The Solar Site Survey: How We Conduct Our Solar Surveys

In this episode of Topps Talk, learn more about what happens during your solar site survey. Join us as Mark Freitag, Lead Solar Technician at Solar Topps, breaks down everything you need to know about solar site surveys. Learn what happens during this crucial first step, how to prepare, and what our experienced technicians look for when evaluating your home for solar. Find out what the solar surveyor does, any red flags you should be aware of, and how to get the most out of your solar experience.

Watch Info: Episode 10

Solar Topps
15 min watch
Solar Installation Process
Guest: Mark Freitag, Lead Solar Technician

Key Takeaways: Solar Site Survey

  • Comprehensive Assessment: Site surveys involve checking electrical panels, measuring roofs, and assessing shading conditions
  • Duration: Typical surveys take 1-1.5 hours depending on home complexity
  • Professional Tools: Solar pathfinders, laser measuring devices, and specialized apps ensure accurate assessments
  • Local Expertise: Arizona-specific considerations like monsoons, heat, and dust storms are factored into designs
  • Problem Solving: Issues like electrical panel upgrades or roof repairs can be identified and addressed upfront
  • Next Steps: Survey data goes to engineers for custom system design, with installation typically 2-3 weeks later

Full Video Transcript

Show Full Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Host: Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of Topps Talk.

Host: I’m your host, and today we’re going to be talking about solar site surveys.

Host: We have a special guest with us today, Mark Freitag, our lead solar technician.

Host: Mark, thank you so much for joining us today.

Mark: Thank you for having me.

Host: So Mark, tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience in the solar industry.

Mark: Well, I’ve been with Solar Topps for about seven years now, um, and I’ve been in the industry for about ten.

Mark: I started out as an installer and worked my way up to lead technician, so I’ve seen pretty much everything.

Host: That’s great. So you’re the perfect person to talk to us about solar site surveys.

Host: For our viewers who might not know, what exactly is a solar site survey?

Mark: Well, a solar site survey is basically our first physical visit to your home after you’ve signed up for solar.

Mark: It’s where we come out and, uh, take measurements, look at your electrical panel, check your roof condition.

Mark: We’re basically gathering all the information we need to design your system properly.

Host: So it’s really the foundation for the entire solar installation process, right?

Mark: Absolutely. If we don’t get this part right, nothing else will go smoothly.

Host: So walk us through what happens during a typical solar site survey.

Mark: Sure. So when we arrive at your home, we’ll introduce ourselves and explain what we’re going to be doing.

Mark: First, we’ll take a look at your electrical panel to make sure it can handle the solar system.

Mark: We check the amperage, the brand, the model, and we take pictures for our engineers.

Mark: Then we’ll head up to your roof where we’ll take detailed measurements and assess the condition.

Mark: We’re looking at things like the type of roofing material, the pitch, any obstructions like vents or skylights.

Mark: We also check for shading from trees or nearby buildings that might affect solar production.

Host: And I understand you use some special tools during this process?

Mark: Yes, we use a few different tools. We have a solar pathfinder that helps us measure shading.

Mark: We use laser measuring devices for accurate dimensions, and we take lots of photos.

Mark: We also have an app that helps us determine the optimal placement for the panels.

Host: How long does a typical site survey take?

Mark: Usually about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the complexity of the home.

Mark: Larger homes or more complex roof designs might take a bit longer.

Host: And does the homeowner need to be present during the survey?

Mark: It’s helpful if they can be, especially at the beginning and end of the survey.

Mark: We might have questions about the electrical panel or other aspects of the home.

Mark: But if they can’t be there the whole time, that’s usually fine too.

Host: What are some common issues you might discover during a site survey?

Mark: Well, sometimes we find that the electrical panel needs to be upgraded.

Mark: Older homes often have panels that aren’t compatible with solar or don’t have enough capacity.

Mark: We might also discover roof issues like damaged shingles or structural concerns.

Mark: And occasionally we find that there’s too much shading for solar to be effective.

Host: And what happens if you do find issues like these?

Mark: We document everything and discuss it with the homeowner. If it’s something simple, we can often work around it.

Mark: For more significant issues, we’ll coordinate with our team to find solutions.

Mark: For example, if an electrical panel needs upgrading, we can include that in the project.

Mark: If there are roof concerns, we might recommend repairs before installation.

Host: So after the survey is complete, what’s the next step?

Mark: We take all the information back to our office where our engineers review it.

Mark: They’ll create a detailed design for your solar system based on our findings.

Mark: This includes the exact placement of panels, the wiring plan, and equipment specifications.

Mark: Once that’s done, we’ll schedule the installation.

Host: How long does it typically take from the survey to installation?

Mark: Usually about two to three weeks, depending on our current workload and permitting timelines.

Mark: We need to get permits from the city or county, and that can sometimes take a bit of time.

Host: Are there any ways homeowners can prepare for a site survey?

Mark: Yes, there are a few things that can help. First, make sure we have access to your electrical panel.

Mark: Sometimes these are in garages or utility rooms that might be locked or blocked by storage.

Mark: Also, if you have any known issues with your roof or electrical system, let us know beforehand.

Mark: And if you have pets, it’s good to secure them during the survey for their safety and ours.

Host: Those are great tips. What about access to the roof? Do homeowners need to provide a ladder?

Mark: No, we bring all our own equipment, including ladders. We’re fully self-sufficient.

Mark: We just need permission to access your property and home as needed.

Host: And I imagine safety is a big concern when you’re up on roofs all day.

Mark: Absolutely. Safety is our number one priority. We use proper fall protection equipment.

Mark: All our technicians are trained in roof safety and we follow strict protocols.

Mark: We also carry insurance, of course, but we work hard to prevent any issues in the first place.

Host: That’s really reassuring. Now, are there any seasonal considerations for site surveys?

Mark: We conduct surveys year-round, but there are some seasonal factors to consider.

Mark: In summer, we try to work earlier in the day to avoid the extreme heat on rooftops.

Mark: In winter, we might reschedule if there’s rain or snow since wet roofs can be dangerous.

Mark: But generally, we can work in most weather conditions here in Arizona.

Host: Speaking of Arizona, are there any specific considerations for homes in our region?

Mark: Yes, definitely. Our intense sun is actually great for solar production.

Mark: But we need to consider things like the monsoon season and dust storms when designing systems.

Mark: We also look at how the extreme summer heat might affect equipment placement and ventilation.

Mark: And we’re very familiar with the typical construction styles in Arizona, which helps us work efficiently.

Host: That local knowledge must be really valuable.

Mark: It absolutely is. That’s one advantage of working with a local company like Solar Topps.

Mark: We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of solar in Arizona.

Host: Let’s talk about some common questions homeowners have during site surveys.

Mark: Sure. One of the most common questions is about how many panels they’ll need.

Mark: People also ask about how the panels are attached to the roof and if they’ll cause leaks.

Mark: They want to know where the inverter will be placed and how visible the system will be from the street.

Mark: And of course, they ask about timeline – when will installation happen and how long will it take.

Host: And how do you address those concerns?

Mark: We’re very transparent. We explain that the number of panels depends on their energy usage and available roof space.

Mark: We show them exactly how panels are mounted and explain our waterproofing methods.

Mark: We discuss options for inverter placement and try to find locations that are both functional and unobtrusive.

Mark: And we give realistic timelines based on our current schedule and their specific project needs.

Host: That’s great. I think transparency is so important in this industry.

Mark: Absolutely. We want our customers to feel informed and comfortable throughout the process.

Host: Are there any misconceptions about solar site surveys that you’d like to address?

Mark: One common misconception is that we’re going to start installing panels that same day.

Mark: The survey is just the information-gathering stage – installation comes later.

Mark: Another is that every home is suitable for solar. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Mark: Sometimes there are legitimate reasons why solar might not work for a particular property.

Mark: And people sometimes think the process will be disruptive or messy, but we work hard to minimize any inconvenience.

Host: That’s really helpful context. What would you say makes Solar Topps’ approach to site surveys unique?

Mark: I think it’s our attention to detail and our customer-focused approach.

Mark: We’re not just checking boxes – we’re really trying to understand each home’s unique characteristics.

Mark: We take the time to explain things to homeowners and answer all their questions.

Mark: And we’re very thorough in our documentation, which helps prevent issues later in the process.

Host: That thoroughness must really pay off during installation.

Mark: It absolutely does. When we do a good job on the survey, the installation goes much more smoothly.

Mark: There are fewer surprises, which means fewer delays and a better experience for everyone.

Host: So to wrap up, what would you say is the most important thing for homeowners to know about solar site surveys?

Mark: I’d say it’s that this step is really crucial to the success of your solar project.

Mark: It’s worth taking the time to do it right and to work with experienced professionals.

Mark: Don’t hesitate to ask questions and share any concerns you have about your property.

Mark: The more information we have, the better we can design a system that meets your needs.

Host: That’s excellent advice. Mark, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today.

Mark: My pleasure. Happy to help educate people about the solar process.

Host: And thank you all for watching this episode of Topps Talk.

Host: If you’re considering solar for your home, we hope this gives you a better understanding of what to expect.

Host: Remember, at Solar Topps, we’re committed to making your solar journey as smooth as possible.

Host: Be sure to like and subscribe for more episodes, and we’ll see you next time.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Site Surveys

What tools do solar technicians use during site surveys?

Solar technicians use solar pathfinders to measure shading, laser measuring devices for accurate dimensions, specialized apps for optimal panel placement, and cameras to document electrical panels and roof conditions for engineering review.

Can solar work on all types of roofs?

While solar can work on most roof types, some factors like excessive shading, poor roof condition, or structural issues may make solar less effective or require repairs before installation.

What happens if my electrical panel needs upgrading?

If your electrical panel needs upgrading for solar compatibility, Solar Topps can often include the panel upgrade as part of your solar project, ensuring everything is coordinated and properly installed.

Are there Arizona-specific considerations for solar site surveys?

Yes, Solar Topps considers Arizona’s intense sun (great for production), monsoon seasons, dust storms, extreme summer heat affecting equipment placement, and typical Arizona construction styles when designing your system.