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Solar PV Site Surveys

A professional site survey includes estimated system costs, likely system output figures, weight loads, snow loads, electrical requirements, roof and structural requirments, site suitability and grid connection requirements.

Site surveys are only carried out by our own named MCS certified engineers. Although we tailor every survey report to suit each client and every property, an overview of the type of information we can prepare is below.

System Size (kWp):

Example Solar PV Roof Layout

Using the measurements and calculations taken from the survey coupled with your prefered system mounting area and design preferences. We will work out the optimum size, style and shape of solar PV array that might be suitable. This will include the number and type of solar PV panels, the mounting system, the grid connection and electrical requirements and the power rating of the whole system (kWp).

In addition we will provide all of the dimensions of the system i.e. length, width, depth, area and weight of the whole array (including any frames).

System Costs (£): Based on the design and the system size, we will then configure, technically validate and work out a cost estimate for the system. This will be a fully functioning system (including electrical & structural work) where all costs including labour and parts are itemised.

Power Output (kWhrs):

Solar PV System Power Output Estimate

Taking the physical and electrical characteristics of the system, we will then cross reference this against the characteristics of the property and it's location. This will allow us to provide reasonably accurate output/yield projection figures in kWhrs.

We will take into consideration:

  • The roof pitch (if applicable)
  • The azumith angle (which way the installation area faces i.e.N, S, E, W)
  • Location (In relation to the sun, height above sea level)
  • Shading limitations from nearby buildings, trees and local factors such as chimneys, aerials, flues and dormer windows.
  • Performance of the system, including the relationship between the panels, inverters cables and the existing electrical system.
Return on Investment (£): Using all of the figures we have calculated so far, we will then calculate the likely financial returns using the Solar PV Feed in Tariff (FIT) payments.
Survey Results:

In summary at the end of the suvey process you will have the following information:

  • A custom solar PV system cost estimate optimised for your property where all parts are itemised.
  • Specification sheets for the main components selected for your design.
  • Estimated power output figures (per month and per year) in kWhrs.
  • A return on investment schedule.
  • A schedule of works with timescales
Charges:

Solar PV surveys can be carried out either as a seperate service or as the first part of the installation process.

Surveys for standard on-roof solar PV systems within our local installation areas are usually carried out with no obligation, free of charge.

Large or complicated surveys are chargeable based on travel distance, engineering time and based on the size and complexity of the project.

Fees for surveys are reasonable and only used to cover our legitimate expenses in providing the service. Any fees will be explained clearly and agreed in advance. Clients who also choose us to carry out the installation will have any survey fees refunded.

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Local Installation Areas include: Ashton Keynes, Bath, Baulking, Bishopstone, Broad Town, Calne, Castle Eaton, Chiseldon, Cirencester, Clyffe Pypard, Devizes, Faringdon, Fernham, Great Coxwell, Hungerford, Ingelsham, Kelmscott, Lambourn, Lechlade, Lydiard Millicent, Lydiard Tregoze, Lyneham, Malmesbury, Manningford, Marlborough, Melksham, Minety, Newbury, Oxford, Purton, Shrivenham, Swindon, Tetbury, Uffington, Wanborough, Wantage, Witney, Woolstone, Wooton Bassett, Wroughton, Yatesbury.
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