What Happens When You Request a Solar Quote?

If you are considering solar panels for your home or business, a proper survey is an important part of designing a system that suits your property and the way you use electricity.

Depending on your needs, that might mean solar panels on their own or a system that also includes battery storage.

A solar quote should not simply be based on how many panels can fit on a roof. Roof layout, shading, electricity usage, available space, existing electrical equipment and your plans for the future can all affect the right solution.

At Empire Electrical Innovations, we provide solar surveys and quotations for homes and businesses across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. Here is what you can expect from the process.

Why is a solar survey important?

Every property is different. Two similar-looking homes can have very different requirements depending on factors such as:

• roof size, orientation and layout;

• shading from trees, chimneys or nearby buildings;

• current electricity consumption;

• when electricity is typically used;

• whether battery storage is being considered;

• existing electrical equipment;

• access and installation requirements;

• plans for an EV charger, heat pump or increased future electricity use.

A survey helps us understand these factors before recommending a system.

This is particularly important because the largest possible solar array is not automatically the right system for every customer. The aim is to design a solution around the property, available space and expected energy use.

What happens during a solar survey?

The exact process can vary depending on the property and proposed installation, but a survey will typically consider several key areas.

1. We discuss what you want from the system

Before recommending equipment, it helps to understand why you are considering solar.

For example, you may want to:

• reduce the amount of electricity you buy from the grid;

• make better use of electricity generated during the day;

• add battery storage;

• prepare for an EV charger or other future electrical demand;

• improve energy resilience;

• explore solar for a commercial property.

Your priorities can influence the type and size of system worth considering.

2. We look at your electricity usage

Where available, previous electricity bills or consumption information can help us understand how much energy the property uses.

A longer period of usage data can provide a clearer picture because electricity consumption often changes throughout the year. However, the information available will vary from customer to customer.

We can then consider how a proposed solar and battery system may fit with your actual energy use rather than relying solely on a generic estimate.

3. We assess the roof and surrounding site

We consider factors such as available roof space, orientation, potential shading, obstructions and practical installation considerations.

Where helpful, we may also use a camera-equipped drone to inspect the roof and surrounding site from above. This allows us to view areas that may be difficult to assess clearly from ground level and capture photographs to support the survey and proposed design.

A drone does not replace every other part of the assessment, but it can be a useful practical tool when reviewing a property.

4. We consider the electrical installation

A solar PV system needs to work with the property's electrical installation.

The relevant checks will depend on the proposed system and the existing property, but the assessment may consider matters such as the consumer unit or distribution equipment, potential cable routes, proposed inverter location and other installation requirements.

If additional work is likely to be needed, it is better to identify this as early as possible rather than discovering it after installation has begun.

5. We consider whether battery storage makes sense

Battery storage can allow more solar-generated electricity to be used later rather than exported immediately when it is not needed.

However, the right approach depends on the customer. We consider factors such as:

• electricity consumption;

• when energy is used;

• proposed solar generation;

• available installation space;

• future plans;

• customer priorities and budget.

For some customers, battery storage is an important part of the system. For others, a different approach may be more appropriate.

What should a solar quotation include?

Following the survey and design process, a quotation should clearly explain what is being proposed.

Depending on the project, this may include:

• proposed solar PV system size;

• number and type of panels;

• inverter equipment;

• battery storage, where included;

• relevant installation work;

• additional electrical work identified at the quotation stage;

• total quoted price;

• applicable terms and assumptions.

At Empire Electrical Innovations, our quotations are subject to the terms provided with them, including the stated validity period. Customers should always review the quotation and accompanying documents before accepting the work.

Why accurate information matters

Solar performance depends on a range of factors, and estimates should be treated as estimates rather than guarantees of exact future savings.

Electricity usage can change. Weather varies. Tariffs change. A household may buy an EV, start working from home or use more electricity at different times of day.

For that reason, we believe it is important to base recommendations on the information available for the actual property and customer rather than make

unrealistic promises.

Been told your property is too difficult for solar?

Not every solar installation is straightforward.

Some properties may have:

• multiple roof orientations;

• dormers or roof obstructions;

• significant shading;

• limited equipment space;

• unusual electrical arrangements;

• higher commercial energy demand;

• more complex access requirements.

A more complicated property does not automatically mean solar is unsuitable. It may simply require a more careful assessment, a different design approach or additional planning.

This is an area where Empire Electrical Innovations is particularly happy to help. We are willing to take a closer look at projects that may not fit a standard installation model, including properties where another installer has previously said the project is too difficult or cannot be done.

We cannot promise that every property will be suitable for solar, but we do not believe a challenging installation should be dismissed without proper consideration. Our team is experienced in looking at more complex requirements and exploring whether there is a safe, practical and compliant way forward.

Do you need 12 months of electricity bills for a solar quote?

Not necessarily.

Where available, a longer history of electricity usage can be helpful because it gives a better picture of how consumption changes throughout the year. However, the information required will depend on the property and circumstances.

If you are unsure what information you have available, we can discuss this as part of the enquiry process.

How long does a solar survey take?

There is no single time that applies to every property.

The time required can depend on the size and complexity of the site, access, the proposed system and whether additional investigation is needed.

We would rather assess what is relevant to the individual project than promise that every survey follows an identical timetable.

Can you provide a solar quote remotely?

Some initial information can often be gathered remotely, and photographs, energy information and property details may help with early discussions.

However, whether further assessment is required will depend on the proposed installation and the information available. We do not believe in pretending every property can be accurately assessed through a one-size-fits-all process.

Looking for a solar survey and quote?

Empire Electrical Innovations provides solar PV and battery storage solutions for domestic and commercial customers.

We are a local family-run business and can help customers explore a system based on their property, energy use and priorities.

Contact us to discuss your property and arrange the next step.