What Happens During a Solar Site Assessment

Learn how a solar site assessment evaluates your roof, shading, electrical system, and energy usage to determine the best solar solution for your home.

Mar 28, 2025

Renewable Energy

A solar site assessment helps determine if your home is suitable for solar panels and calculates potential savings. Here's what happens:

  • Roof Inspection: Checks your roof's condition, structure, and available space for panels.

  • Shade Analysis: Identifies obstacles like trees or buildings that may block sunlight.

  • Electrical System Check: Ensures your home's electrical panel can handle a solar system.

  • Energy Usage Review: Examines your electricity bills to size the system correctly.

  • System Design: Creates a custom plan based on your property's features and energy needs.

For Los Angeles homeowners, this process ensures a tailored solar solution that could save up to $235,600 over 25 years. Ready to explore solar? Start by understanding your roof, shade, and energy usage.

What is a Solar Site Assessment? | All Energy Solar

All Energy Solar

Roof Inspection

Inspectors check essential factors to confirm whether your roof can support solar panels.

Roof Condition Check

This step involves evaluating several important aspects:

  • Age and Materials: Inspectors note the roof's age and material type (e.g., asphalt, tile, metal) to determine if it's suitable for solar installation.

  • Structural Integrity: They look for issues like water damage or sagging that could affect the roof's stability.

Certified inspectors from sun4good.net in Los Angeles assess your roof to ensure it meets the necessary standards for installation. Once the roof's condition is approved, they move on to planning the best layout for the solar panels.

Space Requirements

The amount of usable roof space plays a big role in designing your solar system and its energy output. Inspectors focus on:

  • Usable Area: Measuring sections of the roof free from obstructions like vents, chimneys, or skylights.

  • Orientation and Pitch: Checking the roof's direction and slope to determine the best panel placement for sunlight exposure.

Specialists from Voltify use a mix of satellite imagery and on-site measurements to calculate how many panels your roof can hold. They also ensure there's enough space for proper ventilation and maintenance, setting up an efficient solar system tailored to your home.

Shade Analysis

Shade can affect how well your solar system performs. During a site visit, experts assess anything that might impact your system's efficiency. This evaluation also sets the stage for reviewing your electrical setup.

Shade Sources

Shadows on your roof can come from a variety of sources throughout the day, including:

  • Trees: Tall trees or nearby vegetation

  • Neighboring Buildings: Taller structures or nearby homes

  • Architectural Features: Items like chimneys, satellite dishes, or HVAC systems

  • Utility Poles: Power lines and communication towers

Technicians at Sun4good.net use advanced tools to pinpoint shade-related challenges that could lower your system's output. Their thorough analysis ensures panels are placed to minimize shading effects.

Sun Path Analysis

Assessors also examine how sunlight interacts with your property by looking at:

  • Daily Sun Movement: How the sun travels from east to west

  • Seasonal Changes: Variations in the sun's angle during different times of the year

  • Peak Production Hours: Times when sunlight is strongest and most consistent

Voltify uses cutting-edge satellite imagery and mapping tools to study how sunlight reaches your property. Their approach takes into account Los Angeles's specific climate, helping to configure your solar panels for the best performance possible.

Electrical System Check

After completing the shade analysis, technicians evaluate your home's electrical system to confirm it can safely support a solar power setup. This step ensures your property is ready for the installation process.

Electrical Panel Review

The electrical panel plays a key role in determining whether your home is prepared for solar. Technicians focus on several important factors:

  • Amperage Rating: Checking if the panel has the capacity to handle the additional load from a solar system.

  • Available Space: Ensuring there are enough empty breaker slots for the necessary solar equipment.

  • Panel Age: Older panels may need replacement to meet modern safety standards.

  • Service Condition: Inspecting for any signs of wear, damage, or previous modifications.

Technicians from Sun4good.net perform detailed inspections using specialized diagnostic tools. Their knowledge of Los Angeles building codes guarantees your system meets all local regulations. Once the panel is approved, the team moves on to planning where the equipment will be placed.

Equipment Location Planning

The next step involves deciding the best spots for mounting and wiring the system's components. Installation experts consider several factors, including:

  • Inverter Placement: Usually installed near the electrical panel in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

  • Conduit Routing: Mapping out direct and efficient wiring paths between system components.

  • Safety Clearances: Leaving enough space around equipment for maintenance and safe operation.

  • Weather Protection: Choosing locations that shield sensitive parts from rain, sun, and other weather conditions.

Voltify utilizes advanced modeling software to create detailed placement plans. These recommendations are tailored to your property, balancing performance and aesthetics.

For Los Angeles residents, the placement process must also account for the region's specific climate and building regulations. Skilled installers know how to position components to handle Southern California's occasional harsh weather while ensuring the system operates efficiently.

Power Usage Review

Once your roof and electrical setup are checked, the next step is to examine your energy usage. This analysis, combined with roof, shade, and electrical assessments, helps create the complete design for your solar system.

Reviewing Past Power Bills

Looking at 12 months of electricity bills can uncover patterns that directly influence your system design:

  • Monthly Usage Trends: For instance, summer in Los Angeles often means higher electricity use due to air conditioning.

  • Peak Usage Periods: Identifying when your household consumes the most power.

  • Average Monthly Costs: Understanding your typical electricity expenses.

Sun4good.net specializes in analyzing energy use in Los Angeles, factoring in the local climate and household habits. This data is key to determining the right system size, detailed below.

System Size Calculation

Several factors work together to determine the best system size for your home:

Factor

Purpose

Effect on System Size

Annual Energy Use

Establishes baseline needs

Primary sizing input

Peak Demand

Highlights maximum power needs

Guides inverter selection

Future Changes

Plans for increased usage

Ensures system scalability

Voltify uses cutting-edge tools to analyze these details and provide tailored recommendations. Their platform considers specifics like:

  • Roof space available

  • Local sunlight exposure

  • Current electricity rates

  • Applicable incentives

"Our system analyzes your zip code, address, sun/shade conditions, and average monthly electricity bill to generate a customized solar quote." - Voltify

According to recent data, Voltify users in Los Angeles save an average of $235,600 over 25 years by switching to solar. This ensures your system is perfectly sized - avoiding both undersizing and extra costs.

Post-Assessment Steps

Once your site assessment is complete, use the results to plan your next steps effectively.

Assessment Results

Your assessment report includes essential details such as:

Component

Purpose

Roof Analysis

Identifies ideal panel locations

Shade Study

Maximizes sun exposure

System Design

Helps plan power output

Energy Savings

Provides financial estimates

This report serves as a clear guide for your solar installation process.

Getting Quotes Through Voltify

Voltify

Voltify makes it easy to get solar installation quotes with features like:

  • Instant Quotes: Receive multiple options in less than 60 seconds.

  • Custom System Design: Create a tailored solar setup using your assessment data.

  • Cost Transparency: Get a clear breakdown of expenses and projected savings.

For example, Los Angeles homeowners who switch to solar using Voltify save an average of $235,600 over 25 years. After comparing quotes on Voltify, you can evaluate local installers to find the best match for your needs.

Local Installation Options

Sun4good.net is a trusted local provider in Los Angeles, known for combining hands-on expertise with the detailed data from Voltify. They ensure compliance with local regulations and deliver quality results.

"I had the pleasure of working with Sun4good and I couldn't be happier with the results. From the initial consultation to the final installation, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient." - Allison Scott

Their services include:

  • Custom System Design: Tailored solutions based on your assessment.

  • Professional Installation: Skilled teams familiar with local requirements.

  • Post-Installation Support: Ongoing monitoring and assistance.

Now, it’s time to review the key points and plan your next steps.

Summary

Main Points

A solar site assessment in Los Angeles evaluates various factors such as roof condition, shading, electrical setup, and energy requirements. This helps determine the ideal system size and potential savings.

Assessment Component

Key Findings

Roof Analysis

Examines structural condition, available space, and best panel placement

Shade Study

Considers tree coverage, nearby structures, and seasonal sunlight patterns

Electrical Review

Looks at panel capacity, wiring needs, and equipment placement

Power Usage

Reviews historical energy usage and future electricity demands

Use these insights to plan your solar installation effectively.

Next Steps

Turn your assessment results into action for your Los Angeles solar project:

  • Get Instant Quotes: Head to Voltify to compare multiple solar quotes in less than a minute.

  • Review Your Data: Double-check your assessment findings to finalize system design and pricing.

  • Choose an Installer: Opt for Sun4good.net for reliable installations that comply with Los Angeles regulations.

Your tailored assessment ensures your solar system fits your needs, helping you make a smart investment.

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