Solar Survey Checklist
A technical survey is the foundation of any proper solar specification. Use this checklist to prepare - it helps your assessor produce an accurate, property-specific proposal.
Before the survey visit
Documents to gather
- Recent electricity bills (12 months if available)
- Smart meter half-hourly data export, if accessible
- Details of your current electricity tariff (unit rates and standing charge)
- Any planned building work - extensions, loft conversions, new outbuildings
- EV ownership plans - current vehicle, expected purchase date, typical mileage
Questions to consider
- What are your primary goals - lower bills, environmental, EV charging, backup power?
- Are you interested in battery storage now or potentially later?
- Do you expect to add a second EV within five years?
- Are there trees you plan to remove or plant that affect shading?
- Is your property listed or in a conservation area?
During the survey
A thorough survey typically includes both remote analysis and a site visit. Expect the assessor to examine:
- All usable roof sections - orientation, pitch, condition and obstructions
- Shading from trees, chimneys and neighbouring buildings
- Loft or roof space for inverter and cable routing
- Consumer unit location, condition and spare capacity
- Meter location and type (single or three-phase)
- Earthing arrangements and bonding, including TT supplies where applicable
- Preferred and alternative locations for battery and EV charger
- Monitoring options for solar generation, battery and charging data
- Export registration and DNO notification requirements, where relevant
- Scaffolding access and any parking restrictions
Access preparation
- Ensure loft access is clear if roof structure inspection is needed
- Identify where the assessor can view all roof elevations
- Confirm access to the consumer unit and meter cupboard
- Note any dogs, gates or access codes required
After the survey - what a good proposal includes
- Panel layout diagram specific to your roof
- Equipment list with manufacturer and model numbers
- Generation estimate with stated assumptions
- Itemised pricing including scaffolding and electrical work
- Warranty details for equipment and workmanship
- Proposed timeline and next steps
- Clear explanation of any caveats or conditions
Remember: A technical survey is required before specification. Remote quotes based on postcode or satellite imagery alone are not a substitute for site assessment.
Red flags to watch for
- Pressure to sign on the day without time to review
- No site visit or roof inspection offered
- Guaranteed savings or fixed payback periods
- Vague equipment specifications ("Tier 1 panels" without model details)
- No mention of electrical upgrades that may be needed
Frequently asked questions
Gather recent electricity bills, smart meter data if available, your tariff details and any plans for building work or EV ownership. See the checklist above for full detail on documents and questions to prepare.
Shading from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings can significantly reduce generation on affected roof sections. An assessor needs to identify shading patterns across the day and across seasons to design an accurate system layout.
Your consumer unit condition and spare capacity, meter type, and earthing arrangements should all be checked, alongside loft or roof space for inverter and cable routing and access for battery and EV charger equipment if relevant.
Pressure to sign on the day, no site visit or roof inspection, guaranteed savings or fixed payback claims, and vague equipment specifications without model details are all worth treating with caution. See the red flags section above for the full list.
A meaningful comparison is only possible after a proper survey, since quotes based on postcode or satellite imagery alone are not property-specific. Compare final proposals on equivalent scope, equipment and workmanship, not headline price alone.