Solar PV site survey checklist (UK installers)

A good PV survey isn’t “more photos” — it’s the right evidence, labelled so the next person can move forward confidently.

1) Roof + array context (what designers need first)

• Roof faces: which elevations are suitable (and why/why not).
• Pitch + orientation: note any unusual angles or split roofs.
• Obstructions: vents, skylights, chimneys, dormers, valleys, parapets.
• Shading context: nearby trees/buildings and when shading is likely (morning/evening).
• Access constraints: scaffold access, fragile roofs, conservatories, shared access routes.

2) Loft + structure notes (keep it factual)

• Loft access + headroom (if accessible): what can be seen safely.
• Any visible constraints: water tanks, tight routes, limited fixing space.
• Cable routing options: tidy routes that avoid bedrooms/finished spaces where possible.

3) Electrical evidence (minimum set)

• Electricity meter (clear and readable)
• Cut-out/service head area (context + close-up)
• Consumer unit (context + clear internal layout where appropriate)
• Potential inverter location(s) (wide + close-up showing clearances)
• Earthing/bonding evidence where relevant (capture what’s visible; don’t guess)

Related: electrical evidence guide.

4) Inverter + battery siting (make the decision easy)

• Candidate locations with pros/cons (temperature, access, routing).
• Clearances: show nearby doors, shelves, pipework, and ventilation constraints.
• Noise/occupancy: avoid placing near bedrooms where possible (note if unavoidable).

5) Photos: how to capture evidence (so it’s usable)

• Wide shot for context → close-up for detail
• Make text readable (meter labels, CU labels) — avoid glare
• Use consistent naming: Roof / Loft / Routing / Electrical / Inverter / Battery
• Put the note next to the photo in the pack (not buried in a paragraph)

6) Common failure modes (what causes follow-up calls)

• Roof obstructions not shown clearly (design has to guess spacing)
• No routing narrative (where does cable enter, where does it terminate?)
• Consumer unit photos are too dark / unreadable
• Proposed inverter location has hidden constraints (cupboard depth, heat, access)

Next step

If you want PV survey packs that flow cleanly into design and install, we’ll confirm scope, coverage, and deliverables before anything is booked.

Disclaimer: This is general guidance to improve survey evidence quality. Always follow your scheme/provider guidance and project-specific requirements.