Why Is A Site Survey Required?

This is a question most people tend to ask when they are considering installing a Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic System. Here are the reasons why a site survey is essential before installing a solar system:

To do shadow analysis of your rooftop

Solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity. So the way and how much of it falls on your rooftop is critical to designing your Solar Power System. A site survey gives your solar company a better idea of the shadow casting elements on your rooftop and helps them design an optimum solar system for all your power needs. Starting with the surroundings of the rooftop the people conducting your site survey will observe:

The difference in the number and height of the trees around your house to see if they cast shadows on your rooftop.

Railing/Fence height to see if the shadow casted by these fall on the area where the panels will be installed.

The direction of your roof, as a south facing roof is optimum for solar energy generation.

Location of water tanks to learn if the shadows casted by them fall in the area where the panels will be placed or not.

To study the structure of your rooftop

While most rooftops India are flat and have a plain surface throughout, some rooftops might have some structures on them. Some rooftops might also not be flat and be domed shaped. The shape of the rooftop will determine the overall design of your solar system. A site survey helps your solar company design your solar system as per the structure of your rooftop.

To take accurate measurements

Solar PV systems are quite similar to a custom made dress. The art of measurement determines how good the fit is or in the case of a rooftop solar system, the system size and installation.

Several measurements are required to be made. While the measurement of the rooftop area is the most obvious one, the other important measurements which needs to be determined before installing a solar system are the location of the energy meter, a distance of the distribution board, calculating where the grid-tie inverter or the power conditioning unit, the earthing pits, the lightning arrestor, and etc would be located. All these determine the length of cables and other accessories which are installed to keep the solar system connected and working. These measurements also indirectly contribute to the final cost of your rooftop solar system.

To determine your energy needs

Designing of an optimum rooftop solar system requires a thorough knowledge of the load or the power consumption that the building has.Therefore, it becomes essential for solar engineers to to understand the types of loads /electrical equipment that are connected to your building and the typical usage pattern of these loads. This helps solar engineers design an optimum solar system which will be capable of catering to all your power needs.

Taking a site survey helps you get the most customized solar system. Thus it ensures that you make the most from your solar investment and enjoy a worry free solar journey. Take your solar site survey today.