What is a solar roof survey and what happens?
A solar roof survey is a visit by your installer to inspect the roof structure, measure the usable area, confirm direction and shading, and check your wiring and consumer unit. It turns an indicative quote into a firm design and price, and confirms the system size, panel layout and any extras such as a new consumer unit.
What the surveyor checks
- Roof structure, condition and whether it can take the load.
- Usable area, direction and pitch for the panel layout.
- Shading from chimneys, trees or nearby buildings.
- Your consumer unit, earthing and the inverter and battery location.
What you get afterwards
A confirmed system design, a firm installed price, and an expected generation and saving figure. This is the point at which an indicative estimate (like SunSum's calculator) becomes a binding quote, so it is worth being present to discuss panel placement.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a roof survey free?
- Reputable installers usually survey for free as part of quoting. Confirm before booking.
- Can I get a quote without a survey?
- You can get an indicative estimate online, but a binding quote needs a survey to confirm the roof and design.
Related questions
Indicative estimates based on UK average data. Last updated 27 May 2026.