Start with a capture scope
A useful survey starts with the questions the installer, designer and reviewer need answered. Roof, structure, electrical equipment, access and obstructions belong in a documented scope. Missing access or an unreadable label should be recorded as a gap.
Keep observations separate from estimates
A technician’s documented observation, an entered tape measurement, a reconstructed roof section and an imagery-based concept have different sources. Store and review that distinction rather than calling every visible model surface measured.
Use geometry with its scale and limits
Our model workflow distinguishes measured roof geometry from photo-textured terrain, illustrative walls and equipment context. Scale from GPS alone remains different from confirmed tape control. Capture coverage, source alignment and model-quality notices affect how an output can be used.
Treat shade outputs according to their inputs
Section-level shading depends on available site geometry and the stated weather basis. A sun animation demonstrates geometry and time; it is not proof of a production guarantee. Trees and obstructions missing from the capture can change the result.
Review before the design handoff
The intended handoff joins photographs, measurements, available model/shade results and report outputs to the same job. Engineering and approval decisions require the appropriate project professionals. Survey completion alone does not mean a permit or interconnection has been approved.
Protect the project record
Private client information follows company and role access. Public reference pages do not expose homeowner information, internal survey records or private model assets. A share link is a specific access workflow, not a public directory of projects.
Questions to ask about any survey model
- What source produced this value?
- What establishes the model’s scale?
- Which roof sections and obstructions were captured?
- What is missing, inferred or still awaiting review?
- Which units and weather basis are used?
- Who is responsible for final project approval?
Review the specific workflows
Measured roof models · Shading analysis · PDF and DXF exports · Remote versus on-site surveys
Reviewed October 4, 2026 by Solar Survey AI. Method descriptions are based on the released model, survey-sharing and export workflows. Output availability and quality remain specific to each job.