Path-Q Solar

Should a small business get a solar feasibility study before requesting installation quotes?

Answer

Often yes, especially for a complex or high-use site, but a formal study is not always necessary before obtaining initial quotes. A feasibility review is most useful when the building, electrical service, roof, operating schedule, financing, or expansion plans could materially affect system design and economics.

Key points

  • A basic preliminary assessment can identify obvious roof, shading, electrical, and consumption constraints.
  • A more formal study may be justified for multiple buildings, large loads, structural questions, planned renovations, or complicated utility interconnection.
  • Requesting several detailed quotes can also reveal feasibility issues, but quote assumptions may not be consistent.
  • The study should address energy use, roof life, structural capacity, electrical service, production, interconnection, and financial assumptions.

What it depends on

  • Site size and number of buildings
  • Load profile and operating hours
  • Roof condition and structural complexity
  • Electrical service and planned equipment changes
  • Need for financing, storage, or backup power

Risks and trade-offs

  • Paying for a study before confirming that the project is viable can add cost without advancing the decision.
  • Skipping analysis can lead to proposals based on incomplete load, roof, or interconnection information.
  • A feasibility study is not a substitute for final engineering, permits, or utility approval.

Information you may need

  • Recent electricity bills and, if available, interval usage data
  • Roof plans, building information, and records of repairs
  • Electrical service details and planned load growth
  • The scope and deliverables of any proposed feasibility study

Your next step

What to do next

Collect bills, roof and electrical information, then ask several qualified commercial solar providers whether a preliminary assessment is sufficient or a paid feasibility study is warranted.

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