site surveys

A solar site survey is a detailed assessment of a property's solar potential and suitability for installing a solar energy system.

The purpose of a solar site survey is to gather information about the property's solar resources, shading, orientation, and electrical infrastructure, and to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a solar installation.

During a solar site survey, a qualified solar installer or engineer will typically perform a number of tasks, including:

  1. Analyzing the property's solar exposure: The surveyor will analyze the amount of sunlight the property receives throughout the day and year, taking into account the shading caused by trees, buildings, and other structures.

  2. Assessing the roof structure and orientation: The surveyor will examine the roof to determine its size, pitch, and orientation to the sun, as well as its condition and load-bearing capacity.

  3. Evaluating the electrical infrastructure: The surveyor will evaluate the property's electrical service and panel capacity to determine if it can support a solar installation.

  4. Determining the optimal solar system size and type: Based on the data collected during the survey, the surveyor will recommend the optimal size and type of solar energy system for the property, taking into account factors such as energy consumption, budget, and available incentives.

  5. Providing a cost estimate: Finally, the surveyor will provide the property owner with a detailed cost estimate for the solar installation, including the expected return on investment and payback period.

Overall, a solar site survey is a crucial step in the process of installing a solar energy system, as it provides the information needed to ensure that the system is sized, designed, and installed correctly to maximize energy production and cost savings.