Path-Q Solar

When is a solar feasibility study worthwhile for a small business with several possible buildings?

Answer

A feasibility study is worthwhile when multiple buildings, ownership arrangements, loads, roofs, or interconnection paths make it unclear which site or combination offers the best project. It is especially useful before commissioning detailed designs for every building.

Key points

  • Screen roof condition, usable area, shading, electrical service, load profile, access, and ownership for each building.
  • Compare single-building, multi-building, phased, and no-build alternatives.
  • Use the study to identify fatal constraints before paying for detailed engineering or seeking financing.

What it depends on

  • Number and physical differences among buildings
  • Ownership, leases, and electrical separation
  • Business load patterns and project objectives

Risks and trade-offs

  • A feasibility study adds an upfront cost and may not eliminate the need for later engineering.
  • A building that appears attractive by roof area may have poor load alignment or difficult electrical work.
  • Combining sites can increase coordination and ownership complexity.

Information you may need

  • Building plans, roof information, and service details
  • Electricity bills or interval data for each site
  • Ownership, lease, access, and future occupancy information

Your next step

What to do next

Ask a qualified solar professional or engineer for a scoped, comparative feasibility study covering all candidate buildings and clearly defining deliverables and exclusions.

Path-Q

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