Solar roof assessment: pitch, orientation, and shading notes

A roof assessment for solar starts with the shape and covering, then records the details that reduce usable space or complicate access. It supplies site evidence for design review; it is not a structural calculation or a guarantee that the roof can accept an array.

1) Roof overview photos

• Wide photographs that show each relevant roof face and its relationship to the building
• Close views of coverings, ridges, hips, valleys, verges and roof junctions
• Pitch and orientation recorded against the correct plane
• Dimensions or annotated photographs that make the available area understandable

2) Obstructions + shading notes

• Photograph chimneys, vents, rooflights, aerials and other obstructions clearly
• Show trees and neighbouring structures that may affect shading
• Record visible damage, heavy weathering or access concerns for further review
• Keep each note with the roof plane and photograph it describes

3) Access and installation context

The roof cannot be considered in isolation. The report should show the approach to the building, likely working areas and any obvious constraints around scaffolding, ladders or material movement.

• Ground-level access around the relevant elevations
• Conservatories, extensions, narrow passages and neighbouring boundaries
• Likely inverter and cable-route context where included in scope
• Any area that could not be viewed or measured stated plainly

When specialist advice is still needed

Visible survey evidence can reveal questions, but it cannot replace structural calculations, intrusive investigation, asbestos advice or an electrical inspection. Where the roof construction, condition or loading needs formal confirmation, the installer should refer the job to the appropriate specialist before committing the design.