Solar Roof Analysis: What It Is and Why You Need One Before Getting Quotes

You are thinking about solar. You have probably already gotten a quote or two. The installer told you your roof is perfect. The numbers look great. You are ready to sign.

But do you actually know if your roof qualifies?

Most homeowners never find out until months into the process — when permits get denied, when the system produces 30% less than promised, or when the roof needs replacement halfway through the panel lifespan.

A solar roof analysis prevents all of that.

What is a solar roof analysis?

A solar roof analysis uses satellite imagery and solar data to evaluate your roof before any human ever steps on your property. It measures:

• Usable roof area — How much flat, unobstructed space is available for panels
• Roof orientation — Which direction your roof faces (south is ideal in the Northern Hemisphere)
• Roof pitch — The angle of your roof, which affects panel placement and production
• Shading analysis — Which parts of your roof are blocked by trees, chimneys, or neighboring buildings, and at what times of year
• Estimated system size — How many kilowatts your roof can support
• Annual production estimate — How much electricity your system would generate based on your location

This is not a guess. It is data-driven analysis from satellite imagery.

Why installers do not give you this upfront

Installers want to sell you a system. They have an incentive to tell you everything looks good. Many use basic tools that do not account for seasonal shading, roof obstructions, or structural limitations.

That is not to say all installers are dishonest. Most are honest but working with incomplete data. A quick satellite analysis gives both you and the installer the same baseline.

What happens when you skip the analysis

Here are the most common problems:

1. Seasonal shade kills production

Trees that look fine in summer cast long shadows in winter. A roof that gets full sun in June might lose 40% of its production in December. Without a shading analysis, you will not know this until after installation.

2. The roof is too old

Solar panels last 25-30 years. If your roof is 15 years old, you will need to replace it during the life of your panels. That means removing the panels, replacing the roof, and reinstalling the panels. Double the cost.

3. The system is oversized or undersized

An oversized system wastes money on panels that never reach full production. An undersized system does not cover your electric bill. Both scenarios cost you money.

4. Permit denials

Some municipalities have strict rules about roof coverage, setbacks, and structural requirements. A roof analysis flags these issues before you invest in permits.

Get a satellite roof analysis for $19

SolrScan provides instant satellite-powered roof analysis. No account needed. No sales call. No waiting.

You enter your address and get back:

• Usable roof area in square feet
• Estimated system size in kilowatts
• Shading analysis with seasonal breakdown
• Annual production estimate
• Roof age assessment

The report takes 60 seconds. It costs $19.

Get your roof analysis at solrscan.com

Use the report to negotiate

Once you have the data, you can:

• Compare installer quotes against a real baseline
• Ask specific questions about shading and production
• Know upfront if your roof qualifies
• Avoid installers who oversize or undersize your system

Do not let an installer be the first person to tell you about your roof. Know first. Then shop.

Check your roof now for $19