What Is a Solar Survey and How Is It Carried Out?
If you’re considering switching to solar energy, the first step in the process is a solar survey—a detailed on-site assessment that helps determine whether your property is suitable for solar panel installation. At East Green Energy, we carry out professional solar surveys across commercial, agricultural sites and utility scale site to ensure every system is designed for maximum efficiency and return on investment.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly how a solar survey is carried out, what it involves, and why it’s essential to the success of your solar PV installation.
What Is a Solar Survey?
A solar survey is a comprehensive site inspection carried out by a qualified solar expert. It is used to assess the structural, electrical, and environmental suitability of a property for solar panels. This step is critical in ensuring your system performs optimally for years to come.
What Happens During a Solar Survey?
Here’s what you can expect when you book a solar survey with East Green Energy:
1. Roof Assessment and Orientation
We begin by examining your roof structure, material, and orientation. We do a drone survey to look at every aspect of the structure. Key considerations include:
• Roof pitch and direction (south-facing roofs typically perform best in the UK)
• Available surface area for panel installation
• Shading analysis from trees, chimneys, or neighbouring buildings
• Structural integrity to support the weight of solar PV panels
Using digital tools and professional measuring equipment, we can calculate the potential solar yield based on your roof’s specifications.
2. Shading and Sunlight Analysis
Using solar pathfinder tools or 3D modelling software, we perform a shading analysis to determine how much sunlight your roof receives throughout the year. Even partial shading can affect energy generation, so this step is essential in ensuring accurate energy output predictions.
3. Electrical System Check
We assess your existing electrical infrastructure, including:
• Location of your consumer unit (fuse box)
• Space for an inverter (usually installed in a loft, garage, or utility room)
• Potential for battery storage integration
• Connection point to the national grid
This ensures the system can be installed safely and in line with MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) and DNO (Distribution Network Operator) requirements.
4. Energy Usage Analysis
We’ll review your energy consumption patterns, using recent electricity bills to understand how much energy you use and when. This helps us design a system that matches your needs and maximises savings, especially if you’re interested in solar battery storage or exporting excess energy back to the grid.
5. Installation Feasibility and Recommendations
Following the assessment, we provide:
• A custom system design
• Estimated energy generation (kWh/year)
• Projected cost savings and return on investment
• Advice on solar panel types, inverters, and optional battery storage
• Guidance on planning permission and grid connection where needed
Why a Solar Survey Is Essential
A thorough solar survey ensures that:
• Your system is correctly sized and positioned for maximum efficiency
• Installation is safe, compliant, and meets all UK regulations
• You avoid unexpected installation issues or additional costs
• You get a clear understanding of the financial and environmental benefits
Book Your Solar Survey with East Green Energy
At East Green Energy, our experienced surveyors carry out detailed site visits across East Anglia and beyond, helping homeowners, businesses, and farms make a confident switch to clean, renewable energy.
Whether you’re looking to reduce your energy bills, improve your EPC rating, or achieve long-term sustainability goals, it all starts with a professional solar survey.
📞 Call us today on 01394 380557
📩 Email: info@eastgreenenergy.co.uk
Solar Panels installed on a farm rooftop at Hayward Farm in Suffolk
