Residential

OverviewRooftop PV at volumeRoof & dronePlanes measured on the roofAttic & structureRafters recordedElectricalPanel and interconnectionDesign & engineeringModel to stamped set

Commercial & Industrial

OverviewBig roofs, real structureOn-site surveyRoof, structure, switchgearDesign & engineeringPE stampedVisual inspectionModule resolutionThermal inspectionFaults as heatElectroluminescenceCell-level cracks

Utility-Scale

OverviewThousands of acresLiDAR topographyTerrain before earthworkLand surveyingBoundary and topographicConstruction monitoringProgress, measuredThermal & ELEvery string

Across every scale

Site surveysRoof and electrical, one visitPermitting & engineeringStamped plan setsInspectionAerial thermal and ELShading analysisSA, TOF and TSRFSurvey locationsState and metro guides

The platform

Platform overviewPortal, 3D models, live dataFeature guidesWho it serves and how it worksShading analysisMove the sun yourselfCost calculatorWhat bad field data costs you

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Vanguard AccessInvite only · survey data portalScheduling & DispatchCrewLink · all verticals

Solar reference

Solar questions answeredResidential, commercial and utility-scaleSurvey methodologySources, measurements and limitsCompany factsOfficial services and capabilities

Field Notes · build vs. buy

What a survey really costsPart 01 · the full modelUtilization is the whole gamePart 02 · a real TuesdayThe break-even headcountWhen hiring pays offTwo technicians, two roofsVariance, measuredThe hybrid crewIn-house plus outsourced

Field Notes · reference

Site survey checklistBuilt backwards from reworkHow long a survey takesHour by hourDo panels need a permit?What goes in the packageStorage site surveysThe capture listCompare survey vendorsQuestions to ask any vendor

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Home / Homeowners

Homeowner education · reviewed 2026-10-06

Homeowner Solar Guides

Get clear home solar answers on independent assessments, buying, financing, roofs, batteries, permits and system problems, with source links and practical checklists.

Explore the guideIndependent assessments
Make the decision with evidence
  1. 01Ask the right questions
  2. 02Verify the assumptions
  3. 03Keep the records

Education, not a savings or approval guarantee.

Start with the decision you need to make

Before you commit, separate what is known about your home from what is being assumed in a proposal. This library walks through new solar, existing-system problems and buying or selling a solar home. It is designed to help you ask better questions and retain useful records.

Why Get an Independent Solar Assessment?8 questions · decision checklistGoing Solar: A Homeowner’s Step-by-Step Guide8 questions · decision checklistCompare Solar Quotes, Loans, Leases and PPAs9 questions · decision checklistRoof, Shade and Battery Questions Before Solar8 questions · decision checklistSolar Permits, Inspections and Utility Approval8 questions · decision checklistSolar Not Working? A Homeowner’s Next-Step Guide8 questions · decision checklistBuying or Selling a Home With Solar Panels6 questions · decision checklistSolar Bills and Export Credits Explained9 questions · decision checklistHow to Choose a Solar Installer10 questions · decision checklist

Why an independent assessment matters

An independent review creates a deliberate checkpoint between a recommendation and your commitment. It can identify a missing roof observation, an unexplained production assumption or a scope mismatch before you make the next decision. Its value is the evidence and unresolved questions it gives you—not a promise that every home should buy solar.

Understand independence, scope and limitations

The home solar journey

  1. Define goals and gather bills.
  2. Check roof, shade, structure and electrical questions.
  3. Compare proposals and verify important assumptions.
  4. Review contracts, ownership and financing.
  5. Complete site-specific design, permits and utility applications.
  6. Install, resolve inspection corrections and obtain operating authorization.
  7. Collect handover records and monitor the system.
Walk through each stage

Find local guidance

Confirm requirements with the authority and utility responsible for your address. A mailing city does not establish the permit jurisdiction. Location references help you begin research; they do not replace official confirmation.

Location directory · Houston permit guide · Solar basics and terminology

About these guides

Published by Solar Survey AI, a commercial survey-services company. Our original decision checklists are recommendations; linked authorities support the referenced facts. We may benefit if you purchase our services. This is not independent certification of our company, a project-specific engineering decision or personal tax/legal advice. Local rules, contracts and site evidence control individual decisions. Reviewed 2026-10-06.

For available survey or inspection services, confirm your project scope and availability with our team. Our planned free homeowner remote diagnosis remains coming soon.

Survey services · Inspection services · Monitoring early access
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