Path-Q Solar

What should I ask an installer during the first solar site visit?

Answer

Ask the installer to explain the proposed layout, expected production, roof and structural findings, electrical requirements, project exclusions, timeline, warranties, and how future changes would affect the design. The visit should produce testable assumptions, not just a sales estimate.

Key points

  • Ask which roof areas will be used and how shade, orientation, tilt, and obstructions affect output.
  • Ask whether the roof, attachments, and electrical service appear suitable and what requires further review.
  • Request the modeled annual and monthly production and the principal loss assumptions.
  • Clarify equipment, monitoring, battery options, included work, exclusions, permits, inspections, and utility coordination responsibilities.
  • Ask who performs the work, who provides warranty support, and how roof or system problems are handled.

What it depends on

  • The site's roof, shade, structural, and electrical conditions
  • Your electricity use and future loads
  • Whether storage or backup is part of the objective
  • The installer's scope and documentation practices

Risks and trade-offs

  • A quick visual visit may not identify concealed roof or structural problems.
  • Adding panels, batteries, or electrical work can change cost, schedule, and design.
  • Verbal assurances may be difficult to enforce if they are absent from the written proposal.

Information you may need

  • Recent bills and future load plans
  • Roof age, repair history, and access information
  • Your priorities for production, cost, backup, and appearance
  • Questions about warranties, maintenance, and project ownership

Your next step

What to do next

Use a written site-visit checklist and require material answers, assumptions, and exclusions to appear in the formal proposal.

Path-Q

Find the right next step

Answer a few questions and we’ll narrow your options.

Loading…

SQ00421