How do I know if a solar project is a good idea?

Shading Analysis - Use shading analysis tools or solar survey apps to identify potential obstructions like trees, buildings, or other structures that could impact solar energy production. Site Accessibility - Assess the site’s access points to ensure there is enough room for solar panel delivery, installation equipment, and ongoing maintenance.

How do you evaluate a solar system?

Evaluate the site’s electrical infrastructure to ensure it can safely accommodate the solar system. This evaluation includes checking the main service panel’s capacity, available circuits, and any potential upgrades needed. When assessing the electrical system, consider the following:

How do you assess a solar panel system?

An accurate roof assessment is key to ensuring the durability of your solar panel system. Shading Assessment: Use solar survey apps or shading tools to identify and measure obstructions that could block sunlight. Incorporating shading results into the solar assessment helps maximize system efficiency.

What is a solar site survey?

The right solar site survey tools can help ensure accuracy and consistency across these steps. While some elements mainly apply to residential systems, others are relevant for commercial and utility-scale projects. A roof condition assessment evaluates roof orientation and the overall health and suitability of a roof for solar panel installation.

What is a solar survey checklist?

A solar survey checklist lists items that should be included in a survey of a potential solar power installation site. The checklist should include items such as the size and orientation of the site, the amount of shading, the availability of water and electricity, etc.

How do I know if a site has solar power?

Several online resources, such as NREL’s Solar Supply Curves, the Global Solar Atlas, and the National Solar Radiation Database from NOA, provide robust initial estimates of solar potential for any site. However, they don’t account for specific local conditions like shading from nearby trees or buildings.