GRID Alternatives Team Leader
Orientation
Welcome Future Team Leaders!
GRID Alternatives
• Who? Non-profit
solar installer.
• What? Install solar
PV systems for
income-qualified
homeowners.
• How? Volunteers
and job trainees
install our PV
systems.
Team Leaders
• Who? Anyone who attends at least one installation with GRID
Alternatives and attends Team Leader Orientation can begin
the process of becoming a Team Leader.
• What? Team Leaders manage small groups of volunteers and
teach skills essential to solar PV installation.
• How? Team Leaders must demonstrate mastery of a set of
skills and have each skill signed off on by a Solar Installation
Supervisor (SIS) before becoming a Team Leader.
• Why? Team Leaders get experience in a management role and
also demonstrate leadership capabilities; traits that are
desirable to potential employers.
NABCEP Installation
Requirements
• Team Leaders can use their installations with GRID to fulfill
the experience requirements for the NABCEP Professional
Installers exam.
• Depending on professional experience, Team Leaders must
lead 3-5 ground installations and 3-5 roof installations (in
addition to 58 hours of NABCEP approved classroom
training) to become eligible to sit for the NABCEP exam.
Please refer to the NABCEP Eligibility Requirements
Summary Table to determine your required Team Leader
installations.
• Once Team Leaders have fulfilled these requirements they
must contact their local Volunteer Training Associate for a
letter confirming they have fulfilled the NABCEP installation
requirements.
NABCEP Installation
Requirements
Working Together on
the Job Site
Roof Team
Leader
Roof Team
Ground
Team Leader
Ground
Team
SIS
Team Leader Tools
for Success
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Quality Control Checklist
Single Line Drawing
Roof Plan
Inverter Manual
Module Cut Sheet
Quality Control Checklist
The Quality Control Checklist is an essential tool
for the commissioning of a PV system. The
checklist is broken down into sections referring
to various parts of the installation.
Roof checklist items include:
• Racking
• Microinverters
• Modules
• Junction Box
• Raceways
Ground checklist items include:
• Raceways
• AC Disconnect
• Inverter
• Wiring
• Electrical Panel
• Labeling
Quality Control Checklist
Within each section
there is a sub-set of items
to check.
For example,
in the module section
there are boxes to check
for the clamps being tight,
module connections being
tight, and the modules
being properly grounded.
Roof Plan
Single Line Diagram
Enphase
Single Line Diagram
String Inverter
Module Cut Sheet
Module cut sheets contain all
the electrical information for the
PV modules you are installing.
On the cut sheet you can find a
module’s Open Circuit Voltage
(Voc) Short Circuit Current (Isc)
and Maximum Power (Pmax).
The cut sheets also give you the
dimensions of your PV module. It
is always a good idea to refer to
the cut sheet for module
dimensions when doing your
layout.
Inverter Manual
Inverter manuals are a useful reference when wiring or hanging an inverter.
Also, the inverter manual contains reference codes in case the system does
not start up during commissioning. The inverter manual should always be left
with the homeowner after installation.
Being a Good Team Leader
• SAFETY is the most important part of being a
Team Leader.
• Always err on the side of QUALITY over speed.
• Don’t be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS.
• Make sure volunteers are LEARNING and
INVOLVED.
• Remember you are REPRESENTING GRID
Alternatives.
Volunteer Management
(R1 & G1)
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Be patient.
Keep people busy.
Be a teacher.
Don’t allow any one
person or group to
dominate (i.e. tool
grabbing).
• Make sure volunteers
respect each other as
well as homeowner
and neighbors.
Being Patient…
GRID Alternatives
volunteers come from
a wide range of
backgrounds and vary
in skill level.
For example, some
volunteers may be
proficient in the use of
power tools while
others require a bit of
teaching.
Keep People Busy…
It is important to assign tasks and roles to volunteers so
they stay engaged. Everyone has more fun when they feel
they are making a contribution to the installation.
Be a Teacher…
Demonstrate how to do something then let the
volunteers do the work.
No Domination…
• Don’t let any one person or group dominate the
installation.
• An example of dominating the installation would be “tool
grabbing.”
• Again, make sure everyone is able to participate.
Respect…
• It goes without saying that we need to be respectful of each other while
working.
• It is also important to be mindful of the neighbors and the homeowner.
• Be careful not to trample landscaping or do any damage to the
homeowner’s home or the neighbor’s home.
Safety First (R2 & G2)
… and second …
… and third…
When in doubt ask!
If you ever have any uncertainty on the job
never hesitate to stop and ask your SIS for help.
The most important thing is to maintain a safe
working environment.
General Site Safety
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Help SIS maintain safety protocols during projects
Be able to deliver the morning Safety Talk
Read and understand Site Safety Plan
Ensure all volunteers:
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Sign the Liability Waiver Form
Wear hard hats with name tag whenever on site
Wear safety glasses and gloves
Put on fall protection harness early and appropriately
• Emergency Response Plan
• Know where to find it
• Carry out if SIS is incapacitated
• Help monitor site conditions
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Rain, thunder, and lightning
Natural disasters – fire, earthquake, high winds
Extreme heat
Threat of violence
Common Safety Risks
• Sunburn – Sunburn is the most common injury on the
job in solar. Therefore, it is a good idea to apply
sunscreen before you begin work for the day.
Volunteers may not realize how long they will be
working in the sun. Since Team Leaders are often times
more experienced they should encourage other
volunteers to apply sunscreen.
• Dehydration/Heat Illness – After sunburn, dehydration
is the next most common injury on the job in solar. It is
critical to stay hydrated and avoid heat related illness.
Make sure to take plenty of water breaks and rest in
the shade when possible. Setting a water break timer is
a good way to remember to take water breaks.
PPE
GRID Alternatives requires the use of PPE on the job site! It is your job as a Team Leader to
ensure volunteers are wearing the appropriate PPE as required:
• Hard hats are the first item on and the last item off: hard hats are required at all times
on the job site.
• ANSI Z87.1 rated safety glasses are always required when using power tools or near
someone using a power tool (drills, impact drivers, and band saw).
• Gloves are always required when handling flashings or other sharp objects, shingle or
other abrasive objects, lumber, and during wire or rope pull.
• The use of noise suppression headphones or single-use earplugs are required when
exposed to excessive noise levels for long periods of time.
Electrical Safety Hazards
• Do not plug anything in without being told.
• Always treat all wires as if they are hot.
• Only the SIS or a licensed electrician
authorized by the SIS are allowed in the main
service panel.
Electrical Safety Hazards
Exposure and Energized Work
• Volunteers are required to keep a minimum
observance distance of 3.5 feet away from any open,
energized service panel or inverter.
• If physically within the 3.5 foot boundary of an open,
energized service panel or inverter, the SIS or
authorized electrician are required to wear safety
glasses and insulated gloves with leather protectors
and use insulated tools.
• It is always better to de-energize the power source
than control the potential safety hazard through the
use of PPE.
Electrical Safety Hazards
Microinverter System Lockout/Tagout Protocol
• The implementation of lockout/tagout kits are required in
order to isolate any potential hazardous energy sources on
site. The SIS will implement one of the following systems in
order to isolate AC sources in microinverter systems:
– Lockout and tag the entire main service panel when no one is
working inside.
– Do not install the solar breaker until after the junction box and AC
disconnect have been wired and are closed. Lock the removed
solar breaker until ready for installation.
– If the solar breaker has been installed, lockout and tag the breaker
until the junction box and AC disconnect have been wired and are
closed and the system is ready for testing.
Electrical Safety Hazards
Central Inverter System Lockout/Tagout Protocol
• The SIS will implement one of the following systems in
order to isolate DC sources in central inverter systems:
– Lockout and tag all homerun connectors AND any jumper
connectors that are going into the junction box immediately
after crimping.
– Do not install connectors until the junction box and inverter
have been wired and are closed.
• AC sources can be isolated in the same way instructed
in the microinverter protocol.
Ladder Safety
• Make sure all ladders are tied off
before use.
• The proper ladder angle is a 4:1
ratio with three ladder rungs
extending past the eaves.
• Always one person on a ladder at
a time.
• Never climb a ladder with tools in
your hand.
• Always maintain three points of
contact with the ladder.
Roof Safety
• Never walk backwards on a roof and keep an eye out for
tripping hazards.
• Don’t place anything including tools and hardware on the
edge of a roof.
• If you drop something let it go and yell “headache” or
“duck.”
• If you are on the ground and hear “headache” or “duck” DO
NOT LOOK UP.
• Always ensure that you and your crew are implementing an
appropriate fall protection system. When using personal fall
arrest systems, volunteers must be secured to a lifeline and
anchorage point before getting off the ladder. GRID
Alternatives strictly enforces a 100% fall protection policy.
Power Tool Safety
• Always wear safety glasses when operating power tools.
• Replace batteries when they start to feel low.
• Teach volunteers the difference between the impact driver
and drill, and their associated safety hazards.
Safety Feedback
Let us know how
GRID is doing on safety!
Go to http://www.gridalternatives.org/safety!
Ground vs. Roof Team Leader
• Ground Team Leaders are responsible for tasks
such as hanging and wiring inverters, bending
conduit, and pulling wire.
• Roof Team Leaders are responsible for leading
volunteers on the roof. They are typically
responsible for assisting with the layout,
proper installation of footings, rails, and the
installation of modules.
Skill Set Checklist
• In order to earn your orange shirt and the title
of Team Leader you must have an SIS sign off
each skill on the Skill Set Checklist.
• There is a separate list for Ground/Electrical &
Roof Team Leaders.
Getting Skills Signed Off
• Aspiring Team Leaders should communicate
with the SIS they are working with to get skills
signed off.
• It is important to let the SIS know which skills
you would like to work on.
• In the morning, either before or after the
safety talk, is a good time to set goals for that
day’s job.
Roof Team Leader Checklist
Skill Description (Must be able to train another volunteer)
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R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
R7
R8
R9
O1
O2
O3
Volunteer Management
Safety
Protecting the Roof
Locating Rafters
Stand-off Installation
Racking Assembly
Junction Box Wiring
Home Runs & Ground Wire
Module Installation
Tile Installation (Optional)
Tilt-up Installation (Optional)
Microinverters (Optional)
Each skill has a corresponding
reference code. Once you are
proficient in a skill you can circle
the reference code on the
volunteer sign-in sheet and have
your SIS sign off on that skill.
R3 Protecting the Roof
Flashing
penetrations
Carpet squares
• It is also important to instruct volunteers to not drag their feet or sit
on the ridge.
• Team Leaders should let the SIS know if the roof is being damaged.
R4 Locating Rafters
Mallet Method
Rafter Tail Method
Are there any other methods of locating rafters?
YES!
If either method of locating rafters is not working, rafters can by located by looking in the attic.
R5 Standoff Installation
1) Cut shingles
R5 Standoff Installation
2) Install footing
R5 Standoff Installation
3) Install flashing
R5 Standoff Installation
Is there anything
missing from this
photo?
YES!
There is a
washer missing.
4) Install standoff
R6 Racking Assembly
Prosolar Racking System
R7 Junction Box Wiring
R8 Homeruns
& Grounding Wire
R8 Homeruns &
Grounding Wire
R9 Module Installation
Always two people
(four hands) to a module.
No “solo” module carrying.
R9 Module Installation
Laying Module
Aligning Modules
R9 Module Installation
Following torque specifications
R9 Module Installation
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Note: Some AHJs do not allow the use of WEEBs for bonding; check
your plans or ask your SIS if WEEBs are allowed for that job.
WEEBs are a UL listed
grounding component
used to bond modules
to rails.
WEEBs should be
installed perpendicular
to and on top of a
channel nut, spanning
the channel of the rail.
The “teeth” of the
WEEB will penetrate
the anodized coating
of the module creating
a metal to metal bond.
WEEBs may not be
reused.
WEEB Location
Wiley Electrical Equipment Bond
WEEB
No WEEB
WEEB
For arrays with an even number of modules WEEBs are
installed between every other module.
For arrays with an odd number of modules you will
need to “double up” on the ends to completely bond all
of the modules.
R9 Module Installation
NEGATIVELY GROUNDED, CENTRAL INVERTER SYSTEM
WITH 2 STRINGS OF 10 IN PARALLEL
STRING 1 GROUNDED
STRING 1 UNGROUNDED
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JUNCTION BOX
STRING 2 UNGROUNDED
STRING 2 GROUNDED
Prosolar Racking Specifications
Fast Jack Details
72” Maximum spacing between Fast Jacks
when using deep channel rail AND if the
AHJ allows.
O1 Tile Installation
O2 Tilt Up Installation
O3 Microinverters
Engage Cable
Enphase Microinverter M215
AC Wires
Termination Cap
Disconnect Tool
Envoy Monitoring System
O3 Microinverters
Enphase Microinverters installed on rails,
ready for modules.
Ground/Electrical Team Leader
Checklist
Skill Description (Must be able to train another volunteer)
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G1
G2
G3
G4
G5
Volunteer Management
Safety
Conduit Bending
Inverter Wiring
Inverter & Disconnect Mounting
G3 Conduit Bending
Line up the arrow on the bender with where
you want to make your bend (Above)
Apply constant pressure to the degree you
would like to bend (Right)
G3 Conduit Bending
Conduit Support
Two-hole Strap
Strut Strap
Conduit Strap
One-hole Strap
Strap within 3 feet of fittings
and every 10 feet for EMT
Conduit Bodies
LB
C
LR
LL
T
90 Degree
EMT Conduit Fittings
Compression
Connector
(outdoor rated)
Compression Coupling
(outdoor rated)
Compression Connector
(concrete rated)
Set Screw
Connector (indoor)
Set Screw Coupling
(indoor)
Box Connector
G4 Inverter Wiring
Inverter Wiring
Power One Inverter
G4 Inverter Wiring
SMA Inverter
Fronius Inverter
Schneider Inverter
AC & DC Disconnects
DC Disconnect
AC Disconnect
G5 Inverter & Disconnect
Mounting
Installing inverter
mounting bracket.
Use at least two people to
mount inverter on wall.
Unistrut mounting method.
Inverter and Disconnect
Mounting Hardware
Fender
Washer
Lag Bolts
Unistrut
Strut Nuts
System Complete!
NO
Ready for final connection?
Green Light From SIS
The SIS will inspect and then
turn on the system when
ready!
Let the net metering begin!
Happy Homeowner
Thank You Future Team Leaders!