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Solar · Fitting

What does a solar installer check during a survey?

Short answer

A solar survey checks which way each roof slope faces, its pitch, shading, usable area, roof covering and structure, loft access, the consumer unit and earthing, and where an inverter or battery could go. MCS rules (MIS 3002, checked September 2026) say accurate shading usually needs a site visit.

Last checked 24 September 2026 · 1 source

In more detail

  • Orientation, pitch and shade factor feed the MCS estimate (kWp x Kk x SF).
  • Roof structure checked against MIS 3002 Table 1 or by a structural engineer where unusual.
  • Electrical: consumer unit, spare ways, earthing, main fuse, cable routes.
  • Battery siting against PAS 63100.

The facts, dated

  1. 01
    MIS 3002 Issue 6.0 published 18 March 2026, mandatory for MCS contractors from 18 June 2026 — 2026-06-18

    standard · UK · checked 24 September 2026 · MCS

  2. 02
    Accurate estimation of shade effects will typically require a site visit (MIS 3002 Appendix B)

    standard · UK · checked 24 September 2026 · MCS

What we saw in the field

Field evidence (installer videos) agrees that roof damage comes from poor fixing practice, which a proper survey of covering and rafters helps prevent.

Sources

Last checked: 24 September 2026