Path-Q Solar
Could a tree on a neighboring property make rooftop solar a poor investment?
Answer
Yes, if the tree causes substantial or growing shade over the array, particularly during valuable production periods. However, the investment should be judged using a time-based shade analysis, the tree's likely growth, and the feasibility of designing around the shade—not on the tree's location alone.
Key points
- A neighboring tree may continue growing or change with pruning, disease, removal, or property development.
- The installer should model current and reasonably foreseeable shade on affected roof sections.
- An unshaded portion of the roof may still support a viable smaller system.
What it depends on
- Tree height, species, distance, canopy, and growth potential
- Roof orientation, panel placement, and seasonal sun angles
- Ability to redesign, manage the tree lawfully, or use other roof or ground areas
Risks and trade-offs
- Assuming the tree will be removed or trimmed creates legal, financial, and relationship risks.
- A design that depends on future pruning may lose production if pruning is not possible.
- Shade can reduce returns while the system's fixed costs remain largely unchanged.
Information you may need
- Professional or measured shade assessment
- Tree dimensions, likely growth, and ownership or maintenance constraints
- Alternative layouts and financial results under current and future shade
Your next step
What to do next
Obtain a shade study that includes reasonable future tree growth and compare a reduced, redesigned, and no-solar case.
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SQ00654