Detailed Roof & Terrain Analysis:

• Precise surface modeling:
  • Multiple roof planes with accurate pitch, azimuth, and dimensions
  • Complex roof geometries: hip, gable, mansard, flat—all modeled accurately
  • Terrain elevation mapping for ground-mount systems
• LiDAR-based accuracy (±1-2 inch precision where available)
  • Roof surface height, slope, and orientation verified via aerial data
  • Eliminates measurement errors that cause post-sale redesigns
• Drone-based aerial mapping for properties requiring ultra-precision
  • Scanifly-compatible workflows for 3D photogrammetry
  • Real-time property data capture (not outdated satellite imagery)
  • Ideal for complex roofs, commercial buildings, or properties with heavy tree cover

Obstruction & Site Context Modeling:

• 3D object modeling for realistic visual impact:
  • Trees, chimneys, HVAC units, parapets, skylights modeled in 3D
  • Neighboring buildings and shading sources accurately represented
  • Surrounding landscape context for aesthetic proposals (curb appeal matters!)

Comprehensive Solar Access Evaluation:

Hourly Shading Simulations:

• 8,760-hour annual analysis (every hour of the year modeled)
• Sub-hourly obstruction tracking:
  • Trees at different times of day and seasons
  • Chimneys, parapets, and rooftop equipment
  • Neighboring buildings and terrain features
• Seasonal sun-path visualization:
  • Winter solstice (Dec 21): Critical for worst-case shading assessment
  • Summer solstice (Jun 21): Peak production analysis
  • Equinoxes (Mar/Sep 21): Average performance baseline
• Bankable shad reports accepted by major rebate authorities:
  • NREL-validated methodology (statistically equivalent to on-site Solmetric/Suneye readings)
  • NYSERDA, MassCEC, ONCOR, utility company approval standards
  • Financing partners trust our shading accuracy (reduces loan rejection risk)

Solar Path & Seasonal Optimization:

• Climate-specific sun angle data for your project location
• Azimuth optimization: True south (180°) or slight west-facing for TOU rate offset
• Bifacial module gain analysis (if using bifacial panels):
  • Rear-side irradiance capture from ground reflection (albedo)
  • Optimized mounting height for maximum bifacial boost
  • Accurate production estimates including backside gain (5-25% depending on installation)

Energy Loss Mitigation Strategies:

• Shading loss quantification: Percentage of energy lost to obstructions
• Recommendations for tree trimming or panel relocation to minimize shading
• Soiling loss assumptions: Dust, pollen, snow accumulation by climate zone
• Temperature derating: High-temperature losses in hot climates (Arizona, Nevada, Texas)

Roof Integrity & Load Assessment (Proposal-Stage):

• Roof condition evaluation:
  • Age and material assessment (composition shingle, tile, metal, TPO/EPDM)
  • Visible damage or wear indicators (missing shingles, curling, staining)
  • Estimated remaining lifespan recommendation
• Snow & wind load assumptions:
  • Design wind speed per ASCE 7 for property location (mph)
  • Ground snow load (PSF) for jurisdiction
  • Confirmation that standard racking systems meet local code requirements
  • Note: Full structural engineering provided in permit design phase

Ground-Mount Terrain Analysis (where applicable):

• Topographic mapping showing elevation changes and slope
• Optimal array placement for maximum solar access
• Access road and maintenance pathway considerations
• Drainage and erosion control planning (preliminary assessment)

Climate-Specific Derating Factors: We don't use generic national averages—we model your specific climate conditions:

• Temperature derating: Module efficiency loss at high temperatures
  • Hotter climates (Phoenix, Las Vegas): 8-12% temperature losses
  • Moderate climates (California coast, Pacific Northwest): 3-6% losses
  • Formula: Temperature coefficient × (Average cell temp - STC 25°C)
• Soiling derating: Dust, pollen, bird droppings, snow
  • Desert environments: 3-7% soiling losses (without regular cleaning)
  • Agricultural areas: 2-5% (pollen, dust)
  • Snowy climates: 1-3% (snow coverage days per year)
• Snow coverage: Days per year with panel coverage in northern climates
  • Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana: 10-20 days/year snow coverage losses

We translate engineering data into sales-winning financial clarity:

Precise Energy Yield Modeling:

• Annual kWh production estimate based on:
  • Actual module specifications (efficiency, temp coefficient, degradation rate)
  • Inverter efficiency curves (real-world AC output)
  • Site-specific solar resource data (NREL TMY3 weather files)
  • Shading, soiling, temperature, and system losses applied
• 25-year degradation-adjusted projections:
  • Year 1 production: 100% (after first-year derate ~2%)
  • Year 2-25: Linear degradation (typically 0.5-0.7% per year for Tier-1 modules)
  • Total lifetime energy production (MWh over system lifespan)
• Monthly energy breakdown showing seasonal variations:
  • Summer peak production (May-August)
  • Winter production dips (November-January)
  • Helps set realistic client expectations

Current Utility Cost vs. Solar Savings Comparison:

• Baseline utility analysis:
  • Current monthly electric bill breakdown
  • Rate structure analysis: Tiered rates, Time-of-Use (TOU), demand charges
  • Annual utility cost escalation assumption (typically 3-5% per year)
• Solar offset calculation:
  • Percentage of energy needs met by solar (70%, 90%, 100%+)
  • Remaining utility costs (if not 100% offset, or net metering scenarios)
  • Net metering credit value (kWh exported to grid at retail rate)

Payback Period Estimation:

• Simple payback: Total system cost ÷ Annual savings = Years to break even
  • Typical residential: 5-10 years (varies by state, incentives, utility rates)
  • Commercial: 4-8 years (higher rates, better economics)
• Discounted cash flow analysis: Accounts for time-value of money
  • Net Present Value (NPV) calculation over 25 years
  • Internal Rate of Return (IRR) showing investment performance

Advanced Financial Metrics (for sophisticated clients):

• Net Present Value (NPV):
  • Total lifetime savings minus system cost, discounted to present value
  • Discount rate assumption (typically 4-6% for conservative modeling)
  • Shows true financial benefit accounting for inflation and opportunity cost
• Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE):
  • Total lifetime cost of system ÷ Total lifetime kWh production
  • Expressed as ¢/kWh (e.g., "$0.06/kWh vs. utility $0.14/kWh")
  • Demonstrates solar cost competitiveness vs. grid power
• Long-term cash flow modeling:
  • Year-by-year cash flow projection (Years 1-25)
  • Cumulative savings graph showing breakeven point and total lifetime value
  • Includes inverter replacement cost assumption (Year 12-15 typically)

Federal & Local Incentive Integration:

• Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC):
  • Current rate (30% through 2032, then steps down)
  • Tax credit value calculation (30% of total system cost)
  • Explanation of how tax credit works (reduces federal tax liability)
• State and local incentives (where applicable):
  • State tax credits (Massachusetts, New York, Arizona, etc.)
  • SREC programs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits): Market value of solar production
  • Rebates (utility rebates, municipal programs)
  • Property tax exemptions (solar doesn't increase property tax in many states)
  • Sales tax exemptions on solar equipment
• Utility incentive programs:
  • Performance-based incentives (PBI): $/kWh payments over time
  • Capacity-based incentives: $/watt upfront payments
  • Net metering policies: 1:1 credit vs. reduced export rates

Solar Financial ROI Analysis:

• Total cost of ownership:
  • Gross system cost
  • Less: Federal ITC (30%)
  • Less: State/local incentives
  • Net system cost (out-of-pocket after incentives)
• Return on investment (ROI):
  • Formula: (Lifetime savings - Net cost) ÷ Net cost × 100
  • Typical residential ROI: 200-400% over 25 years
  • Commercial ROI: 300-600% (better rates, tax benefits)
• Comparison to other investments:
  • Solar ROI vs. stock market average (S&P 500: ~10% annual return)
  • Solar ROI vs. savings accounts (0.5-2% interest)
  • Demonstrates solar as high-performing, low-risk investment

Financing Option Modeling (if applicable):

• Cash purchase: Fastest payback, highest lifetime savings
• Solar loan: $0 down, monthly payments lower than current utility bill
• Lease/PPA: Low upfront cost, predictable energy costs
• Side-by-side comparison showing monthly payments vs. savings for each option