary Work
In the design tab in salesforce add reroof to this field
Create a Special Services Object
Click New Special Service.
Click on the Re-Roof object and click next.
Change the Status to New
Copy and paste the note from the customer FD drop down to the scope of work.
Add any other notes or details you think Special Services needs to schedule the work.
Add “Approved by (design supervisor’s name)” after the note.
Click Save.
Plan Set SOP Update:
SOP - Plan Set
Publish the Installation CD.
Select tabs INSTALL-S1 through P-E9 (include any conditional pages that are required) (SHIFT+CLICK)
Right click the tabs
Click “Publish Selected Layouts”
On the upper left, make sure it is in the default AutoCAD print to PDF
Hit “publish”
Save to the main customer folder outside of the deliverables
Use the proper naming convention. This file is called the Installation CD.
Training updates by course ID:
Updates:
1. Updated verbiage for the section on working space clearance to be more clear as to what to do when met with violations.
1. Updated to differentiate SOP on sagging ridge board vs sagging sheathing.
2. Updated outdated references to "Asbestos cases" to refer to the needed special service object instead.
3. Removed previous quiz questions that were confusing and added more relevant material.
4. Added more examples of water damage on sheathing and water damage on rafters.
Structural Photos & Structural Measurements
1. Previously, these were two different trainings but they have been merged into a single training for site survey.
2. Amended passages regarding vaulted roof measurements which should always be completed with solid dowels of wood or metal, not wire.
3. Expanded on additional ways to measure vaulted framing.
4. Expanded explanations about scissor trusses.
5. Added details about framing changes from trusses to TJI or rafters for vaulted sections.
1. Amended passages regarding vaulted roof measurements which should always be completed with solid dowels of wood or metal, not wire.
2. Expanded on additional ways to measure vaulted framing.
3. Expanded explanations about scissor trusses.
4. Added details about framing changes from trusses to TJI or rafters for vaulted sections.
1. Amended passages regarding vaulted roof measurements which should always be completed with solid dowels of wood or metal, not wire.
2. Expanded on additional ways to measure vaulted framing.
3. Expanded explanations about scissor trusses.
4. Added details about framing changes from trusses to TJI or rafters for vaulted sections.
New training by course ID:
summary:
In depth explanation of all structural requirements, how to collect all the needed measurements, how to render the side view and load bearing wall sketch.
ORACLE 2.1
ORACLE 2.1
Version:
2.1
Most recent update Date:
7/17/2023
Final Design SOP Update:
SOP - Jurisdiction/Utility Change Request
Step 1: Identify the missing AHJ and/or Utility
-Use the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) Registry to identify the AHJ that is missing from the design tool.
-Verify the utility bill to verify that the utility information is also missing from the design tool.
Step 2: Create the change order
-Begin creating a change order that addresses the missing AHJ and/or Utility.
-List the account you are working in the "Account" field
-In the "change order step initiated" drop-down menu, select "design" to indicate that the change order is related to and created by design.
-In the "Change Order Reason" drop-down menu, select "Corrections Needed"
-In the "Change Order Initiator" drop-down menu, select "Design"
-In the "Change Order Initiator Subtype" drop-down menu, select "Final Design"
-In the change order description section, clearly state the name of the AHJ or Utility that is missing from the design tool.
-Specify the Compliance department as the responsible party for this change order.
-Provide any additional relevant information or documentation that supports the need for this change order.
Step 3: Provide detailed information in the change order description
-In the change order description section, clearly state the name of the AHJ or Utility that is missing from the design tool.
-Provide any additional relevant information or documentation that supports the need for this change order.
Training updates by course ID:
1. Updated wording for DC-AC power inversion to "inverted" instead of the inaccurate "converted."
2. Moved the definition of PV to the front of the course.
3. removed blue colored text.
1. Reordered photos and added better descriptions
2. Added photos of roof sheathing from inside the attic and added examples of lumber & plywood type sheathing as well as OSB type sheathing manufactured with foil insulation.
3. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
4. Clarified span measurement criteria to be the horizontal measurement across the ceiling joist rather than on the hypotenuse of the rafter.
5. Added better demonstration of what Collar Ties should look like.
6. Added relevant highlights to diagrams to clarify the focus of images.
7. Added example walk throughs before the quiz section.
1. Summarized load center types and info on triplexes, quads etc in favor of creating additional training to cover these subjects.
2. Clarified the difference between AFCI and GFCI better.
3. Revised to use proper code language for conductor types: "ungrounded conductors, grounded conductors, equipment grounding conductor, grounding electrode conductor, etc.
4. More detailed descriptions with each diagram
5. Additional details about panel labeling.
6. Added more walkthrough examples.
7. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
1. Added more examples of damage including more subtle examples.
2. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
3. Added more Short example walk throughs.
1. Added details about NEMA ratings, indoor vs outdoor equipment as well as flush mount equipment vs surface mount.
2. Added Beter example of service drop clearance
3. Better description of 2020 service requirements vs previous code cycles
4. Added examples of undersized wires
5. Added more about service code violations such as main breaker hold downs, grounding and bonding, etc.
6. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
7. Added more example walk throughs.
1. Added better examples of roof types and reordered some images and content
2. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
3. Added some additional examples
1. Better defined roof repair vs re-roof
2. More photos of common damage such as busted ridge caps, frayed shingles, etc.
3. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
4. Added procedure for moss on roofs as customer obligation.
Intro to Design & Expectations
1. QA pass rate changed to 100% to get off QA per Scott
2. Added details about PIPs, what they are and what you should expect if you get one.
3. Removed QAs from the bonus plan as the staff designer position is no longer being used for this.
1. Added some details about meter types
2. Added details about WIFI vs Cell Envoy compatibility and what to do.
3. Removed specifics about ION specific equipment as this will change over time.
4. Clarified that fusible AC disconnects are needed for both load side and supply side tabs.
Interconnection Equipment
1. Updated definitions for piecing taps vs Polaris connectors and added some additional examples
1. Defined both supply side and load side equipment at the top.
2. Added better explanations of 2020 service requirements vs previous code cycles
3. Added some example walkthroughs for each type of connection: supply side tap walk throughs, supply side breaker walk throughs.
4. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
5. Revised all language to match the language used in NEC 705.11
1. Defined both supply side and load side equipment at the top.
2. Added better explanations of 2020 service requirements vs previous code cycles
3. Added some example walkthroughs for each type of connection: load side tap walk throughs, load side breaker walk throughs.
4. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
5. Revised all language to match the language used in NEC 705.12
6. Added walkthrough example of sub panel inserts and when they would be considered.
7. Added example walkthrough of main breaker callout.
Also integrated "Electrical Design Walkthrough" into this section of training as the logical conclusion to interconnection training. This way, designers do not need to view an additional training. Therefore, the "Electrical Design Walkthrough" training was removed.
1. revised to use more specific code language for each code cycle.
2. Additional examples added for each code cycle
3. Added updates for the new OSSC codes used for Oregon fire setbacks.
4. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
1. Separated Aurora training into three training units.
2. Added details about when to remove modules from the proposal design and the current protocol requirements for this process.
3. Added clarity on using tools such as Lidar and Near maps
4. Added simple walkthroughs for revising the proposal model and also drawing from new.
5. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
1. Separated out and expanded content regarding complex modeling techniques.
2. Added some additional walkthrough examples
3. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
1. Separated out and expanded content regarding racking, stringing and ease of install items to consider for layouts
2. Added additional walkthrough examples
3. Removed previous questions from the quiz curriculum that were confusing and added more relevant content.
New training by course ID:
Details about load center make/model requirements and how to identify each make by visual inspection alone.
Details and diagrams showing to-scale examples of what space considerations will look like under a variety of different conditions for PV wall equipment and what to plan for.
This training talks about different load center types and bus configurations and considerations for each type.
Details about thinning breakers by make and how to efficiently thin breakers and land PV, etc.
Details about Mobile Homes and why they are disqualified. Additional details about how to identify them.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Page updated
Report abuse