solar site assessments

Solar Site Assessments: What Every Installer Should Check First

ByGLOBALNET ICT

Why Solar Site Assessments Matter More Than You Think

Every successful solar installation begins long before the panels hit the roof. It starts with a solid site assessment — the foundation of every efficient and reliable system.

I’ve seen even experienced installers rush this stage, only to face issues later — panels shaded at noon, undersized systems, or roofs that couldn’t handle the weight. These mistakes cost time, money, and reputation.

A proper solar site assessment helps you identify constraints early, plan accurately, and guarantee maximum performance. Whether you’re handling a small residential project or a large commercial system, this step separates professionals from amateurs.

Here’s what I’ve learned from years in the field about what every installer should check first during a solar site assessment.

1. Roof Condition and Structure

Before you even think about panel orientation, start with the basics — the roof itself.

  • Is it structurally sound?
  • Can it handle the additional load of panels and mounting hardware?
  • Does it have leaks, weak joints, or rusted sections?

Why it matters: A weak roof can compromise your entire system, leading to safety risks or warranty issues.

Pro Tip: Always check for sagging, cracks, and signs of corrosion. If the structure isn’t suitable, discuss alternatives like ground mounts or carports.

2. Solar Orientation and Tilt Angle

Once you’ve confirmed the roof’s integrity, determine the optimal orientation and tilt for maximum sunlight exposure.

For example, in Nigeria and most of West Africa, panels perform best when facing due south at a tilt angle close to the site’s latitude (typically 10°–15°).

Pro Tip: Use the Globisun app for precise solar sizing and tilt calculations. It gives you accurate solar path data and recommends the perfect angle for your location.

site assessment
site assessment

3. Shading Analysis

Even partial shading on one panel can reduce your entire array’s performance by up to 25%. Check for:

  • Trees or nearby buildings casting shadows.
  • Water tanks, poles, or satellite dishes blocking sunlight.
  • Seasonal variations — shadows move differently in dry and rainy seasons.

Pro Tip: Perform shading analysis at multiple times of day. The Globisun app includes tools to simulate shading and visualize how sunlight interacts with the installation site.

4. Available Space and Layout Planning

Accurate measurements are everything. Assess the available installation space to determine how many panels will fit comfortably without overcrowding.

Checklist:

  • Measure roof length, width, and usable area.
  • Plan cable routes and inverter placement.
  • Ensure adequate spacing between rows for maintenance access.

Pro Tip: Take clear photos and measurements during the site visit — this data helps during system design and quoting.

5. Load Analysis and Energy Needs

No two clients have the same energy usage. A proper load analysis ensures your design matches the client’s consumption pattern.

Steps:

  • List all appliances, their wattage, and daily usage hours.
  • Calculate total daily energy demand (Wh).
  • Identify critical vs. non-critical loads.

Pro Tip: Use Globisun’s solar sizing feature to calculate battery capacity, inverter size, and panel count instantly. It ensures accuracy and reduces manual errors.

6. Electrical Infrastructure and Safety Checks

Inspect the client’s existing electrical setup — this often reveals hidden issues before installation. Check:

  • Earthing/grounding systems.
  • Breaker ratings and panel quality.
  • Cable sizes and insulation condition.

Lesson Learned: Fixing minor electrical issues before installation saves hours of troubleshooting later.

7. Site Accessibility and Logistics

A technically perfect site can still pose logistical challenges. Consider:

  • Vehicle access for delivery.
  • Panel lifting or hoisting requirements.
  • Storage space for materials during installation.

Pro Tip: Plan your logistics ahead — tight spaces or steep roofs may require specialized gear or additional manpower.

8. Environmental and Weather Conditions

Don’t forget environmental factors that influence system performance:

  • High wind zones may need stronger mounting structures.
  • Coastal areas require corrosion-resistant hardware.
  • Dusty or humid environments affect panel maintenance schedules.

Pro Tip: Match your equipment choices to the local environment — it’s key to long-term performance.

9. Client Expectations and Aesthetic Preferences

Never overlook the human factor. Some clients prioritize aesthetics or prefer panels to be less visible.

Take time to discuss:

  • Visual layout preferences.
  • Noise concerns from inverters or fans.
  • Monitoring expectations (daily generation reports, remote access, etc.).

Pro Tip: Managing expectations early prevents misunderstandings later.

10. Documentation and Reporting

A thorough solar site assessment should end with a detailed report including:

  • Photos, sketches, and measurements.
  • Load analysis results.
  • Shading and orientation data.
  • Recommended system capacity.

Pro Tip: Use Globisun to save and organize your site data digitally — from location coordinates to load reports — all in one place.

Conclusion: Measure Twice, Install Once

If there’s one lesson every professional installer should remember, it’s this: a great installation begins with a great assessment.

A few extra hours spent gathering the right data can save days of rework and ensure your system performs at its peak for years. From roof condition and shading to accurate load analysis, each step matters.

And when it comes to simplifying the process, tools like the Globisun app make solar site assessments, solar sizing, and system planning faster, smarter, and more precise.

Because in solar installation, success isn’t just about what you install — it’s about what you check before you install.

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