Path-Q Solar
What is the next step if an installer says my roof is suitable without inspecting it?
Answer
Treat the statement as preliminary, not as a confirmed suitability assessment. Ask for an in-person or otherwise appropriately documented site assessment covering roof condition, structure, access, obstructions, shading, electrical routing, and installation risks before accepting a design or contract.
Key points
- Remote imagery can support preliminary layout work but may miss roof damage, structural limitations, access issues, and hidden obstructions.
- Ask what evidence supports the suitability conclusion and what remains subject to site verification.
- Confirm whether the roof will outlast the system or should be repaired or replaced first.
- Require any assumptions, exclusions, inspection conditions, and change-order triggers in writing.
What it depends on
- Roof material, age, condition, and structural design
- Quality of available imagery and existing documentation
- Proposed array location, equipment, access, and cable route
- Whether the installer includes a physical inspection before final approval
Risks and trade-offs
- Proceeding without inspection can lead to redesign, delays, unexpected charges, or roof damage.
- A remote assessment may overlook shading changes, fragile materials, water damage, or unsafe access.
- Waiting for inspection may delay the project but improves the basis for a firm design and scope.
Information you may need
- The installer’s written site-assessment scope and assumptions
- Roof age, repair history, material, drawings, and accessible photographs
- Proposed layout, mounting method, structural assumptions, and cable route
- Conditions under which the price or design may change
Your next step
What to do next
Request a documented physical assessment or obtain another quote that includes one before signing or paying a nonrefundable amount.
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