Commercial rooftop solar survey details
The standard survey produces a coordinated S-100 survey drawing, electrical-area drawing, detailed photo log, and detailed field notes. This page explains what each output contains, how the fieldwork is completed, and the additional support available when a project needs more. The package is normally issued within three business days of the site visit; that is the standard turnaround, and the schedule for a specific project is confirmed in the quotation.
Deliverables
The survey drawing shown is an example from completed work with identifying information removed. Other images are clearly labelled field context and are not presented as completed deliverables. Actual formats, layers, coordinates, drawings, and report contents are defined by the agreed project scope.
S-100 · Standard deliverable
Field context02 · Standard deliverable
Field context03 · Standard deliverable
Field context04 · Standard deliverable
Why GPS/GNSS?
Roof edges, obstructions, equipment, and field points can be tied to a consistent coordinate system.
Survey points can be revisited, compared, and combined with CAD, GIS, aerial, and other spatial information.
A repeatable data structure helps multiple buildings or sites move through a common design workflow.
Centimetre-level results are available where equipment, correction service, satellite visibility, and site conditions support them. The method and limitations are documented.
Shade assessment
Roof objects are measured so project-specific, local shade geometry can be developed. The result may be a CAD shade block, production-model input, or both.
Safety + roof protection
Confirms contacts, access, escorts, restricted areas, roof information, available drawings, shutdown requirements, and known hazards.
The visit proceeds within the client’s site rules and the access and safety controls agreed for the scope.
Approved access routes, sensitive areas, facility instructions, and observable roof concerns are considered when selecting field methods.
Unsafe, inaccessible, concealed, or unavailable conditions are identified in the report with the follow-up required.
Customization
The standard survey is comprehensive, but the format can be adapted to the client's workflow. Options can include layer conventions, coordinate systems, point files, title-block-free CAD backgrounds, photo-log structure, portfolio templates, model inputs, specific equipment investigations, or downstream feasibility and design tasks.
Common questions
GPS/GNSS control can locate roof edges, obstructions, equipment, and reference points within a common coordinate system. It improves repeatability, supports CAD and spatial-data integration, and helps different disciplines work from the same geometry. Centimetre-level accuracy depends on equipment, satellite visibility, correction service, setup, and site conditions; the applicable method is confirmed in the scope.
A shade block is a geometric keep-out or review envelope derived from an object’s position, height, and selected solar positions. It helps a designer see where an obstruction can cast direct shade during defined dates and times. It is useful for layout and setback work but is not automatically the same as an annual energy-loss model.
A CAD shade block is effective when the decision is spatial: where modules can be placed, what setback avoids a defined shading window, or how multiple objects affect usable roof area. It is direct, reviewable, and works in the drawing environment used for layout.
An energy model is better when the decision depends on annual or monthly production impact, diffuse irradiance, electrical configuration, or economic trade-offs. Some projects benefit from both: CAD geometry for layout and a production model for energy impact.
The pre-visit plan confirms approved access, facility requirements, roof restrictions, sensitive areas, and available roof information. Field methods are selected to avoid unnecessary disturbance. Observable concerns and access limitations are recorded in the report; roofing condition assessment or warranty decisions remain with the appropriate roofing professional.
The work is limited to conditions that are safely accessible and observable within the agreed scope. Inaccessible rooms, missing labels, concealed conductors, unavailable shutdowns, unsafe areas, or information requiring destructive investigation are recorded as limitations with the electrician, utility, engineer, roofer, testing, or follow-up work needed.
Project-specific scope
Technical site surveys and preliminary assessments document accessible, safely observable conditions within the agreed scope. They do not constitute professional engineering, legal surveying, electrical contracting, or an authority inspection.
