Part of our series: Shining a light on trustworthy solar
In residential solar, a passed inspection is more than a milestone; it’s a signal that an installer’s work meets the highest standards. Yet, many homeowners endure costly delays, multiple re-inspections, and frustrating utility coordination because their contractor didn’t get it right the first time.
Atma Energy takes a different approach. Our meticulous engineering standards, in-house quality assurance, and deep understanding of local codes have earned us a 96% first-time inspection pass rate, among the highest in the industry.
The problem: a rush-to-install culture
Some solar companies prioritize speed over quality, racing from project to project while cutting corners in workmanship and documentation. The result? Homeowners pay the price with re-inspection fees, delays in system activation, and repeated visits from installers fixing preventable issues.
Reports from the San Antonio Express-News and Texas Appleseed have exposed this pattern across Texas, where rushed installations, poor-quality control, and inadequate documentation have fueled a surge in complaints and left customers feeling abandoned and frustrated with unfinished systems. These investigations reveal that many companies focus on closing sales quickly rather than ensuring workmanship meets code and documentation standards, contributing to the high number of failed inspections and costly delays homeowners experience.
Why our systems pass inspection the first time
Atma Energy is trusted by homeowners because we adhere to a rigorous internal quality process that leaves nothing to chance. Our process is driven by engineering rigor, attention to detail, and an understanding of how thoughtful preparation reduces delays and ensures that inspections go smoothly. From permitting documents to final walkthroughs, every step is designed to anticipate and meet the expectations of inspectors and protect our customers from the headaches that plague the rest of the industry.
“Most failed inspections are not about complicated systems; they’re about incomplete documentation, shortcuts, or lack of quality control. We avoid all of that by design. Another common cause of failed inspections is that different AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) adopt different versions of the National Electrical Code. We stay ahead of that, too.”
— Rodrigo Aviles, Operations Manager
Our 6-step QA checklist
Atma’s quality assurance process ensures that every installation meets code, manufacturer standards, and best practices before an inspector ever arrives.
These steps are informed by our Installers Handbook and rigorous QA/QC protocols, ensuring a consistent and reliable process across all projects.
Benchmarking our performance
Typical industry pass rates for residential solar installations hover around 85–90%, with reputable local providers achieving success by understanding local codes and inspector expectations. Atma Energy’s 96% first-time pass rate sets us apart.
That translates into faster timelines, fewer delays, and no surprise fees for homeowners. It also means your project reaches full operation sooner, with fewer frustrations along the way.
Why homeowners trust Atma
"Overall, I am extremely pleased with the install and how well they cleaned the area once complete. They managed the inspections with the city and CPS, which both passed the first time. It is evident by the quality of their work and the clean install that this company and its employees take pride in their work, ensuring a good reputation to drive future business."
— Chris B.
"ATMA took care of everything. 100% turnkey; they did the permits, the scheduling with CPS for the inspection, everything. It felt like they weren’t just taking care of my solar system, they were taking care of me."
— Evan L.
These stories reflect a consistent experience for Atma Energy customers: professional communication, clean installations, careful documentation, and systems that work and pass right away.
Why failed inspections matter
A failed inspection isn’t just a temporary setback. It can result in:
Added costs for re-inspection fees
Delays coordinating with utilities and AHJs
Disrupted timelines for system activation and incentive eligibility
The San Antonio Express-News and Texas Appleseed report found that rushed installations and inadequate documentation are at the root of many consumer complaints. As we covered in earlier blogs like “The Rescue Squad: Fixing Texas Solar Systems Abandoned by Others”, Atma Energy has often stepped in to fix projects that failed inspection multiple times.
Why it matters
A high first-time inspection pass rate is more than a statistic; it’s a reflection of an installer’s commitment to quality, accuracy, and customer care.
Atma Energy takes pride in getting it right the first time, so our customers can move quickly from installation to enjoying the full benefits of clean, reliable solar energy.
Next in the series
North is not the new South: why roof orientation matters — Next time, we will explore the critical impact of roof orientation and shading on solar performance, and how Atma Energy’s engineering-first approach prevents costly mistakes that many installers overlook.