A roof-mounted solar array is present. The inspection should:

A rooftop photovoltaic array sits at the boundary of a home inspection. It is plainly present and affects the roof, so ignoring it fails the client; but evaluating it properly requires energised DC testing, production data over time, and familiarity with the specific inverter and racking system — none of which a general home inspection includes. The correct posture is to note what is observable and refer the rest: describe the presence of the array, report any visible condition affecting the roof such as penetrations, flashing at the standoffs, or debris accumulation beneath the panels, and recommend evaluation by a qualified solar contractor. There is also a contractual dimension worth flagging to the client, since arrays are often leased or financed separately from the house, which affects the transaction in ways the inspection does not address.

The inspector notes the installation and any observable effect on the roof, then recommends evaluation by a qualified specialist. Assessing output, condition and remaining life requires testing and data outside the scope of a visual home inspection.

Home inspection standards limit the inspector to readily accessible, visually observable conditions. Specialized systems such as photovoltaic arrays, pools and septic systems are commonly excluded from detailed evaluation but are noted, with referral to appropriate specialists.

Note It, Then Hand It Over. Specialized systems get named and referred — never ignored, never tested beyond your scope.

Mention the roof underneath. Penetrations, flashing at standoffs and the inability to inspect the covered area are all reportable and are what the client most needs to know.

• •Testing or disconnecting an energised array
• •Estimating production capacity from a visual observation
• •Omitting the array and the roof area it conceals from the report