A solar or electrical installation is not complete when the equipment powers on. The project is only fully handed over when the owner receives a usable documentation pack. That documentation helps you understand what was installed, what was tested, and what to use later if support or warranty issues come up.
At Iselle, we treat the handover pack as an operating record for the system, not just paperwork for a folder. The goal is simple: six months from now, you should still be able to identify your system configuration, reference the correct protections, and support a troubleshooting or claim process without guessing.
What is a handover pack?
A handover pack is the set of technical and commercial documents delivered when a project is commissioned. The exact contents vary by project scope, but it normally includes system design references, testing records, warranty documentation, and basic operating guidance.
Think of it as the bridge between installation and long-term ownership. Without it, the client is left with equipment but no clear reference for maintenance, expansion, or support.
Core documents explained
The most useful handover packs group documents by purpose. Below are the core items clients ask about most often.
1. Bill of Quantities (BoQ) / Final Equipment List
This confirms what was supplied and installed. It should help you identify the major system components and their specifications later.
- Why it matters: It provides a baseline for future upgrades, service requests, and procurement comparisons.
- What to check: inverter model, battery model/capacity, panel quantities, protection devices, mounting scope, and any optional items.
- Common mistake: Keeping only the proposal copy and not the final installed list if substitutions were agreed during the project.
2. Single-Line Diagram (SLD) / Schematic
The SLD is the simplified map of how power flows through the system. It typically shows the main components, protection points, isolators, distribution-board integration, and cable routes at a high level.
- Why it matters: It is one of the fastest ways for an engineer to understand your installation during troubleshooting or expansion.
- What to check: labels for AC/DC protection, isolators, essential-load circuits, and earth/ground references.
- When you will use it: adding a battery, upgrading an inverter, changing the DB, or filing technical support tickets.
3. Installation Checklist and Test Results
This records the commissioning checks performed before handover. Depending on the project, this may include polarity checks, continuity checks, earth measurements, insulation checks, string voltage, or functional tests.
- Why it matters: It creates a baseline condition for the system at handover.
- What to check: test date, technician/engineer sign-off, pass/fail status, and any corrective actions taken before final commissioning.
- Why it helps later: If a fault occurs, your support team can compare current readings against the handover baseline instead of starting blind.
4. Warranty Documents and Product Registration Details
These documents define the manufacturer and installer warranty terms and the information needed to process support or claims. This can include serial numbers, product warranty cards, and proof of installation/commissioning.
- Why it matters: Claims are often delayed because ownership and serial records are incomplete.
- What to keep together: invoices, serial photos, warranty terms, and support contacts.
5. O&M Notes (Operation and Maintenance)
This is the practical guidance for day-to-day use and basic upkeep. It is not meant to replace professional service, but it should help you avoid preventable failures.
- Normal operating indicators and alarm behavior
- Shut-down / restart guidance for safe situations
- Cleaning and inspection frequency (where applicable)
- When to contact support instead of trying a reset
Why it matters later (not just on handover day)
Most clients only realize the value of documentation when they need support months later. A clear handover pack reduces downtime because it speeds up diagnosis and prevents back-and-forth on basic installation facts.
- Support triage: your team can send the SLD and photos with the ticket, which helps classify the issue faster.
- Warranty claims: serials, commissioning records, and installation details are often required before a manufacturer approves next steps.
- Upgrades: when adding more battery or PV, prior BoQ and test records reduce rework and design assumptions.
- Ownership continuity: if a facility manager changes, the next person can still operate and maintain the system correctly.
How to store and use your handover pack
The pack is most useful when it is easy to retrieve. We recommend keeping both a digital and a printed copy.
- Create one folder name: use the site name + commissioning date.
- Save the core files together: BoQ, SLD, test results, warranties, and O&M notes.
- Keep a photo set: inverter label, battery labels, DB board, and panel array overview.
- Use it during support: attach the relevant document pages when reporting a fault or asking for an upgrade quote.
If you are still at proposal stage, ask what handover documentation will be provided before the installation starts. Clear expectations early usually lead to cleaner project close-out.