Embedded Files
Design SOP Update
1/10/2025 Ryan Long
What: Design SOP
Why: Context updated on the setback policy in regards to encroaching on fire setbacks
What: Also from Scott, added in more transparency for the 10 ft conductor rule for line side taps of where to place your disconnect / OCPD.
Why: Saw an error dispute / design error of not placing the disco in the right spot on the home.
https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/training-curriculum/design/electrical/supply-side-connections#h.1yw65bx8qua3
Design SOP Update
1/6/2025 Ryan Long
What: Design SOP
Why: More context on what to do when there is mixed framing types
Where: https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/sops/design/design-sop
Design SOP Update
12/10/2024 Ryan Long
What: Design SOP roof review steps
Why: A new roof review SOP has been created and published to ensure all involved parties are following the same criteria!
Where: https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/sops/design/design-sop AND https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I9WhXWmrHxbYS29s_tgi3emiERHHtBlrmkm1cbWKRhY/edit?tab=t.0
Design SOP Update
12/9/2024 Ryan Long
What: Design SOP
Why: Vaulted Conventional Framing. In collaboration with our structural engineer, if homes with this framing type fails after inputting the structural numbers into the tool, we are now authorized to DQ this area without having to send for PSR
Where: https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/sops/design/design-sop
Design SOPUpdate
11/20/2024 Ryan Long
What: Lightreach PPA Training
Why: Training updated to allow designers to choose templates rather than having to manually input each percentage for the system losses!
Where: https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/training-curriculum/copy-of-solargraf-walkthrough
Design SOPUpdate
11/1/2024 Ryan Long
What: Interconnection Flow Chart
Why: Feedback provided from our install team. Made adjustments for the "If the main breaker is indoors:" based on the feedback given so design is more aligned with install
Where: https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/training-curriculum/design/best-practices/interconnection-flow-chart
Design Training Update
10/24/2024 Ryan Long
What: Added a list of qualifiers for porch overhang roof sections
Why: Avoid the need for structural reviews and/or additional inputs from external teams by adding this information to our normal training
Where: https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/training-curriculum/site-survey/structural/structural-framing-types
Design SOP Update
10/24/2024 Ryan Long
What: Solargraf training video done by Solargraf themselves!
Why: Reference training for designers
Where: https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/training-curriculum/solargraf-walkthrough
Design SOP Update
10/18/2024 Ryan Long
We’ve made a few important updates to our SOP to better align with our current tools and workflows. Please take a moment to review the changes below and understand why they’ve been implemented:
Step 1: Removed outdated text and revised the process to align with the new Project Assistant flow.
Step 3: Several updates:
Removed outdated square footage usage estimates.
Removed the instruction to check Aurora for AHJ, as there were cases where it was listing the wrong AHJ. Moving forward, we'll use the correct AHJ based on other reliable sources.
Changed the initiator on change orders from Design to Compliance.
Updated the resurvey request process: When requesting additional information, you now need to explain why the information is necessary. This helps the surveyor understand what’s needed and why.
Adjusted the re-roof step: Any roof marked a 4 or lower by a designer will now be sent for roof review (previously set to 6).
Step 5: Aligned this entire step with the layout of the new design tool for easier navigation and consistency.
Step 10: Added a link to the White Glove checklist. This is a crucial tool for ensuring our designs are top quality—be sure to review and utilize it.
Step 11: Updated guidance on how to upload documents through Project Assistant to streamline the process and avoid any confusion.
These changes are aimed at improving accuracy, consistency, and communication across the board. Please familiarize yourself with these updates and incorporate them into your workflows as soon as possible.
Proccess Update
10/16/2024 Ryan Long
All NEW jobs effective 10/16/2024 MUST be designed using the following inverter regardless of what the proposal shows:
Enphase IQ8MC
Training Update!
Load Centers
Center Fed
10/9/2024 Ryan Long
What: New information added to center fed panels regarding bus bar rating
Why: Reduce the amount of PER escalations as well as center fed related quesitons when panel stickers are missing
Where: https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/training-curriculum/design/electrical/load-center-types
SOP Update
Data Collection
Structural DQ
10/4/2024 Ryan Long
https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/sops/design/design-sop
More context added to the structural section that explains the new process of sending jobs for structural DQ. To process DQs in a timely manner, our engineering team has asked us to filter DQs through the stamp queue rather than the PSR queue.
Training Update
Structural Review Training/Introduction
Quiz Added
10/4/2024 Ryan Long
https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/training-curriculum/site-survey/structural-introduction
A quiz has been added to the bottom of this training
Training Update
Structural Supports
When to count them
10/4/2024 Ryan Long
https://sites.google.com/ionsolar.com/ion-oracle/training-curriculum/site-survey/structural/structural-framing-types
More context adding to structural framing supports and how to determine if we can count them or not
SOP Update
PPA
9/30/2024 Ryan Long
SOP Update
PPA
9/27/2024 Ryan Long
Training Update
Solargraf Walkthrough
9/27/2024 Ryan Long
SOP Update
Identifying AHJ
No longer go off of Aurora AHJ
9/18/2024 Ryan Long
Training Update
Structural
9/18/2024 Ryan Long
Training Update
Module Strings
9/6/2024 Ryan Long
Training Update
Structural
9/3/2024 Ryan Long
SOP Updated
Rework SOP
7/25/2024 Ryan Long
Training Update
Structural
Red Flags & Damage
7/2/2024 Ryan Long
SOP Update
White Glove Checklist
SOP Update
Electrical or Structural Reviews:
Process reviews via Project Assistant during the "Qualify Design" step.
Mark what is needed in the drop-down menu titled "Is the Design ready to be created?"
Include detailed notes and supporting documents.
Re-roof:
Use Project Assistant to escalate accounts for roof review during the "Create Design" phase.
Use the "Roof Review Grade" drop-down menu (1-10 scale), with grades 6 or below automatically sent for review.
Resurvey:
When messaging a surveyor for additional and/or missing data, allow 1 hour for a response before sending for resurvey.
Confirming AHJ:
Use the AHJ listed in Aurora on the details page instead of the AHJ Registry website.
Cover Sheet:
Do not change the original "customer usage" value from what is listed in Salesforce.
Customer FD:
Removed outdated information, no longer needing to call out and identify Roof, Electrical, or Structural conditions.
White Glove Checklist:
The checklist has been fully revamped. This is now a required process for new hires and struggling designers.
Reasons for Changes:
Prevent unnecessary resurveys:
Allow surveyors time to respond, considering they may be in another appointment.
Efficiency and ease:
Using the AHJ in Aurora simplifies and speeds up the process, avoiding the need for an additional resource.
Consistency and customer satisfaction:
Maintaining the original "customer usage" value avoids customer confusion and frustration.
Relevance:
Customer-facing documents no longer need to include Roof, Electrical, or Structural conditions.
Error reduction:
The White Glove checklist revamp aims to catch errors more effectively, as identified by Ryan Long’s analysis.
Training Update
Roof & Layout
Fire Setbacks
SOP Update :
Design SOP
Minimum System Size
SOP Update :
Design SOP
Minimum System Size
Training Update:
Design SOP:
Training Update:
Training Timeframe
SOP Update:
Reroof
Training Update:
Electrical Code Violation
Wire Insulation
TAPS ONLY
Training Update:
Blocking + Spray foam insulation
Announcement:
Nevada CIA Update
There is a new requirment in Vegas that requires us to include the "Estimated Annual Production" on the CIA. Becuase this number will change 99% of the time, project assistant will be updated for the designer to update this number! Once its been updated, the DV team will initiate a new CIA for the customer.
Reroof SOP Update:
Project Assistant will now require designers to input a “Roof Review Grade”
Reroof SOP has been updated
What was removed from the previous version?
Step 2, 5, and 6 were removed because project assistant automated those steps or they are no longer required
Design SOP/Training Update:
New tab has been added to the design tool for when you are working on a PPA project!
SOP updated accordingly
Design SOP/Training Update:
Roof Layout > Roof Analysis
Training updated to now show the diqualifed structure types for Light Reach projects
Design SOP/Training Update:
Roof Layout > Roof Analysis
Training updated to now show the diqualifed roof types for Light Reach projects
Design SOP/Training Update:
A reminder and hyperlink was provided for breaker compatability
Design SOP/Training Update:
More context was added to the Electrical Damage training under the "BENT OR BROKEN EQUIPMENT" section
Design SOP Update:
Aurora Production Screeenshot(s) (PPA ONLY)
Screen shot(s) must include the following (Three required screenshots):
Project Address (1)
Lidar ON (1)
Irradiance ON (1)
Production Curve (1)
Simulation Settings (2)
System Losses (3)
DESIGN TOOL UPDATE:
Title block first because it's pretty simple: It's a little bit wider, has the text set to a more uniform size throughout, and now has dedicated spaces for the engineer and the AHJ to stamp, which should decrease the number of times you have to move stuff around to make room for AHJ stamps, and will make life easier for the engineers. I should be removing most if not all AHJ requirements for making a box for the stamp soon - I need to re-confirm that there aren't any weird places that will absolutely need a bigger box than we have provided.
For the labels, please note that now designers will select warning label blocks below the line diagram here:
The blocks to pick are shown with the rest of the block picking bits here:
Three things to note: 1) This lets us cut 2/3 or so of the utility meter blocks out by separating the meter block from the directory labels.
2) This lets us add and automate the 2023 NEC labels, which are different from the 2020 NEC labels this tool has always used (this is the main reason we're doing this in the first place).
3) One thing I wasn't able to automate yet is whether or not an engraved mapping placard is required, since it is often a conditional requirement. So if the utility company or AHJ has a requirement calling for an engraved mapping placard, you'll need to grab one of the mapping placard dropdowns instead of what the block choosing cell says to grab. I'll try to automate this in the future.
Process Update:
All designs that require an SPI (Sub Panel Insert) are now required to go our electrical team for a QA. QA will be initiated post design completion
baseline dt updates:
baseline dt updates:
Moving to Aurora 2.0:
We are preparing to move to Aurora 2.0. Separate announcements/training updates will be rolled out for Aurora 2.0 but the largest change for the design process will be deliverable documents:
We will now create the entire Final Design Document in the BASELINE DT:
This means you will no longer need to print 2 documents and merge them together.
This also means that a little more care needs to go into this document since it will require a bit more input.
Most Aurora functions will be unchanged though the organization is a bit different to what you are used to with Aurora V1.
DV Requested Revision Letter Automation:
For most revision types, a revision letter is completed by Compliance explaining what changes are being made to the plans for this particular revision.
Going forward, for DV/Customer requested changes, Design will be liable for creating this document.
So how do will we complete the Final Design document from now on?
What you need to know for the Final Design:
This is the new look for the Customer FD tab:
Note that you will now need to insert the overhead aurora image on this page.
All customer and production information will now populate on the first page here.
Scrolling down to the second page, you will notice all the same cells and input options that were there on the Customer FD before.
This will be filled out as usual
With this being the customer facing design document that DV presents to the customer, we need to give extra care to making it appear neat and professional:
The production figure in the red box populates from the cover sheet document.
This is a reminder to ensure that this number is updated with any change you make to the layout.
You must always run production simulations before completing the final design.
Follow these guidelines for capturing the snip in aurora to use for the final design document:
Before garbing the screen capture, prepare your "canvas:"
Position the home so that you can capture both the compass and the home in the screenshot.
Make sure you toggle off setback pathways before taking your screenshot
Make sure you are in the 2D overhead view
Make sure to reorient your compass so that north faces up.
Download the approprately sized screenshot using the same download option as you would for the DXF file.
Now we can insert the image into the Customer FD tab:
Use the "Insert" Function at the top while selecting the cell where the image should be placed.
Alternatively, you can right click on the cell and hit "insert"
Click "Pictures" and select the source as "This Device"
Select your image
The image from the aurora screenshot download link should already be the correct size, so no adjustments will be needed.
Save as Final Design using the naming convention found in the SOP.
This is what the final deliverable document should look like:
What you need to know for the DV Requested Revision Letters:
This is the new look for the Customer FD tab:
Revision Letters will only be needed when applications have already been submitted to the AHJ/Utility.
If it has not made it to permitting yet, no revision letter will be needed.
Be extra vigilent when processing revisions to ensure this doesn't get missed.
The process is extremely simple:
Navigate to the "Rev Letter" tab.
Under "Select Revision" select the most relevant and applicable reason as instructed.
Most of the letter is auto generated, making this selection is similar to the selections made on the Customer FD tab.
Add Revision Letters to your normal white glove check process and export documents as normal:
As long as a revision message was selected earlier, typing true here will cause the macro to include the revision letter in the documents it creates.
baseline dt and dwg updates:
baseline dt and dwg updates:
Structural updates:
Great news! Structural upgrades are fully automated now. So what does this mean for you?
For conventional framing jobs, all you need to do is plug in the max span:
The Baseline DT will complete all calculations, determine if upgrades are needed and build the BOM for all roof sections requiring upgrades.
This will greatly decrease the number of structural "fails" that go on to structural review.
This will change how some fields work and function in the Baseline DT and DWG files:
AutoCAD block selectors for structural and utility BOS equipment have been moved to the front page beside the structural inputs.
S-4 framing details are now laid out per each roof section including upgrade size and length.
S-5 now allows for up to 10 roof sections of framing data on the structural calculations.
Here's a demonstration:
RS1 is input as 2x8 conventional framing @ 24" oc:
Span is input as 200"
On the structural tab, the Baseline DT is calling out a full sister upgrade automatically.
Here's what it will look like on the BOM.
Make sure to still call out ancillary work as needed in Salesforce when upgrades are needed.
Here's a visual of the new S-4 and S-5 layouts on the DWG:
S-4 (right) now has each roof section with their individual framing type, and listed upgrades as applicable.
S-5 (below) has 10 columns allowing for up to 10 roof sections on this single page.
Updates completed by Scott Gurney/Mark Weaver. Posted 10/1 - DC
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.
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.
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.
Step 4: Continue working on the project and use the next larger AHJ such as the county (i.e. If Summit City doesn't exist in the database, but Summit City is in Clark County, which does exist in the AHJ database, then use Clark County).
PORTLAND SOP
PORTLAND SOP
The Portland SOP found in the Final Design SOP was outdated. Portland jobs do not require an electrical review from our electrical team. Only a structural review. Please see the updated verbiage here. -DC 7-11-2023
oracle 2.1 official notification
oracle 2.1 official notification
Regular site updates will be added and summarized on the main announcement page on a weekly basis going forward. Please see all changes that were made in the past quarter associated with Version 2.1 of Oracle. -DC 7-10-2023
SOP UPDATE:
SOP UPDATE:
We have direction from Clayton regarding dropping modules. "If you are forced to drop modules, you must have a supervisor do a QA of the account to prove the drop is necessary." View here -Mitch Smith 6/27/23
Matching Document Names SOP
Matching Document Names SOP
1. We match the name in our Design Tool and Plan Set to the Utility Bill. In the cases when there is not a Utility Bill you will use the name from the CIA. The reason being is that this document is what gets sent to the AHJ and Utility Company to be permitted.
2. We match the name in Aurora to what is found in Salesforce. Verify that this name is what gets printed onto the Documents that come from Aurora (Final Design and Shade Report). The reason for this is that the account is made for the specific person buying the system and we want all customer-facing documents to have the name that we customer created their account using.
-CS 06-12-2023
ANNOUNCEMENT SOP UPDATE:
ANNOUNCEMENT SOP UPDATE:
An SOP has been created and rolled out going over how to handle new process changes and/or updates with the team and company. View here -Ryan Long 6/7/23
PROCESS CHEAT SHEETS:
PROCESS CHEAT SHEETS:
Please be sure to view the Aurora, and White glove check cheat sheets to ensure you are using a similar process as is outlined in these documents to achieve the highest quality possible. View here -DC 6/05/2023
main breaker derates/add-ins
main breaker derates/add-ins
The SOP has been updated to include that designers will only be responsible for calling out that a main breaker derate/add-in are needed for PV interconnection and will require a PER. The electrical team will be responsible for calling out the correct part number and completing necessary load calculations for this type of work. Please see the Final Design SOP -DC 5/30/2023
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