A solar feasibility study is a comprehensive analysis that determines whether installing a solar energy system is technically viable and financially beneficial for your specific property and circumstances. This critical assessment evaluates everything from your site’s solar potential to the economic returns you can expect, helping you make an informed decision before investing in solar technology.
With solar installations facing mixed market conditions in 2025, including policy uncertainty alongside continued technological advancement, conducting a proper feasibility study has become more important than ever. Conducting a solar feasibility report early in the planning phase helps minimize risks by identifying challenges before they become costly delays. Issues like interconnection limitations, zoning restrictions, or space constraints can often be addressed through early planning and design modifications. Without a detailed solar panel feasibility study, solar projects face a higher risk of budget overruns, permitting delays, or technical setbacks.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what goes into a solar feasibility study, understand the different types of analyses involved, discover typical costs, and gain the knowledge needed to choose the right provider for your project.
What Is a Solar Feasibility Study?
A solar feasibility study is a detailed evaluation that assesses whether a solar energy system is practical, cost-effective, and suitable for a specific location. Unlike a simple solar quote or basic assessment, a comprehensive feasibility study examines technical, economic, environmental, and regulatory factors that could impact your solar project’s success.
Comprehensive Definition and Purpose
The primary purpose of a solar feasibility study is to provide decision-makers with reliable data about solar potential before committing significant resources. This analysis goes far beyond determining if your roof receives adequate sunlight—it evaluates system performance expectations, financial projections, regulatory requirements, and potential challenges that could affect project viability.
Difference Between Preliminary Assessment and Full Feasibility Study
A preliminary assessment typically involves basic site evaluation, rough cost estimates, and simple payback calculations. This initial screening can often be completed remotely using satellite imagery and utility bill analysis.
A full feasibility study, however, includes on-site inspections, detailed engineering analysis, comprehensive financial modeling, regulatory review, and risk assessment. This thorough approach provides the depth of analysis needed for major investment decisions.
Who Needs a Feasibility Study
Residential projects typically benefit from feasibility studies when dealing with complex roof configurations, shading issues, or when financing options need careful evaluation.
Commercial and industrial projects almost always require comprehensive feasibility studies due to their scale, complexity, and significant financial investment. These studies help businesses understand how solar aligns with their operational needs and financial goals.
Utility-scale projects mandate extensive feasibility studies covering environmental impact, grid interconnection, land use agreements, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
When Feasibility Studies Are NOT Required
Simple residential installations on ideal properties with straightforward financing may not require full feasibility studies. Most standard rooftop installations under 10kW with minimal shading and conventional financing can proceed with basic assessments provided by qualified installers.
Timeline and Process Overview
Residential feasibility studies typically take 2-4 weeks to complete, while commercial studies require 4-8 weeks. Utility-scale projects may need 3-6 months for comprehensive analysis. The timeline depends on site complexity, data availability, and required regulatory reviews.
Types of Solar Feasibility Studies
Solar feasibility studies encompass three primary analysis categories, each addressing different aspects of project viability. Understanding these components helps you ensure your study covers all critical factors.
Technical Feasibility Analysis
Technical feasibility forms the foundation of any solar project evaluation, determining whether your site can physically support an effective solar installation.
Site Assessment and Inspection Procedures
Professional site assessment begins with detailed property surveys examining roof condition, structural integrity, and available installation space. Engineers evaluate load-bearing capacity, roof age and material, and accessibility for installation and maintenance. Ground-mount evaluations assess soil conditions, drainage, and terrain suitability.
Solar Resource Evaluation
Solar resource analysis uses multiple data sources including satellite imagery, weather station data, and on-site measurements to determine your location’s solar irradiance levels. This evaluation considers seasonal variations, weather patterns, and long-term climate data to predict system performance accurately.
System Design Considerations
Technical analysis includes preliminary system design considering panel orientation, tilt angles, spacing requirements, and equipment selection. Engineers evaluate different mounting options, inverter configurations, and system layouts to optimize energy production within site constraints.
Grid Interconnection Requirements
Grid interconnection analysis examines utility requirements, available capacity, and connection procedures. This includes reviewing utility interconnection standards, potential upgrade requirements, and timeline expectations for grid connection approval.
Economic Feasibility Analysis
Economic analysis determines whether solar investment makes financial sense based on your specific circumstances and goals.
Cost-Benefit Analysis Methodology
Comprehensive cost-benefit analysis compares total project costs against lifetime savings and benefits. This includes installation costs, financing expenses, maintenance costs, energy savings, incentive values, and potential revenue from excess generation.
Financial Modeling and Projections
Financial modeling creates detailed projections showing cash flows, savings accumulation, and return on investment over the system’s 25-30 year lifespan. Models account for energy price escalation, system degradation, and maintenance costs to provide realistic financial expectations.
ROI Calculations and Payback Periods
Return on investment calculations consider both simple payback periods and more sophisticated metrics like net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR). These calculations help compare solar investment against alternative investment opportunities.
Financing Options Evaluation
Financing analysis compares purchase, loan, lease, and power purchase agreement (PPA) options. Each financing structure offers different benefits and considerations that impact overall project economics and cash flow.
Environmental and Regulatory Analysis
Environmental and regulatory review ensures project compliance and identifies potential obstacles before they become costly problems.
Permitting Requirements
Permitting analysis reviews local building codes, electrical codes, and zoning requirements. This includes identifying required permits, application procedures, timeline expectations, and potential approval challenges.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental review considers project impacts on local ecosystems, stormwater management, and land use. For larger projects, this may include formal environmental impact studies and mitigation planning.
Compliance with Local Regulations
Regulatory compliance review examines homeowner association restrictions, local ordinances, utility requirements, and state regulations that could affect project design or approval.
Historical Preservation Considerations
Properties in historic districts or with historic designations require special consideration for solar installations. Analysis includes reviewing preservation requirements and identifying acceptable installation approaches.
Key Components of a Solar Feasibility Study
A comprehensive solar feasibility study examines multiple interconnected factors that determine project success. Understanding these components helps you evaluate study quality and completeness.
Site Assessment and Analysis
Thorough site assessment provides the foundation for all other feasibility study components, establishing what’s physically possible at your location.
Solar Irradiance Measurement and Analysis
Solar irradiance analysis uses historical weather data, satellite measurements, and sometimes on-site monitoring to determine your location’s solar energy potential. Professional studies utilize databases like NREL’s National Solar Radiation Database, which provides 30+ years of solar resource data with high geographic resolution.
Key metrics include Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI), and Plane of Array (POA) irradiance for your specific installation angle and orientation. These measurements directly impact energy production estimates and financial projections.
Shading Analysis and Mitigation Strategies
Comprehensive shading analysis identifies all potential shading sources including buildings, trees, utility poles, and seasonal shadow patterns. Advanced studies use tools like Solar Pathfinder or 3D modeling software to create detailed shading reports showing impact throughout the year.
Mitigation strategies may include tree trimming, alternative panel placement, power optimizers, or microinverters to minimize shading losses. Studies quantify both shading impact and mitigation costs to determine optimal approaches.
Roof Condition and Structural Integrity
Structural assessment evaluates whether existing structures can safely support solar installations. This includes roof age evaluation, material condition assessment, and load-bearing capacity analysis. Engineers may recommend roof repairs or reinforcement before solar installation.
For commercial buildings, structural analysis often requires professional engineering review and may include wind load calculations, seismic considerations, and code compliance verification.
Available Space and Orientation
Space analysis determines optimal panel layout considering roof obstacles, setback requirements, and access needs. Studies evaluate different panel orientations and configurations to maximize energy production within available space.
Orientation analysis considers true south exposure, roof pitch, and potential for multiple array orientations. Even non-ideal orientations (east/west facing) may prove viable depending on local utility rates and net metering policies.
Ground-Mount vs. Roof-Mount Considerations
Site assessment compares roof-mounted and ground-mounted installation options when both are feasible. Ground-mount systems often allow optimal orientation and easier maintenance but require additional land and may face different permitting requirements.
Cost-benefit analysis includes installation cost differences, performance variations, and long-term maintenance considerations for each mounting option.
Energy Consumption Analysis
Understanding your energy usage patterns is crucial for proper solar system sizing and accurate financial projections.
Historical Electricity Usage Patterns
Energy analysis examines 12-24 months of utility bills to understand consumption patterns, seasonal variations, and rate structures. This data reveals peak usage periods, baseline consumption, and opportunities for solar offset.
Detailed analysis identifies time-of-use patterns that affect solar value, particularly in areas with time-of-use rates where solar production timing impacts savings potential.
Peak Demand Analysis
For commercial customers subject to demand charges, peak demand analysis examines when maximum power consumption occurs and how solar can help reduce demand charges. This analysis is crucial for accurate financial projections in commercial applications.
Future Energy Needs Projection
Forward-looking analysis considers planned changes that could affect energy consumption, such as electric vehicle adoption, heat pump installation, pool addition, or business expansion. These projections ensure proper system sizing for future needs.
Load Matching and System Sizing
Load matching analysis determines optimal system size by comparing solar production profiles with consumption patterns. This analysis considers net metering policies, interconnection limits, and economic optimization to recommend appropriate system capacity.
System Design and Technology Selection
Technology selection significantly impacts system performance, cost, and long-term value, making this a critical feasibility study component.
Solar Panel Technology Comparison
Panel technology analysis compares monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film options considering efficiency, cost, warranty terms, and site-specific performance characteristics. Studies evaluate how different technologies perform under your local conditions.
Advanced analysis may consider bifacial panels, high-efficiency modules, or specialized panels for challenging installations. Technology selection balances upfront cost with long-term performance and value.
Inverter Selection and Configuration
Inverter analysis compares string inverters, power optimizers, and microinverters considering system design, shading conditions, monitoring needs, and cost factors. Each technology offers different advantages depending on site conditions and performance requirements.
Mounting System Options
Mounting system evaluation considers ballasted, penetrating, and specialty mounting options based on roof type, local wind/snow loads, and installation requirements. Proper mounting selection affects both installation cost and long-term system reliability.
Energy Storage Considerations
Battery storage analysis evaluates whether energy storage systems make economic sense based on utility rates, backup power needs, and local incentives. Studies model different storage configurations and their impact on overall system economics.
Financial Analysis and Modeling
Comprehensive financial analysis provides the economic foundation for solar investment decisions.
Installation Cost Estimation
Detailed cost estimates include equipment, installation labor, permitting, interconnection, and soft costs. Professional studies provide itemized cost breakdowns with accuracy typically within 10-15% of final installed cost.
Operating and Maintenance Costs
O&M cost projections include routine maintenance, potential repairs, inverter replacement, and system monitoring costs over the system’s 25-30 year lifespan. These costs significantly impact long-term financial returns.
Energy Savings Calculations
Savings calculations use detailed production modeling combined with utility rate analysis to project annual and lifetime savings. Models account for rate escalation, net metering policies, and potential rate structure changes.
Incentive and Rebate Analysis
Incentive analysis identifies all available federal, state, and local incentives including tax credits, rebates, performance payments, and accelerated depreciation. With recent changes to solar tax credit policies in 2025, studies ensure incentive capture strategies are properly planned and timed.
Financing Option Comparison
Financing analysis compares cash purchase, solar loans, leases, and PPAs showing how each option affects cash flow, ownership benefits, and total cost of solar. Understanding the full range of solar financing options helps identify the optimal financing structure for your situation.
Step-by-Step Feasibility Study Process
Understanding the feasibility study process helps you know what to expect and ensures all critical steps are completed thoroughly.
1. Initial Site Assessment and Data Collection
The process begins with gathering basic site information including property address, utility account details, and preliminary project goals. Initial screening uses satellite imagery and utility data to determine if full feasibility study is warranted.
Data collection includes recent utility bills, property surveys, and any existing engineering reports. This information provides the foundation for detailed analysis.
2. Detailed Site Inspection and Measurements
On-site inspection involves qualified engineers or technicians conducting comprehensive site surveys. This includes roof measurements, structural assessment, electrical system evaluation, and shading analysis using specialized tools.
Site inspection also identifies potential installation challenges, access issues, and code compliance requirements that could affect project feasibility or cost.
3. Solar Resource and Shading Analysis
Detailed solar resource analysis combines local weather data with site-specific conditions to model expected solar energy production. Advanced shading analysis uses tools like Solar Pathfinder or 3D modeling to quantify shading impacts throughout the year.
This analysis produces hour-by-hour production estimates that form the basis for financial projections.
4. Energy Usage Evaluation
Comprehensive energy analysis examines historical usage patterns, identifies consumption trends, and projects future energy needs. This analysis ensures proper system sizing and accurate savings projections.
Load profile analysis is particularly important for commercial customers with complex rate structures or demand charges.
5. System Design and Equipment Selection
Preliminary system design considers site constraints, energy goals, and budget parameters to recommend optimal system configuration. Equipment selection balances performance, reliability, warranty, and cost factors.
Design analysis may include multiple scenarios showing how different approaches affect performance and economics.
6. Financial Modeling and Analysis
Detailed financial modeling creates comprehensive projections showing costs, savings, incentives, and returns over the system’s lifetime. Models typically include sensitivity analysis showing how changes in key assumptions affect outcomes.
Financial analysis compares different financing options and identifies optimal investment structures.
7. Regulatory and Permitting Review
Regulatory review examines all applicable codes, permits, and approval requirements. This includes utility interconnection procedures, local permitting requirements, and any special considerations for your location.
Permitting analysis provides timeline estimates and identifies potential approval challenges.
8. Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies
Risk analysis identifies potential project risks including technical, financial, regulatory, and market risks. Studies provide mitigation strategies for identified risks and quantify their potential impact on project success.
Common risks include utility rate changes, equipment performance variations, and permitting delays.
9. Final Report and Recommendations
The final feasibility report consolidates all analysis into clear recommendations with supporting data. Professional reports include executive summaries, detailed technical analysis, financial projections, and implementation recommendations.
Reports typically provide clear go/no-go recommendations with supporting rationale and next steps for project development.
Cost of Solar Feasibility Studies
Understanding feasibility study costs helps you budget appropriately and evaluate different provider options. Costs vary significantly based on project size, complexity, and analysis depth.
Typical Cost Ranges by Project Size
Residential projects: Basic feasibility studies range from $500-$2,000, while comprehensive studies cost $1,500-$5,000. Simple residential assessments may be included in installation quotes from qualified contractors.
Commercial projects: Commercial feasibility studies typically cost $5,000-$25,000 depending on system size and complexity. Large commercial projects may require $15,000-$50,000 for comprehensive analysis including detailed engineering review.
Utility-scale projects: Utility-scale feasibility studies range from $50,000-$500,000 depending on project size, environmental requirements, and regulatory complexity. These studies often represent less than 1% of total project cost.
Factors Affecting Study Costs
Several factors influence feasibility study costs:
- Site complexity: Challenging sites with shading, structural issues, or access difficulties require more extensive analysis
- Analysis depth: Comprehensive studies with detailed engineering and financial modeling cost more than basic assessments
- Regulatory requirements: Projects requiring environmental studies or special permits increase study costs
- Timeline requirements: Expedited studies typically cost 25-50% more than standard timelines
- Geographic location: Remote locations or areas with complex regulations may increase study costs
When Studies Are Included in Project Costs
Many solar contractors include basic feasibility assessment in their development costs, particularly for straightforward residential and small commercial projects. However, comprehensive studies are typically separate services, especially for complex or large-scale projects.
EPC contractors may include feasibility studies in their overall project pricing, while design-build contractors often offer studies as standalone services.
ROI of Conducting a Proper Feasibility Study
Well-executed feasibility studies typically pay for themselves by identifying optimization opportunities and avoiding costly mistakes. Studies often identify 5-15% cost savings through improved design and equipment selection.
More importantly, feasibility studies reduce project risk and improve success rates. Projects with comprehensive feasibility studies experience significantly fewer delays, cost overruns, and performance issues.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Understanding common solar feasibility challenges and their solutions helps you anticipate potential issues and evaluate study quality.
Shading Issues and Mitigation Strategies
Shading represents one of the most common challenges in solar feasibility. Partial shading can dramatically reduce system performance, making accurate shading analysis crucial for realistic projections.
Common shading sources include:
- Trees and vegetation
- Adjacent buildings and structures
- Roof equipment and features
- Utility lines and poles
Mitigation strategies include:
- Tree trimming or removal where feasible
- Power optimizers or microinverters to minimize shading impact
- Alternative panel placement to avoid shaded areas
- Ground-mount systems in unshaded areas
Structural Limitations and Solutions
Roof age, condition, and load-bearing capacity can limit solar installation options. Structural challenges are particularly common in older buildings or those with complex roof designs.
Common structural issues:
- Insufficient load-bearing capacity
- Roof age requiring replacement
- Complex roof geometry limiting installation options
- Structural damage or deterioration
Solutions include:
- Structural reinforcement before solar installation
- Lightweight panel and mounting systems
- Ballasted mounting systems for flat roofs
- Ground-mount alternatives
Grid Interconnection Challenges
Grid interconnection issues can significantly impact project feasibility, particularly in areas with limited grid capacity or complex utility requirements.
Common interconnection challenges:
- Limited grid capacity requiring expensive upgrades
- Complex utility interconnection procedures
- Long interconnection queues and delays
- Distance from suitable interconnection points
Solutions include:
- Early utility coordination and application submission
- System sizing to avoid expensive upgrade requirements
- Alternative interconnection points or configurations
- Energy storage to reduce grid export requirements
Financing and Economic Barriers
Financial challenges can make otherwise viable projects unfeasible, particularly for customers with limited capital or credit constraints.
Common financing challenges:
- High upfront costs
- Limited access to solar financing
- Uncertain returns due to changing utility rates
- Complex financing structures
Solutions include:
- Third-party financing options (leases, PPAs)
- PACE financing for qualifying properties
- Group purchasing programs
- Phased installation approaches
Regulatory and Permitting Obstacles
Regulatory challenges can delay or prevent solar projects, particularly in areas with complex zoning requirements or restrictive covenants.
Common regulatory challenges:
- Restrictive zoning or building codes
- Homeowner association restrictions
- Historic district requirements
- Complex permitting procedures
Solutions include:
- Early regulatory review and coordination
- Alternative system designs to meet requirements
- Advocacy for policy changes
- Professional permitting services
Case Studies and Real-World Examples
Real-world case studies demonstrate how feasibility studies identify opportunities and challenges across different project types.
Residential Feasibility Study Example
A homeowner in Colorado sought to install solar on their 2,400 sq ft ranch home with annual electricity usage of 12,000 kWh and $1,440 in annual electric bills.
Feasibility Study Findings:
- Site had excellent solar resource (5.8 kWh/m²/day)
- South-facing roof with minimal shading
- Roof condition good, no structural concerns
- Available space for 8.5 kW system
- Net metering available with 1:1 credit ratio
Financial Analysis Results:
- System cost: $21,760 before incentives (based on 2025 pricing of $2.56/W)
- Federal tax credit: $6,528
- Net cost: $15,232
- Annual savings: $1,200
- Simple payback: 12.7 years
- 25-year NPV: $12,500
Recommendation: Proceed with installation. Study identified optimal system size and confirmed strong financial returns.
Commercial/Industrial Project Case Study
A manufacturing facility in North Carolina with 150,000 kWh annual usage and $18,000 annual electric bills considered a 100 kW rooftop system.
Feasibility Study Findings:
- Large flat roof with excellent solar access
- Structural analysis confirmed adequate load capacity
- Time-of-use rates made solar particularly valuable
- Demand charges offered additional savings opportunity
- Utility interconnection straightforward
Financial Analysis Results:
- System cost: $146,000 before incentives (based on 2025 pricing of $1.46/W)
- Federal tax credit + depreciation benefits: $73,000
- Net cost: $73,000
- Annual savings: $22,000 (including demand charge reduction)
- Simple payback: 3.3 years
- 25-year NPV: $295,000
Recommendation: Proceed with installation. Strong economics justified by commercial rate structure and available incentives. For businesses considering similar projects, understanding the complete commercial solar project process helps set realistic expectations for timeline and development phases.
Utility-Scale Project Analysis
A 50 MW utility-scale solar farm in Texas required comprehensive feasibility analysis including environmental and grid interconnection studies.
Feasibility Study Findings:
- Excellent solar resource (6.2 kWh/m²/day)
- Suitable land with minimal environmental constraints
- Grid interconnection required $2.5M in upgrades
- Transmission capacity available after upgrades
- PPA opportunities at competitive rates
Financial Analysis Results:
- Total project cost: $53 million (based on 2025 utility-scale pricing of $1.06/W)
- LCOE: $0.040/kWh
- PPA rate: $0.048/kWh
- Project IRR: 13.5%
- NPV: $9.8 million
Recommendation: Proceed with development. Project economics viable despite interconnection upgrade costs.
Failed Projects and Lessons Learned
A commercial project in California failed after inadequate feasibility analysis missed critical shading issues from adjacent high-rise development.
What Went Wrong:
- Basic assessment missed seasonal shading patterns
- Financial projections overstated energy production by 35%
- Project economics became unfavorable after construction
- Customer satisfaction and contractor reputation suffered
Lessons Learned:
- Comprehensive shading analysis is essential
- Conservative projections build customer confidence
- Proper feasibility studies prevent costly mistakes
- Thorough analysis protects all stakeholders
Choosing the Right Feasibility Study Provider
Selecting a qualified feasibility study provider is crucial for obtaining reliable analysis that supports sound decision-making.
Qualifications and Certifications to Look For
Professional Engineering (PE) License: For complex projects, ensure structural and electrical analysis is performed by licensed professional engineers.
NABCEP Certification: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification demonstrates solar industry expertise and commitment to professional standards.
Industry Experience: Look for providers with extensive experience in projects similar to yours in size, type, and complexity.
Local Knowledge: Providers familiar with local regulations, utilities, and market conditions provide more accurate analysis.
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
When evaluating feasibility study providers, ask these key questions:
- What specific analysis tools and software do you use?
- Can you provide references from similar projects?
- What qualifications do your team members hold?
- How do you ensure accuracy of your financial projections?
- What level of detail will be included in the final report?
- How do you handle changes in project scope or requirements?
- What is your typical timeline for study completion?
- Do you provide ongoing support during project development?
Red Flags to Avoid
Avoid providers who exhibit these warning signs:
- Unrealistic projections: Overly optimistic savings or performance estimates
- Limited analysis depth: Studies lacking detailed technical or financial analysis
- Pressure tactics: Pushing for immediate decisions without adequate analysis time
- Lack of credentials: Providers without relevant certifications or experience
- Poor communication: Difficulty explaining methodology or answering questions
- No references: Inability to provide references from previous clients
Independent vs. Installer-Provided Studies
Independent studies offer objective analysis without sales pressure but typically cost more and require separate contracting.
Installer-provided studies may be included in project costs but could have inherent bias toward proceeding with installation.
For major investments, consider independent studies or require detailed methodology disclosure from installer-provided studies. The key is ensuring analysis quality and objectivity regardless of provider type.
Tools and Software for Solar Feasibility
Understanding available tools helps you evaluate study quality and potentially conduct preliminary analysis yourself.
Professional Analysis Software
PVsyst: Industry-standard software for detailed solar system modeling and analysis. Provides comprehensive performance predictions and financial analysis.
System Advisor Model (SAM): NREL’s free software for renewable energy analysis. Offers detailed financial modeling and performance simulation.
Helioscope: Cloud-based design and analysis platform popular among solar professionals for system design and performance modeling.
Aurora Solar: Comprehensive platform combining design, analysis, and sales tools for solar professionals.
Free Online Tools and Calculators
PVWatts Calculator: NREL’s free tool for basic solar potential assessment. Provides rough estimates for preliminary screening.
Google Project Sunroof: Uses Google’s mapping data to estimate solar potential for residential properties.
DSIRE Database: Comprehensive database of solar incentives and policies by location.
Utility Rate Databases: Various tools for analyzing local utility rates and net metering policies.
Limitations of DIY Assessments
While online tools provide useful preliminary information, they have significant limitations:
- Limited accuracy for site-specific conditions
- No structural or electrical system analysis
- Basic financial modeling without detailed optimization
- No regulatory or permitting review
- Lack of professional engineering review
DIY tools are excellent for initial screening but cannot replace comprehensive professional analysis for major investment decisions.
Conclusion and Next Steps
A comprehensive solar feasibility study is an essential investment that provides the foundation for successful solar projects. By thoroughly evaluating technical, economic, and regulatory factors, feasibility studies help you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and optimize project outcomes.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Feasibility studies are crucial for projects over $25,000 or involving complex sites, financing, or regulatory requirements
- Comprehensive analysis includes technical, economic, and regulatory evaluation
- Professional providers with relevant credentials and experience deliver higher quality analysis
- Study costs typically represent 1-3% of project cost but can save 5-15% through optimization
- Quality analysis reduces project risk and improves success rates significantly
Action Items for Readers
If you’re considering solar installation, take these next steps:
- Gather basic information: Collect recent utility bills, property surveys, and project goals
- Conduct preliminary screening: Use free online tools for initial assessment
- Identify qualified providers: Research feasibility study providers with relevant experience
- Request proposals: Obtain detailed proposals outlining analysis scope and methodology
- Review credentials: Verify provider qualifications and check references
- Plan timeline: Allow adequate time for thorough analysis before project decisions
When to Proceed vs. When to Reconsider
Proceed with solar installation when feasibility studies show:
- Positive financial returns meeting your investment criteria
- Technical feasibility without major obstacles
- Clear regulatory pathway for project approval
- Acceptable risk levels with identified mitigation strategies
Reconsider or delay when studies reveal:
- Negative financial returns or unacceptable payback periods
- Major technical obstacles requiring expensive solutions
- Significant regulatory barriers or approval uncertainty
- High project risks without effective mitigation options
Remember that feasibility studies provide decision-making information, not just project validation. Sometimes the best decision is to wait for better conditions, consider alternative approaches, or focus on energy efficiency improvements first.
With proper feasibility analysis, you can move forward with confidence knowing your solar investment is technically sound, financially viable, and positioned for long-term success.