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

You are about to sign a solar contract. The salesperson has been friendly. The numbers look good. The incentives seem too good to miss.

But have you actually checked your roof?

A solar roof analysis is exactly what it sounds like. An independent evaluation of whether your roof can support a profitable solar installation.

Here is what it covers and why it matters.

What a solar roof analysis checks

Roof orientation

Your roof needs to face the sun. In the northern hemisphere, that means south is best. West is second. East works but produces less during peak hours.

North-facing roofs lose 20 to 40 percent of their energy production compared to south-facing roofs. That means you need more panels to generate the same power. More panels means higher cost and lower ROI.

Shading patterns

Trees. Chimneys. Neighboring buildings. Even roof overhangs.

Shading changes throughout the year. A tree that looks harmless in summer casts a massive shadow in winter when the sun sits lower in the sky.

A proper analysis maps shading across all four seasons. Not just a quick glance from the driveway.

Roof age and condition

Solar panels last 25 to 30 years. Your roof needs to last that long too.

If your roof is older than 15 years, you should replace it before installing solar. Putting panels on a dying roof means paying to remove them later when the roof gets replaced. That is thousands of dollars wasted.

Usable roof space

Not all roof area is usable. Vents, skylights, structural beams, and fire code setbacks reduce how many panels will actually fit.

The salesperson will estimate. A satellite analysis measures.

Local restrictions

HOAs. City permits. Utility interconnection rules. Net metering policies.

These vary by location and change over time. A good analysis flags known restrictions for your area.

Why you need an independent analysis

Solar salespeople get paid when you sign. That is their incentive.

An independent solar roof analysis has no incentive to sell you anything. It just tells you the truth about your roof.

SolrScan provides a satellite-powered roof analysis for $19. Instant delivery. No account needed. No sales call.

You get:

• Exact roof orientation and tilt angle
• Seasonal shading analysis
• Estimated panel count
• Roof age assessment
• Known local restrictions

When to get a solar roof analysis

Get one before you do any of these:

• Sign a solar contract
• Put money down on a system
• Compare quotes from multiple installers
• List your home for sale (buyers will ask)

The cost of skipping this step

Average solar installation: $25,000 SolrScan report: $19

That is spending less than 0.1% of your investment to verify the asset.

You would not buy a house without an inspection. Do not buy solar without checking the roof.

Get your solar roof analysis for $19

Bottom line

A solar roof analysis protects you from signing a contract for a system that will not perform as promised.

It takes 60 seconds. It costs $19. It could save you $25,000.

solrscan.com