Conducting a preliminary feasibility review before soliciting formal contractor bids is one of the most effective ways for commercial property owners to save time and prevent costly missteps. A preliminary desk review establishes key physical and operational baselines early in the planning stage.
1. Physical Roof & Space Availability
Not all roof square footage is usable for solar arrays. Fire code pathways, roof equipment clearances (HVAC, vents, skylights), and roof edge setbacks reduce effective array space.
2. Roof Orientation & Shading Obstacles
South-facing and west-facing roof planes yield optimal solar generation profiles. Identifying shading obstacles—such as parapet walls, adjacent commercial buildings, or tall trees—helps set realistic production baselines.
3. Historical Energy Profile & Demand
Examining 12 to 24 months of utility electricity bills allows consultants to evaluate how monthly kWh consumption and peak kW demand align with potential solar generation.
4. Utility Interconnection & Tariff Rules
Every electric utility operates under specific net energy metering (NEM) or net billing rules. Reviewing local utility framework parameters ensures array sizing discussions match applicable tariff policies.