Find a solar installer,  call Nova West and Pacific in Fresno. They will not give them any warranty or inspection certificate but ask who will service a unit. The battery systems of 5 years ago no longer are the standard. Do they have a line of car batteries in the garage? The buyers need to understand the fire hazard, shock hazard and be handy enough to deal with this or it's not a good fit. There should be an electrical solar expert in Fresno, I will make a few calls.  I have a solar system off grid, was installed by a genius who had a stroke. The solar and generator is not going to be enough in the winter or fog, they need propane for a propane refrigerator and stove. If location is say up at Three Rivers or far from Fresno expect large cost for this inspection. DO NOT offer opinions  - offer safety warning and make the buyers get an outside person to advise...  Disclose that you are no expert and buyer beware

No idea.

Wow, interesting, I did know about solar panels at all.

 Solar is very new. I have not found a good resource to check on solar for a resale. The installer would be first choice but they are not always around when they are needed.

Good luck.

the systems are not plentiful in my area....we haven't been faced with issues....

There are none in my area and we have several alternative energy sources in our area Jason Nenadov . Our Home Inspectors rarely work with anything that is not typical including radon testing or infrared scanning.

I wouldn't buy a home with an off the grid system myself.  I don't know if they can even get a homeowner's policy or a mortgage

Caroline Gerardo seems to have some good  suggestions for you.

I don't have any idea. good luck. 

        Interesting question, Jason.  

     When/if this situation arises for me, I am going to ask my go-to inspectors who they would recommend. 

Call the installer perhaps or the mfg and ask them about inspections?

Sorry I don't believe I have ever had a need to have solar panels inspected.  As far as the battery backups ... or generators ... I am parked and reading.

Jason,

Looks like you have some answers.  

I have not had to inspect solar panels before. I think I would call some of the trusted inspectors in your area to see if they will do the scope of work needed, and worst case, get on FB and ask agents in your area.

I've never sold a hoome with solar panels so never needed an inspection. Sorry that I can't be of much help here.

Sometimes in life we have to self insure things that the others are not willing to insure.  Could be that the buyers will adjust their price accordingly and not pay anything extra for the system.

I would call the solar installation company in that area to render an opinion. If you can't call your local electric utility and they may can help you with a name.

We call the installer typically or the company that installed them.

Sounds like Caroline Gerardo has your answer, Jason! Good luck with your transaction.

Get a solar service contractor run some test and give his name or service repair estimates to the buyer.

Majority technology is from here. The technology is so new I merely watch the electricity meter spinning backwards. If I probe it with a DVM I do not know the specs. You need to inspect inverter, rectifiers and controller system sorry a little bit beyond my pay grid.

BTW: I worked with and know most of people running these US startup companies. Most are struggling and going out of business influenced by cheaper panel and systems from Asia. German government stopping subsidizing solar equipment for awhile.  Solyndra (GIGs thin film) was supported by Obama with him handling out a $500M grant it went bankrupt. Today Tesla uses the clean room as warehouse. Tesla is losing $2B a year.......   

OK. What EXACTLY do the buyers want checked?

Are they wanting to know if it works? Do you need an inspector for that? Just pull the plug and see what's still working and that nothing is smoking.

Do they have some operational parameters in mind that needs to be met? For example a very specific amp/hour capacity or 100% of battery capacity still available or if the panels are running at 100 or 65% efficiency?  That is why no one wants to touch these systems as an inspection.

Are they simply concerned if a hazard exits?

My advise is record the name of the manufacturer or installation company. Many are already out of business. Give them or someone who carries/services that brand, a call and request they conduct routine maintenance. Maybe your buyer has interest in a maintenance program where the system is checked on a periodic basis.  If you call it an inspection, they will tell you to go pound sand.

I have found the folks at Generac to be the most helpful.

If a power generator is also present, and it is diesel powered. make certain the technician is diesel certified. Otherwise is will be a complete waste of your money and time.

Solar is an interesting technology. 

It will become a question that soon will be asked here.

Sorry, I have no idea.

I have no clue and it's not an issue I have run up against, but Caroline Gerardo has some great advice I think!

No experience with solar.

No.

Glad to see you got some great answers.

I have the same problem with  my inspector, so I have to see what otheres are saying.

Those are rare here so I wouldnt know.

I have no experience with solar. YOu would think there is a lot of solar in South Florida but there is not. We are yet to sell a home powered with solar. We have sold a couple of homes where the pools were heated with solar. But that is it. 

We have very few of those here - but my inspector does them - he's local though and not part of a nationl co. sorry

Looks like Caroline Gerardo has got this one covered.  I don't know of any National or local inspection/repair companies.  Most in my area are leased, and the company that leases takes care of maintenance and repairs. 
I wish you all the best with this.

There should be solar specialists that can do this.

It's been an issue with many home inspection companies & inspectors...

Haven't bumped into this yet