Getting startedSolar panels

It's no use crying over broken glass: How to receive and inspect your freight shipment

This is your delivery day. Your long-awaited solar panels are just about to arrive, and you can clearly hear the delivery truck screeching to a halt by the door. Here they are. Making all haste you can, you sign the delivery receipt and wave goodbye to the driver so that you can install the panels and make them work asap.

Ouch! One of the panels is beyond repair. With your delivery receipt signed, you have nothing but to cry over broken glass. Here is our Ultimate Guideline to Receiving and Inspecting Freight.

1. Be prepared

Trite as it may sound, the less you leave to chance, the less probable it is that something goes wrong. So, before your freight arrives, make sure you have your invoice available and are going to be home at the designated time to receive your freight.

It is always a good idea to decide where you will unload your freight (a clean, dry, well-lit space is preferable). Also verify that a truck can access that location easily.

2. Unload and examine your freight

This is the most important part, so let's take it point by point.
1. If possible, unload panels one by one from the truck
2. Make sure pallets are not stacked on top of each other when there is Do Not Stack labeling present
3. Verify the number and description of pieces you receive by comparing to your delivery receipt
4. Check all angles of your freight
5. Inspect the top and bottom of module pallets looking for footprints, broken glass, damaged corners, etc.
6. Check the product packaging for dents or punctures.

1 IN 5

freight shipments contain broken panels

3. Document any damages and inconsistencies

If you noticed any damages or inconsistencies, please, don't wait until it's too late! Document the damages with your camera and note all damages and missing items as specifically as possible on the delivery receipt before signing (e.g. "damaged" or "short 1 piece", etc.).

Inform your driver about the problem and notify us of the missing/damaged items by emailing pictures to solar@a1solarstore.com. We will file a claim on your behalf and promptly send a replacement order.

So, let's summarize:

Think of the right unloading space and be home at the designated time with the invoice at hand.

Inspect the freight carefully looking for any damages and inconsistencies.

Document and note all damages and missing items, if any

Calculate your solar system

Our Grid-Tied Solar System Calculator will help you choose the right solar panels and accessories to cover your energy needs.

CALCULATE YOUR PV SYSTEM

With a degree in Linguistics, Tatiana uses her vast experience in technical translation to deliver complicated concepts in simple words. She joined the company in 2020 as a contributing writer to become the person to influence Blog’s development.

More articles from this author

Read Also

3 signs that you might need to replace your solar panels & 3 false alarms

Inergy solar generators review: Taking charge

What are Tier 1 solar panels and how to choose quality PV modules

How to clean RV solar panels

Solar panel size range: From tiny to large

Stay tuned

Learn about the latest arrivals and discounts first!

By clicking "Subscribe", I agree by electronic signature to: (1) receive marketing and other texts and messages from A1SolarStore, directly or from third parties acting on its behalf, at the email address I entered above; (2) the Terms and Conditions; and (3) the Privacy Policy.