Survey SOP

Energy Monitoring - 1.) Take photos of the completed installation of the entire electrical panel board. 2) If EM is not compatible, show why and leave notes.

These photos should end up resembling something like what is pictured to the right:

Energy Monitoring - Did you install any additional sensor on the EM? If so, how many?

Our SOP is to install 8 total CTs (sensors) on branch circuits; any additional need to be notated here.
For more details on installing CT sensors, click here.

Thermostat - Does the customer have existing compatible smart thermostats?

The SOP for this process can be found here.

Thermostat - Begin install of thermostat by testing existing thermostat and upload photo of existing wiring.

These photos should end up resembling something like what is pictured to the right:

Thermostat - 1.) Complete install of smart thermostat and take photo of new wiring. 2) Test the thermostat to make sure it's blowing heat/cool before moving on.

The wiring should be neat and orderly as shown to the right.
Always ensure the new thermostat is working correctly before moving on.

Thermostat - Smart thermostat installed type?

The options will be:

Ecobee Lite
Ecobee Pro
Other
Not Compatible

Usually it will be Lite or Pro depending on what product you were supplied with (check the box and accompanying specs and instructions).

Thermostat - How many smart thermostats did you install?

Usually the answer will only be 1, but be sure to leave detailed notes and upload additional photos if more thermostats are installed.

Energy Monitoring / Thermostat Installation - 1.) Is Energy Monitor fully installed and all existing or new thermostat connected in the customers app? 2) Are all settings set up in the customer Emporia app and everything communicating 100%?

The answer should be Yes or No.

Customer Question - Do you have sufficient cellular data to upload photos onsite?

The answer should be Yes or No.

Please be sure to note if the customer does not have Wifi as this can affect install.

2 | STRUCTURAL

Structural - Attic Entrance(s) - Provide photos of 1.) All attic entrances, and 2.) Access pathways (room, hallway, etc.) to each attic entrance.

Provide photos of the entire attic space or the ceiling area if it is vaulted. Show the following:

All attic entrances

Access Pathways (room, hallway, etc.)

Structural - Possible Structural Upgrades

Confirm the longest lumber length that can fit in the attic and wedged up into place to sister existing rafters. Keep in mind all hallways, attic entrances, existing members in the attic and use your measuring tape and take photos of the worst scenario location.

RS1 - 360-GO-PRO PHOTO REQUIRED

Provide photos of the entire attic space or the ceiling area if it is vaulted. Show the following:

All rafters
All supports
Attic Ceiling
Attic condition in all directions

The photos should resemble the next series of photos here:

Note that these photos should directly correspond with the labeling on the site map you will create

RS1 Framing Type - Select Roof Framing Type

Click the text for each option for more details about these framing types

The following options are available from the drop down:

Prefabricated Wood Truss

Conventional Framing

Flat Roof Framing

RS1 Framing Size - Provide photos of the Rafters/Truss size with a tape measure

Always measure directly from the rafter member/top chord member (on a truss roof)

RS1 Framing Size - Select Rafter/Truss size

Select from the following options:

2x4
2x6
2x8
2x10
2x12
Other (specify on Site Map)

Click here for more info on rafter and truss top chord sizing.

RS1 Framing Spacing - Provide photos of the Rafters/Truss spacing with a tape measure

Always measure directly from the rafter member/top chord member (on a truss roof)

RS1 Framing Size - Select Rafter/Truss spacing

Select from the following options:

12 Inches
16 Inches
24 Inches
36 Inches
48 Inches
Other (Specify on Site Map)

Click here for more info on rafter and truss top chord spacing.

Structural - Roof Section Tilt Readings - Provide Photos of Tilt Measurements for each surveyed roof section.

This measurement should always be taken in the attic from the rafter/top chord member whenever possible:

When there is only one roof pitch shared among all roof sections, only one photo needs to be uploaded of this tilt measurement.
If there are multiple roof pitches:
- take careful notation of the different pitches per each roof section.
- Indicate these pitches on each roof section on your site map whenever there are multiple roof pitches.

Structural - RS1 Conventional Framing - Are there any rafter supports under this roof section?

This includes:

purlins
struts
knee-walls
beams

Structural - RS1 Conventional Framing - Provide photos of the Max Rafter Span Measurement OR draw and upload an accurate side view sketch.

This will simply require you to measure from one support to the next along the ceiling joist (horizontal measurement, not the diagonal measurement along the rafter.)

See examples:

Structural - RS1 Conventional - Provide photos of the ridge to eave measurement along the ceiling joist.

This is a similar measurement, measured horizontally

See examples:

RS1 Conventional Framing - Are there any Partial or Full Vaulted Ceilings under any roof section?

This question will only populate if conventional framing is chosen for the framing type.

This will be a Yes or No question. If Yes is chosen, the following prompts will populate:

Is there any attic or framing access for the vaulted ceiling(s)?

This will be a Yes or No question.

If yes, then a typical rafter measurement can be taken from the attic.
If no, then an alternate method will need to be used to complete these measurements according to the following prompt:

Use alternate methods in the following order to get the rafter/framing type, size and spacing:

Pull light fixture. Can Light
Use a stud finder to find the spacing
Complete a probe test to get the framing size
Pull Soffit or check for open framing on the side
Pull Turle Vent
If all of these are completed the last thing would be a dry wall cut which to repair we would need a tech

make sure to include the surveyed member size from the poke hole test in your survey notes.

This is another example of an approved surveying method of accessing structural info via pulling a can light:

Another great alternative would be measuring the size of the vaulted members from the exterior at the eave if they are exposed.

RS1 Vaulted Ceiling - 360-GO-PRO PHOTO REQUIRED

Provide photos of the entire room (ceiling area and 360 degrees around the room)

It is easier to get a photo using the fish eye 360 lens on the Go-Pro, but you should also do a quick sweep of photos all around the room.

RS1 Vaulted Ceiling - Are there any horizontal supports/beams present along the vaulted ceiling(s)?

This is a Yes or No question. Note that this will include true purlin/beam members on the roof as well as those that appear to be false(decorative) purlin/beam members:

The photos below are examples of what this question is asking for. Look for members that are parallel to the apparent ridge:

If yes:

Provide photos of the max rafter span measurement.

For this, you will measure the max distance between supports in a horizontal line.
- See example below. The measurements you need are the horizontal green lines.
It is optional but preferred that you also complete a side view sketch showing these horizontal supports to scale.

RS1 Flat Roof Framing - Is there any attic or framing access for the Flat Roof Section?

This question will only populate if flat roof framing is chosen for the framing type.

This will be a Yes or No question..

If yes, then a typical rafter measurement can be taken from the attic.
If no, then an alternate method will need to be used to complete these measurements according to the following prompt:

Use alternate methods in the following order to get the rafter/framing type, size and spacing:

Pull light fixture
Use a stud finder to find the spacing
Complete a probe test to get the framing size
Dry wall cut to access the framing
Call Manager

RS1 Flat Roof Framing - Select the framing type for the flat roof section.

Choose from the following options:

Box Trusses
TJI Beams
Rafters
Unable to Determine
- This option should only be used if you have spoken with your manager and been instructed to do so.

the photos below show what these framing types should look like from left to right: box trusses, TJI, and Rafters.

RS1 Flat Roof Framing - Select which shall be uploaded: Blueprints or Load Bearing Wall Sketch

Blueprints will be easier and preferred if they are available from he customer. If Blue prints is selected a new prompt will appear:

Upload Structural Blueprints provided by the customer.

If a Load Bearing Wall Sketch will be required, then you will need to complete the drawing using this guide. Likewise a prompt will appear for this:

Upload a Load Bearing Wall Sketch

Remember to get measurements of the perimeter of the home, the dimensions of each room on the top level of the home, rafter direction and mark location of any change in rafter direction.

Is there an additional Roof Section (RS2/3/4/etc.) that needs to be surveyed?

The same structural prompts listed above populate for each additional roof section. Please note the following:

You will always be required to survey every roof section when the framing type is conventional
- This includes annexed/detached structures separate from the main home on the property.
Each new roof section will need to correspond with the labeling on the site map.
- RS1, RS2, etc.
The template allows for Roof Sections up to RS6. If you need to survey more than 6 Roof sections, you may group any remaining after RS6 in the photos for RS6.
- Make careful notes of where these roof sections are located.

Damages - Are there any Structural Framing damages located anywhere on the structure?

This is a Yes or No question. For more info on structural damage, click here.

If yes:

Take photos of all structural framing damage on site.

Make sure you include:

Clear photos indicating the extent of the damage
Photos that give some type of context as to where the damage is located in the attic.
Indicate damage location on your site map as well.

3 | ELECTRICAL

Electrical Service / Meter - Select Electrical Service Location Type

This is referring to service orientation. The options will be Overhead or Underground.

The photo on the left depicts an overhead service orientation where utility service lines come from a transformer on a pole overhead.
The photo on the right depicts an underground service orientation where the utility transformer is located on the ground, remote from the customer meter and service lines are buried underground coming to the meter.

Electrical Service / Meter - Select Electrical Service Location Type

The options will be Meter Main Combo / Exterior Adjacent MSP or Interior Main Service Panel / NOT next to Meter.

The photo on the left depicts an out door MSP next to the meter.
- This would be the "Meter Main Combo / Exterior Adjacent MSP" option.
The photo on the right depicts an interior MSP back to back with the Meter.
- This would be the "Interior Main Service Panel/NOT next to the meter" option.

Make sure your site map corroborates your input here. Mark the accurate location of the Meter/MSP.

Electrical Service / Meter - 360-GO_PRO PHOTO REQUIRED

Provide photos of the entire overhead/underground electrical service entrance conduit.
- For overhead, we need photos showing all the way up to the overhead service drop where the utility wires enter the conduit body and the connection to the meter box.
- For underground services, we need photos of the conduit connection to the meter box following the conduit down into the ground.
Provide Photos of the entire side of the wall that the electrical equipment is mounted on.
- We need photos showing both the context of where the equipment is located and shows the surrounding area including any obstructions.

An example is shown below.

The intention of this question is to help designers design the layout of the PV wall equipment. Here's an example of how designers will visualize it:

This becomes more complex when there are nearby obstructions that will need to be worked around:

In this example, the designer would need to make sure the equipment will fit while staying clear of the needed clearance for the gas meter and to avoid mounting over the window well on the other side of the electrical meter.

Keys to success:

Give extra attention to any obstructions around the existing electrical equipment such as AC units, window wells, gas meters, fences.
Get as much of the surrounding wall around the existing equipment as possible in your photos.

Electrical Service / Meter - Are there any electrical equipment red flags with the utility service entrance equipment?

This will be a Yes or No question. Make sure to call out:

Code Violations
Damage

Refer to Electrical Code Violations & Damage training to make your judgement.

If Yes:

Provide photos of all utility service electrical equipment damage and/or code violations.

If there are both code violations AND damage, make sure to document all of it here.

To the right is an example of a type of damage that should be documented here. The service riser is not properly connected to the meter enclosure.

Electrical Service / Meter - Provide photos of the meter box

Get a close up of the face of the meter bulb with legible numbers
Sides of the meter box.
Measurement of the utility meter height from grade (ground) to the center of the bulb.

Electrical Service / Meter - Enter the measurement of the utility meter height from grade to the center of bulb.

Enter this height in inches;

Example: 62"

Electrical Service / Meter - Are there any obstructions within 4' in front of the electrical service?

This will include HVAC, Gas Meter, Walls/Gates, Window Wells, etc.

The answer will be Yes or NO.

If Yes:

Provide Working Clearance photos with measurements to any obstructions in front or next to the utility meter that are within 4'

An example is shown below:

Enter the distance measurement to the nearest obstruction to the utility meter or electrical service:

Enter this height in inches;

Example: 38"

Electrical Service / Meter - Are there any locked gates, pets, landscaping obstacles, etc. obstructing access to the utility meter?

The answer will be Yes or No.

If Yes:

Provide photos showing both the access pathway and any locked gates, pets, landscaping obstacles, etc. obstructing access to the utility meter.

These are examples of the types of obstructions you would want to show here:

Electrical Service / Meter - Can a grounding method be located?

This will include any:

Ground Rod
Water Bond
Ufer or CEE (bonded to the rebar in concrete foundation)

The answer will be Yes or No.

If Yes:

Provide Photos of the electrical service grounding method.

Below are a few example photos:

Electrical Service / Meter - Is the highest breaker handle over 6' high?

This is referring to the height from grade.

The answer will be Yes or No.

If Yes:

Provide photos showing the measurement from the ground level to the highest breaker handle.

Electrical Service / Meter - MSP (Door Open, Deadfront On) Provide Photos.

Full length of panel board.
Close up photos divided into at least 3 sections.
1. Breakers and labeling MUST be legible.

Electrical Service / Meter - MSP (Deadfront Off) Provide Photos.

Full length of panel board.
Close up photos divided into at least 3 sections.
- Breakers and labeling MUST be legible.
Wires going into each breaker
Ground/Neutral Bar

Electrical Service / Meter - MSP (Deadfront Off) Provide Photos of inside walls

All inside walls
verify any interior labeling

Electrical Service / Meter - MSP Feeder Wiring - Is the feeder wire labeling text visible on the side of the wire insulation?

The answer will be Yes or No.

If Yes:

Provide photos of the entire length of feeder wiring showing all wiring labeling text clearly.

This is less common, but below is an example of what we're looking for:

The main spec we're looking for is wire size.
- Look for "AWG" this stands for American Wire Gage.
Still get the rest of the labeling if it is visible as there could be important distinctions regarding service voltage rating and temperature ratings.

Electrical Service / Meter - MSP Labeling - Provide Photos

The full panelboard specifications labeling
- MUST be legible across the entire label
ALL specification labels including any on the interior of the panel.

Below is an example of exterior labeling:

Extra care should be given to the interior labeling:

Door and deadfront labeling may be generic labeling for the deadfront/door only which may offer only some or even none of the specifications about the load center that will be needed to complete the design.
Labels on the interior of the load center will have all the correct specs for the specific load center.

Always be sure to get both interior and exterior labeling for design use.

In this example, most of the relevant interior labeling is covered by the wiring.

Again, this is important information that is completely covered by wiring.

It is best to move wires to the side slightly:

Wear PPE as needed
Turn off power if needed
- Always let the customer know if you will be cutting power for any reason.
in most cases, it should be safe to move wires slightly to get these photos.

Ensure that any text is legible for design use!

Electrical Service / Meter - MSP - Is there any visible main service panel electrical damage and/or code violations?

The answer will be Yes or No.

Refer to Electrical Code Violations and Damage training to make your judgement

If Yes:

Provide photos of all main service panel equipment damage and/or code violation.

This is an example of the type of damage/code violations that would be documented here:

Electrical - Are there any electrical sub panels on the property?

The answer will be Yes or No.

If Yes:

SP1 Main Breaker/Feeder Origin - Provide photos of the breaker or feed-through lugs in the MSP feeding Sub Panel #1

Below is an example of what these photos should look like:

The proceeding questions mimic the format of the MSP prompts and questions and will require equivalent input as it is relevant to the sub panel.

Electrical - Generator/Transfer Switch- Does the customer have a generator?

The answer will be Yes or No. You may need to ask the customer to be sure.

If Yes:

Electrical - Generator/ Transfer Switch- Please provide photos of the generator and where it plugs in along with any breakers and labels.

There are typically two styles of generators:

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) style generator.

Generator interconnected via manual interlock switch.

Electrical - Generator/ Transfer Switch- Please provide photos of the stationary generator, along with any additional stickers/ labels/ breakers etc..

Make sure to get the generator location and notate it on the site map as well if possible.

Please see examples:

Electrical - Electrical Service / Meter - Has the Customer had any electrical upgrades performed at the house since being built?

The answer will be Yes or No.

You may need to ask the customer to be sure.

4 | EXTERIOR GROUND & ROOF

Exterior Ground - 360-GO-PRO Photo Required

Provide the following with these photos:

Ground level to roof line:
1. Front back and sides of the house showing every wall surface and surroundings
Panorama taken at each corner of the home.

Here's an example of what this series of photos should look like:

Exterior Ground - Provide a photo of the front of the house clearly showing the house number.

This is an example of what this photo should look like:

Exterior Roof - 360-GO-PRO Photo Required

Photos of every roof section regardless of if the proposal design has PV on that roof or not:

Show all edges and obstructions on the roof.

This is an example of what this series of photos should look like:

Exterior Roof - Select Primary Roof Type

Choose from:

Click on each roof type for further explanation or click here for more on roof analysis

When Composition Shingle is chosen, the questions below will populate. Note the following:

Similar and comparable questions populate for tile type roofs and therefore will not have its own section in this training.

Exterior Roof - Composition Shingle - Provide close up photos showing the number of layers on the proposed roof sections.

On new roofs, a close up on the roof condition will be sufficient.
On older roofs we NEED a photo such as the one below showing the roofing layers.

Exterior Roof - Composition Shingle - Is there roof damage present on any portion of the roof.

This includes every roof section even if it does not have PV on the proposal design.

The Answer will be Yes or No.

For more info on Roof Damage, click here.

If Yes:

Provide close up photos showing the damage area(s). (ALL ROOF AREAS)

This is an example of the type of damage that should be uploaded here:

Exterior Roof - Composition Shingles - Is the roof older than 8 years?

The Answer will be Yes or No.

For more info on Roof Damage, click here.

If Yes:

Exterior Roof - Composition Shingle - Perform a brittle test.

This is an example of what the submitted photo should look like:

Exterior Roof - Composition Shingles - While doing your roof walk, please describe in detail the condition and feel of the shingles, and note any soft spots.

The main thing we're concerned about is soft/spongy spots on the roof that would indicate that the roof sheathing under the roof material is compromised. Please also screen for sheathing damage in the attic survey.

Exterior Roof - Composition Shingle - Provide close up photos showing the quality of the shingles.

Be sure to get good photos that show the overall condition of the roof material.

See example of what this should look like:

When Concrete Tile is chosen, these questions will populate:

Exterior Roof - Concrete Tile - Select Tile type.

Choose from:

S-Tile
W-Tile
Flat Tile

Click here for more info on Tile roof types.

Exterior Roof - Concrete Tile - Pull 1-2 Tiles at random and varying locations across the roof section(s) and provide photos of the underlayment. Show in the photos if there are any rusty nail heads present.

We do this to screen for damage on the underlayment layer:

On tiles roofs, this is the roof layer responsible for providing protection against leaks and water exposure in the attic.

For more information on underlayment damage, click here.

Photograph the condition of the underlayment and notate any damage.
Replace tile once completed.

Exterior Roof - Concrete Tile - Is there any roof damage present?

This includes cracked/broken tiles or altogether missing tiles.

Exterior Roof - Concrete Tile - Provide close up photos showing the damaged areas.

Also be sure to notate where this damage appears on the roof on your site

When Metal Roof is chosen, these questions will populate:

Exterior Roof - Metal Roof - Select Metal Roof Type

Choose from:

Trapezoidal
Corrugated
Standing Seam

Click here for more info on metal roof types.

Exterior Roof - Metal Roof - Provide photos

Make sure to provide the following:

Distance measurement between seams/traps
Width dimension of seams/traps
Gauge measurement of metal.

Exterior Roof - Metal Roof - Is there any roof damage present?

Choose from the following:

Dents
Bent or Broken
Rust
Gouges

Click here for more on roof damage.

Exterior Roof - Metal Roof - Provide close up photos showing the damaged areas.

Be sure to upload multiple photos when there are multiple areas of concern.

When Flat Roof Membrane is chosen, these questions will populate:

Exterior Roof - Flat Roof Membrane - Select Flat Roof Type

Choose from:

Rolled Composite
TPO
EPDM
Modified Bitumen
Tar & Gravel
Ply-Foam

Click here for more info on flat roof types.

Exterior Roof - Flat Roof Membrane - Provide close up photos of the Membrane Roof Type

Be sure to get good photos that show the overall condition of the roof material.

See example of what this should look like:

Exterior Roof - Flat Roof Membrane - Are there any parapets present around the roof section(s)?

Parapets are the walls that are sometimes seen closing in the flat roof space on some buildings.

Exterior Roof - Flat Roof Membrane - Provide photos of measurements of the parapet height on all sides of each roof section with a tape measurer.

Measure the height for every side of the roof:

Even though the roof is flat, it may still have a slight tilt making the measured height slightly different at some points.
It is also helpful to measure the width of the wall.

Exterior Roof - Flat Roof Membrane - Are there any obstructions on the roof section(s) taller than 1 FT?

The answer will be Yes or No

As with any survey, all obstructions need to be shown in context with the roof, however, on flat roofs, obstructions that are over 1' in height have some additional details that need to be surveyed.

Exterior Roof - Flat Roof Membrane - Provide photos of measurements of all Roof Obstructions with a height over 1 FT.

Measure from the roof surface to the apparent top point of the obstruction in inches.

Exterior Roof - Flat Roof Membrane - Is there any significant damage to the membrane surface?

For more information on flat roof damage, click here.

Exterior Roof - Flat Roof Membrane - Provide close up photos showing the damaged areas.

Be sure to upload multiple photos when there are multiple areas of concern.

When an Incompatible roof type is chosen, you will get this follow up confirmation question:

Exterior Roof - Disqualified Roof Shake Present - WOOD SHAKE/SLATE TILE/CLAY SHINGLE/STONE COATED STEEL/ALUMINUM SHINGLE

When this question populates, only the roof type you already selected will populate as an option for your input. The intention is for you to confirm the incompatible roof type to expedite the disqualification/reroof process.

Exterior Roof - Is there a second roof type?

If yes, the same relevant roof questions from above will populate for this second roof type.

Exterior Roof - Roof Section Tilt Readings - Provide photos of tile measurements for each surveyed roof section.

Indicate the tilt measurement on the site map as well:

Always take this pitch from the attic when possible.
When all roofs have the same pitch, you don't need to add it to the site map notation.

Here's an example of a roof pitch measurement in the attic that should be uploaded here:

Exterior Roof - Traditional Survey - Is a traditional site survey required as identified by proposals/sales?

This should be indicated in the service ticket, but you should also check for:

Distorted fish-eye like images that clearly come from an overhead drone import and not a proper satellite image
Markings on images as if they had been opened in other programs, circled and imported into aurora for use

When a photo other than a proper satellite image is used for the proposal, then the roof will not be scaled correctly and we will need to make sure to get traditional measurements.

The answer will be Yes or No.

For step by step instructions on completing traditional surveys, click here.

If Yes:

Complete and Upload Traditional Site Survey Roof Sketches for each roof section.

This is an example of what it will look like.

Exterior Roof - Suneye Survey - Is a Suneye Survey required as identified by proposals/sales?

This should be indicated in the service ticket.

The answer will be Yes or No.

If Yes:

Take suneyes for ALL PV Array Locations or the ENTIRE roof section(s) as instructed by your trainer and upload a roof sketch showing the suneye locations.

The suneye survey get's uploaded separately.

Click here for the Suneye tutorial.

Below is an example of what the suneye sketch will look like:

Exterior Roof - Damage - Please provide any additional notes of damage/redflags including location

Be as specific as possible.

4 | SITE MAP

For an in depth walk through of site maps, click here.

Site Map Update - Label the location of all attic entrances (attic, attic 2)

Site Map Update - Label All Roof Sections Surveyed (ie. RS1, RS2, etc.)

Ensure that these labels correspond with how the photos are arranged in the field pro structural photos:

RS1 label should be applied to the roof section where the structural photos for RS1 were taken; RS2 should be applied to the roof section where the structural photos for RS2 were taken, etc.
The exterior roof photos should also correspond with this.

Site Map Update - Label the Existing Utility Meter Location (M). If back to back with MSP label with 1 pin using (Meter BTB MSP)

Labels for the meter and MSP should be separated if they are not directly adjacent either back to back or side by side:

For interior panels, be as specific as possible.

Site Map Update - Label the Electrical Subpanel Location(s) (ie, SP1, SP2, etc.)

This should follow the same rules as the rest of the electrical equipment.

Site Map Update - Denote the Location of any Structural Damage. (D)

This should be as specific as possible. See example to the right.

Site Map Update - Denote the Location of any Detached Structures (ie. DS1, DS2, etc.)

Be sure to only label accessory structures that belong to the customer:

This is especially important on multi family homes when there are detached garage sections that may only be partially owned by the customer.

Site Map Update - Indicate on the Site Map the location and room in the house with the Wifi/Modem Unit(s). (WIFI)

This should be as specific as possible.

Site Map Update - Is there sufficient imagery on Google maps to complete your site map?

The answer should be yes or no:

In newer developments there may be no aerial imagery whatsoever for the location.
When the answer is no, you may complete a similar diagram using the proposal design document to label each location listed above.

5 | white glove check

Page updated

Report abuse