The first step of your solar panel installation process is a thorough site survey of your home. This in-person appointment will capture multiple data points to allow us a comprehensive assessment and ensure we design and install a solar system that is perfect for your home. The three main areas we cover during the survey are your roof, your attic, and your home’s electrical system.
With this solar panel site survey out of the way, ESP will proceed to design and permit a custom system perfect for your home.
Key Areas Covered During a Site Survey
A comprehensive site survey typically focuses on three primary areas:
- Roof Assessment: First, we’ll take comprehensive photos of your roof, to confirm the current condition allows for solar panels to be installed over the material. We’ll determine the best location to install the solar arrays, so the whole system produces the optimal amount of energy for you.
- Roof Condition: Our experts will carefully examine your roof’s condition and material to determine its suitability for solar panel installation.
- Roof Orientation and Shading: We’ll analyze your roof’s orientation and identify any potential shading obstructions that may impact solar energy production.
- Roof Material Compatibility: We’ll assess the compatibility of your roof material with solar panel mounting systems.
- Attic Inspection: Inside your attic, we’ll take detailed measurements and photos of the roof support and rafters. This is to confirm the installed solar panels areis properly supported and structurally sound for its entire lifetime.
- Structural Integrity: We’ll inspect your attic’s structural integrity to ensure it can safely support the weight of a solar panel system.
- Rafter and Truss Configuration: We’ll evaluate the layout of your rafters and trusses to determine the optimal placement of solar panels and where racking can safely be attached.
- Electrical System Evaluation: Lastly, we’ll review your home’s electrical system, including the utility meter, main service panel, and any sub-panels that may be present on site. Since your solar panels will produce electricity to energize your home and feed back to the utility, we’ll make sure your home is up to code and will seamlessly support your new source of power.
- Utility Meter: We’ll examine your utility meter to determine its compatibility with solar energy systems. Some utilities offer different interconnection methods that we may be able to employ to speed up the install and approval process.
- Main Service Panel: We’ll inspect your main service panel to assess its capacity and identify any necessary upgrades.
- Sub-panel Assessment: If applicable, we’ll evaluate any existing sub-panels to determine their suitability for solar energy integration. Additionally, if your desired system has any backup capability, we can assess the optimal location for a new sub-panel to be installed.
Why a Site Survey Matters
A thorough site evaluation survey is crucial for several reasons:
- Accurate System Design: By gathering detailed information about your property, we can design a solar system that maximizes energy production and minimizes installation challenges.
- Realistic Energy Production Estimates: A site survey helps us accurately estimate the amount of solar energy your system can generate, allowing you to make informed decisions about your investment.
- Identifying Potential Issues: Early identification of potential issues, such as roof damage or electrical limitations, can help prevent delays and additional costs.
- Ensuring Code Compliance: We’ll ensure that your solar system complies with all local building codes and regulations.
Partner with ESP for a Seamless Solar Panel Installation
At Energy Service Partners, we prioritize a comprehensive site survey to deliver exceptional solar solutions. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and provide expert guidance throughout the entire process.
Ready to take the next step?