The site survey is the handoff between hope and hardware. Before installers order panels, inverters, racks, and wire, they need a clear picture of your roof, service equipment, shading, and structural capacity. Done well, a solar site survey trims weeks off a project and avoids nasty surprises on install day. Done poorly, it becomes a guessing game that leads to change orders, design compromises, and sometimes stalled permits.
If you have already scheduled a solar site surveyor, or searched for a “solar site surveyor near me,” it helps to know what you should get back when the job is done. The data package is not just a pile of photos. It is a coherent record that allows a designer to model production, an engineer to sign off on loads, and an installer to arrive prepared. The best solar site survey companies leave homeowners with a transparent snapshot of the property and a clear path to a buildable system.
Below is a detailed guide to the data you should expect, why each piece matters, and the flags that tell you to push back before your project moves forward.
A clear narrative and a file index
Before diving into measurements and kilowatts, ask for a short written summary. A competent solar site survey company will include a plain-language narrative that explains the scope of the visit, any constraints they discovered, and what they recommend next. This is where they translate field notes into decisions. It helps the homeowner and the designer get on the same page.
A one-paragraph overview is enough, but it should be specific. For example: “South roof is composite shingle over 1/2 inch OSB on 2x6 rafters, 24 inch on center. Attic access at hallway. No signs of moisture. Hip roof limits stringing options; best to keep arrays in two blocks. Main service panel 125 A bus rated, 100 A main breaker. Recommend 125 A bus upgrade or line-side tap to support a 7.6 kW inverter.”
Alongside the narrative, expect an index of files with clear labels. Photos should be named for what they show, not just “IMG_1234.” Floor plans, sketches, and logs should indicate date and address. You should not have to guess which roof face is “Array 2” or which conduit path they intended.
Roof geometry that a designer can build on
Rooftops are not theoretical. They have vents, hips, step downs, and skylights that swallow square footage fast. Designers need precise geometry to place modules, calculate row spacing, and verify setbacks. Look for three essentials: dimensions, slopes, and obstructions.
The dimensions should include the ridge-to-eave distance and the width of each roof plane. If you have a complex roof, separate each facet with its own measurements. A trustworthy surveyor will share a roof sketch with numbers on it. Hand sketches are fine, provided they are legible and scaled with actual measurements. Laser rangefinders are standard in the field now; tape measures still work if the person doing it knows the lines to pull.
The pitch or slope is equally important. A measurement in rise over run format, such as 6 in 12, translates directly to design parameters. Higher pitch changes racking attachment forces, affects snow shedding, and can alter how far from the ridge the array should sit. If the roof pitch varies across planes, the survey should reflect that.
Obstructions must be plotted with location and size. Vents, chimneys, skylights, roof hatches, and satellite dishes all matter. An accurate obstruction map lets a designer keep modules in contiguous blocks and avoids orphan panels that complicate wiring. The better solar site surveyors photograph each obstruction, measure its footprint, and mark it on the sketch with offsets from two known edges.
If your roof has multiple materials, such as a main field of asphalt with a metal porch cover or a low-slope modified bitumen addition, the survey should note changes by plane. Different materials demand different attachments and sometimes different module layouts due to setback rules.
Structural details that drive engineering
A good portion of the site visit happens off the roof, in the attic or crawl space. The surveyor is there to answer a simple question: Can this roof safely accept the added dead load of the solar array plus wind and seismic forces? That answer requires details.
Expect the report to include rafter or truss types, sizes, and spacing. Common residential rafters are 2x4 or 2x6, spaced either 16 or 24 inches on center. Trusses come in different configurations, and the web pattern can influence access and wire routing. The survey should note whether the framing is dimensional lumber or engineered trusses, the direction of the members relative to the ridge, and whether there are purlins, struts, or strongbacks.
Decking thickness and material matter. Half-inch OSB is common in newer homes, while older homes may have plank decking of variable thickness. Photos of decking and fasteners go a long way for the engineer who will stamp the plans. If the surveyor could not access the attic, the report should explain why and document alternative evidence such as soffit vents, overhangs, or bore-scope images.
Signs of distress must be called out candidly. Sags between rafters, cracked truss plates, dark stains from historical leaks, and soft decking all change the engineering calculus. The solar site survey company should not sugarcoat it. An honest note like “Deck soft around chimney flashing, recommend roofing repair before installation” prevents a crew from discovering it with boots on.
For tile roofs, the survey should identify tile type Roman, S, flat, or lightweight concrete and whether battens are present. It should also capture underlayment condition where visible and note any broken tiles found during the survey.
Electrical service details that determine the interconnection path
Your system design lives or dies on the electrical service. If a solar site surveyor leaves you guessing about panel ratings, conductor sizes, and available breaker space, you are set up for a change order. The electrical section of the survey should be precise.
Start with the service entrance type. Overhead or underground makes a difference for interconnection and potential upgrades. Document meter location, utility meter form, and any existing net-metering hardware. Provide clear photos of the meter base and any labeling.
The main service panel needs a thorough set of data points: manufacturer, model, bus rating in amps, and main breaker rating. These numbers govern whether a backfeed breaker is possible under the 120 percent rule or whether you need a line-side tap. If your main is 100 A on a 100 A bus, the designer will likely recommend a tap or a service upgrade, especially for systems above roughly 4 to 5 kW AC, though the exact breakpoint depends on code and equipment.
The report should list the number of available breaker spaces and any tandem breakers present. A photo of the panel legend, even if inaccurate, helps map circuits. Conductor sizes feeding the main breaker and the grounding electrode conductor should be noted. If there is a subpanel where you plan to interconnect, the survey should document its bus rating, feeder size, and whether the neutrals and grounds are bonded or isolated.
Code compliance items deserve attention. Look for details such as working clearances in front of the panel, bonding jumpers on metallic water pipes, the presence of a grounding electrode system, and any obvious hazards like double-lugged conductors or scorched insulation. While the solar crew is not your electrician for every existing issue, knowing what they might be forced to correct is part of a realistic project plan.
Finally, the inverter location and AC conduit path should be proposed, not left to chance. The solar site survey company should identify a wall space with adequate ventilation and clearances, assign a route to the service equipment, and note the distance for material estimation. If you prefer a garage-mounted inverter over an exterior wall, say so early and make sure it is captured.
Sun exposure and shade analysis you can trust
It is common to see production estimates inflated by rosy assumptions. A proper shade analysis puts that to bed. Expect a formal shading report from a digital tool such as a Solmetric SunEye or a mobile lidar platform that compensates for fisheye distortion. The specifics matter less than the methodology and the granularity. You want site-specific horizon profiles and monthly solar access percentages at the candidate array locations.
The report should indicate the tilt and azimuth of each roof plane measured on site, not pulled from a rough satellite image. Then it should overlay near-object shading trees, dormers, neighboring buildings as well as horizon shading. A healthy dataset shows at least one year of sun paths and breaks down losses by month. If a maple overhangs your south eave, a good report will flag March and October as bigger trouble months than June, when the sun rides high.
Ask for the raw skylines or images, not just a single number. The designer may decide to shift an array up three feet to escape winter shade from a parapet, and having access to the underlying viewshed enables that clarity. If trees are slated for trimming, the survey should document the assumed post-trim height and call out that production estimates depend on that change.
Photographic documentation that reads like a story
Photos bridge the gap between field reality and design intent. The difference between a helpful photo set and a useless dump is framing and context. You are looking for wide shots that establish orientation, then detailed images that show features, labels, and conditions.
A well-run solar site survey produces photos of each roof plane from the ground and from the roof, each obstruction with a reference dimension, and each eave where conduits might run. Inside, expect attic shots of rafters, trusses, and decking, including a tape measure in frame to show spacing. At the service equipment, ask for clear images of the panel interior with covers removed, labels showing ratings, breaker counts, and any subpanels or disconnects. Exterior shots should show meter, main panel, and potential equipment wall areas with enough context to understand distances and obstacles like gas lines or hose bibs.
Captions are underrated. A one-line note such as “North roof, 5 in 12, vent on west third, 14 inches from ridge” saves time on the design desk. If the solar site surveyor cannot add captions, a simple photo index document with references will do.
Layout concepts and preliminary equipment choices
Some teams prefer to keep design decisions in the office. Others allow surveyors to propose layouts in the field. Either way, the package you receive should include at least one feasible array footprint drawn on the measured roof planes. It does not need to be a permit-ready drawing, but it should respect setbacks, obstructions, and ridge-to-eave distances.
Alongside the footprint, expect a preliminary system size in kW DC. If the surveyor took accurate tilt and azimuth, and if shade losses were measured, the designer can pair that with your utility usage to propose a right-sized system. Production estimates should note the assumed module type and nameplate rating. If they propose bifacial modules on a rooftop with no albedo gain, question the choice. If your roof is small but open, they might suggest higher wattage modules to meet your offset target.
Equipment choices should be justified briefly. String inverters with optimizers may make sense for a roof with partial shade and a clean service path. Microinverters can excel on complex roof geometries with differing tilt and azimuth by panel. If you are anticipating a battery now or later, the report should touch on interconnection strategy and whether the chosen inverter platform supports storage integration without a forklift upgrade.
Code and permitting constraints you should know early
Local codes shape your design more than marketing brochures. The survey report should identify the Authority Having Jurisdiction and utility, then note any known local variances. Examples include fire setback requirements that exceed national guidance, restrictions on front-facing panels in historical districts, or utility rules on line-side taps.
If your property lies in a high-wind or snow region, expect a callout on design wind speed and ground snow load. Engineers will compute loads using standards, but the survey should anchor them with site-specific context. For flat roofs, note parapet heights and membrane type. For essential safety components such as rapid shutdown, the survey should confirm compliance paths based on the proposed equipment.
A clear permitting path, even summarized in a few sentences, reduces cycles. “City requires structural letter for any tile roof, utility requires a one-line diagram showing service conductor sizes, and inspector demands labels per Article 690 printed, not handwritten.” These are the kinds of notes that keep a schedule honest.
Conduit routes and penetrations that avoid surprises
Wire routing rarely gets attention until it becomes a problem. The survey package should include a proposed DC and AC conduit path, including the number of roof penetrations and where they would occur. If you have vaulted ceilings with no attic space, note how homeruns will exit the array. On stucco homes, surface-mounted conduit on exterior walls can be visually prominent, so the survey should present alternatives if aesthetics are a priority.
Distances matter for voltage drop and labor planning. A simple measurement like “30 feet from south eave to main panel along exterior wall” informs conductor sizing and material takeoffs. If trenching is required for detached garages or ground mounts, the survey should sketch the path and call out known obstacles, including sprinklers, gas lines, or hardscape.
Customer preferences and constraints in writing
A solar site survey company sees the house through a technical lens, but the homeowner lives with the outcome. Preferences should be captured as part of the data package, not as a separate email that gets lost. If you prefer equipment on the side yard wall rather than the front elevation, say so. If you are noise sensitive and want the inverter away from a bedroom, call it out. If you are planning a future addition that will affect a roof plane, document it now.
These notes are not fluff. They influence array placement, equipment selection, and the cost of the project. A surveyor who listens and records preferences helps prevent friction later.
Utility bills and usage profiles that anchor system sizing
Designers size systems to energy usage, not just roof space. The survey should request and include at least 12 months of utility bills or interval data. Seasonal swings matter, especially in climates with electric heating or heavy summer cooling. If your lifestyle changed recently an EV added in May, for example the report should note it to avoid undersizing.
When bills are unavailable, a realistic estimate based on square footage, occupants, and end uses can work temporarily, but it should be labeled as provisional. Production targets are more credible when they reference actual kWh consumption numbers.
Safety notes and roof condition recommendations
Solar crews are good at working around typical roof conditions, but they are not roofers. The survey package should include a short section on roof condition and any recommended remediation before install. Examples include brittle shingles approaching end of life, lifted flashing at a chimney, or ponding on a low-slope roof. Replacing a roof after installing solar is avoidable, but only if the conversation happens early.
Safety notes also matter for the crew. Slopes above a certain pitch require additional fall protection measures. Fragile clay tiles might demand foam pads and careful foot placement. Documenting these facts helps the project manager schedule the right team and equipment.
Data format and delivery that is actually usable
You can judge a solar site survey company by how they package data. A tidy PDF with a table of contents, plus a zipped folder of original-resolution photos named descriptively, will save hours downstream. CAD or vector files for roof sketches are a bonus if the surveyor is equipped for it. If the company uses a digital platform, ensure you can export the files rather than being locked into a portal that expires.
File names like “ServicePanel InteriorBusRating.jpg” beat “IMG_2041.jpg.” A final report date and version number help keep everyone on the same revision. Small things, big impact.
How this data prevents delays, with real examples
On a two-story home I worked on in a coastal wind zone, the initial sales layout showed a tidy 8 kW array on the south roof. The solar site survey revealed that the hip and a cluster of vents left only 280 square feet of usable area, not the 380 square feet assumed from satellite imagery. Because the surveyor measured accurately and photographed each obstruction, the designer regrouped modules in two blocks, maintained fire setbacks, and switched to slightly higher wattage panels. The final design hit 7.2 kW and passed plan check on the first submission. Without that level of data, we would have lost a month to redesigns.
In another case, a 100 A main breaker on a 125 A bus allowed a backfeed breaker under the 120 percent rule, but only on the opposite end from the main. The surveyor documented the panel make and model, then took a photo of the bus labeling that showed a limited positions section. The designer caught it and specified the correct breaker placement and a hold-down kit required by that panel. The inspector checked the labeling on site and signed off. No return trip for a $20 part.
I have also seen shade analysis save homeowners money. A mature oak cast a deep winter shadow over the western third of a roof. Rather than packing that area with panels and hoping optimizers would salvage production, the designer drew a tighter array and avoided a string that would have underperformed. The system lost two modules, the budget dropped slightly, and the annual production stayed essentially the same because the shaded modules would have been passengers.
Red flags that signal an incomplete survey
If you are evaluating a solar site surveyor or reviewing the package they sent, a few patterns indicate trouble ahead.
- Roof measurements without documented pitch or obstruction locations. Electrical panel photos taken with covers on, no model or bus rating visible. A single “percent shade” number with no monthly breakdown or horizon images. No mention of rafter sizes or spacing, and no attic access notes to explain the gap. Layout drawings that ignore setbacks or show panels spanning hips as if the roof were flat.
Any one of these merits a follow-up. Several together mean you should pause the project or ask the solar site survey company to revisit the site.
What to ask a solar site surveyor near you before booking
If you are still choosing a provider, a quick phone call can reveal whether they deliver the level of detail you need. Ask what tools they use for shading and measurement, whether they remove panel covers to record bus ratings safely, and how they label and deliver files. If you have a tile or metal roof, ask about their approach to identifying tile types or measuring standing seam spacing. The best teams answer plainly, share a sample report, and set expectations about access and timing.
Time on site matters. A typical single-family home survey ranges from 60 to 120 minutes, depending on roof complexity and electrical configuration. If a prospective solar site survey company promises a 15-minute walkthrough with no attic access, be skeptical.
Putting the data to work
Once you have the survey package, make sure everyone uses it. Share it with your salesperson if they were not the one who ordered it, your designer, and your installer. Flag preferences and constraints in writing and confirm that they made it into the design. If you plan to solicit multiple bids, provide the same survey data to each bidder. You will get more apples-to-apples proposals and reduce the temptation for anyone to assume away a problem.
If you are a homeowner who likes to learn, take a few minutes to read the roof sketch and the electrical notes. You will ask better questions, such as whether the proposed conduit route crosses a stucco front elevation, or whether moving the inverter inside the garage affects ventilation and code clearances. These are practical conversations solar permit services that improve outcomes.
The bottom line
A thorough solar site survey is not glamorous, but it is the backbone of a smooth installation. The right data set will include precise roof geometry and obstructions, structural details down to rafter size and spacing, a full electrical inventory of your service equipment, a defensible shade analysis with monthly solar access, clear photo documentation, and a preliminary layout that respects code and your preferences. It will call out permitting and utility constraints early, propose conduit paths, and flag roof conditions that deserve attention.
If your solar site survey company delivers all of that promptly and clearly, your project is on solid footing. If not, ask them to fill the gaps before you order equipment or submit for permits. A few extra hours now will save days later, and in solar, schedule is money, trust, and a better-looking system on your roof.
Business Name: Exactus Energy
Address: 888 Dupont St Unit 208, Toronto, ON M9A 1B5
Phone number: +1 833-392-2887
What permits are needed to install solar panels?
Installing solar panels usually requires a building permit to confirm structural safety, an electrical permit to ensure code compliance, and utility approval for grid connection. In many cases, zoning reviews or fire code checks may also be required, especially for ground-mounted systems. Additional permits may apply if battery storage is included. The exact permits vary by city, state, or province, so checking with local authorities is essential.
Why do solar permits take so long?
Solar permits can take weeks or months because each authority having jurisdiction reviews plans for safety, code compliance, and utility coordination. Delays often come from backlogs at building departments, missing documents, or varying local requirements. Inconsistent processes between municipalities also slow things down. Having a complete and well-prepared application usually speeds up approvals.
What is a US solar permit?
A US solar permit is official authorization from a local building or electrical authority allowing the installation of a solar energy system. It confirms that the project meets national and local safety codes, zoning laws, and fire standards. The permit process typically includes plan reviews, inspections, and utility approval. Without this permit, the system cannot be legally connected or energized.
Is it hard to get out of a solar panel contract?
Exiting a solar panel contract can be challenging because agreements often lock customers into long-term financing, leases, or power purchase arrangements. Cancellation may involve penalties, repayment of incentives, or transferring the contract to a homebuyer. Some companies offer limited cancellation windows, but once installation begins, options are usually restricted. It’s important to review terms carefully before signing.
Are you allowed to install your own solar panels?
In many places, homeowners are legally allowed to install their own solar panels, but the work must meet electrical and building codes. Permits and inspections are still required, and some utilities mandate that a licensed installer handle grid connections. DIY installations can be risky if you’re not experienced in electrical work. Hiring a licensed professional ensures compliance and safety.
How much is a solar permit in California?
In California, state law caps residential solar permit fees at $500 for rooftop systems and $1,000 if battery storage is included. Commercial projects may have higher limits based on system size. Some cities charge less, and online permitting systems can reduce costs further. Always confirm fees with your local building department, since exact amounts vary by jurisdiction.
Exactus Energy has the business name "Exactus Energy". Exactus Energy has the address "888 Dupont St Unit 208, Toronto, ON M9A 1B5". Exactus Energy has the phone number "+1 833-392-2887". Exactus Energy has the website "https://www.exactusenergy.com/ ". Exactus Energy has the email [email protected]" ". Exactus Energy has business hours of Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm EST. Exactus Energy has business hours of Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm EST. Exactus Energy provides the service of structural solar engineering. Exactus Energy provides the service of solar structural engineering. Exactus Energy provides the service of structural engineering. Exactus Energy provides the service of solar permitting service. Exactus Energy provides the service of solar permit services. Exactus Energy provides the service of solar permit service. Exactus Energy provides the service of solar plans. Exactus Energy provides the service of solar design and stamping. Exactus Energy provides the service of commercial solar engineering. Exactus Energy provides the solution of a solar permit package. A solar permit package is designed to simplify on-site operations and engineering. Exactus Energy performs site survey. Exactus Energy performs design and engineering. Exactus Energy delivers a stamped permit package. A stamped permit package is intended for AHJ approval. Exactus Energy serves 50 states in the United States. Exactus Energy serves 9 Canadian provinces. Exactus Energy specializes in solar design. Exactus Energy specializes in engineering for solar permitting. Exactus Energy has commercial solar projects as its target customers. Exactus Energy operates in the renewable energy industry. Exactus Energy operates in the solar engineering sector. Exactus Energy is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. "