A Step-By-Step Guide to Completing a Solar Site Survey

Efficient site surveys are foundational for optimizing operational efficiency for solar installers. They are the first step in ensuring that the engineering of each installation is tailored uniquely to the installation site. This streamlines the installation process by cutting redesigns and maximizing client satisfaction, system performance, and financial return.  

Let’s dive into the crucial steps of conducting a thorough solar site survey with IMGING and understand why each phase is vital for your project’s success. 

The Automated Part – The Roof Survey 

Utilizing IMGING Flight Site Survey Software simplifies the roof portion of site surveys for solar projects. This software automates the drone’s flight, meticulously capturing every detail of the roof’s structure and condition in six or seven minutes. This not only accelerates the survey process but also boosts the precision of the data collected. You can include shading calculations with every drone survey in IMGING which saves manual documentation of potential shading obstructions later in the process. With IMGING Flight, complex roofs are surveyed automatically, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy in project execution. 

The Manual Part – Ground Photos 

Preparation is Key
First, ensure your smartphone is equipped with IMGING Inspect and fully charged. Getting familiar with the app’s functionalities upfront prevents delays and guarantees that you’re ready to capture essential data efficiently. Inspect’s template feature lets you send us your desired photo checklist, which we then create for you. From there, you can easily add custom photo types, ensuring every solar site survey is tailored to your needs. This preparation ensures a seamless flow in your survey process, saving time and reducing errors. 

Focus on the Fundamentals
Begin with detailed photos of the main service panel and electrical meter. These images provide critical information necessary for designing a compliant and efficient system. Clear documentation of labels and meter readings is essential for meeting local electrical standards and planning the layout. 

Comprehensive Property Overview
Taking a complete walk-around of the property gives a holistic view of the potential installation site. This step helps identify unique site challenges and ensures all aspects of the property are considered before installation begins, preventing unexpected issues during the project. 

Utilities and Conduits Detailing
Capture photos of the nearest utility pole with lines leading to the home. Ensure that you have pole ID info. Capturing detailed information about conduits and utility connections goes beyond routine checks—it ensures safety and compliance with local regulations. Accurate measurements and clear documentation help streamline the installation process, avoiding future complications. 

Water and Gas Mains
These are important in relation to electric meters. This ensures that all utility connections are considered in the design and installation process, preventing any potential conflicts or hazards. Take photos that clearly show the relationship between the gas mains and the electric meters. Capturing these details helps in planning the installation layout, ensuring that the solar system integrates smoothly with existing utility setups.

Review and Upload
Reviewing your images for accuracy and clarity before uploading ensures you’ve captured all necessary details. Properly categorizing your data using your company-specific tags during upload aids in efficient project planning and design. 

Conclusion
Each step of your site survey with IMGING Inspect is built for swift ground site surveys and complements the leading drone solare solution. Ready to take your solar surveys to the next level? Let IMGING lead the way to speedier, streamlined installs.