What Happens During a Solar Survey?

⏱️ 3-minute read

Quick Answer

A Solar survey is a visit to assess whether your home is suitable for Solar. It helps identify the best location for Solar panels, checks your roof and looks at your property’s energy efficiency. Every home is different, so the survey is an important part of the process.

Why Is a Solar Survey Needed?

Before any Solar system is recommended, it’s important to understand your property.

A survey helps assess:

• Your roof size and condition.
• Which direction your roof faces.
• Whether nearby trees or buildings create shade.
• How much roof space is available.
• Your home’s current energy efficiency.

This information helps determine what may be suitable for your home.

What Should I Expect?

A Solar survey is usually straightforward.

The surveyor may:

• Look at your roof from outside and, where needed, from inside the loft.
• Ask about your household’s electricity use.
• Check your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), if available.
• Explain the next steps and answer any questions you may have.

It’s also a good opportunity to ask about Solar, the installation process and any Government support that may be available.

People Also Ask

Do I need to prepare for a Solar survey?

Not usually. If you have a copy of your EPC or recent electricity bills, they may be useful, but they’re not always essential.

Does a survey mean I qualify for a Government grant?

No. A survey assesses your property. Eligibility for any Government grant depends on the criteria in place at the time you apply.

How long does a Solar survey take?

Every property is different, but many surveys are completed within a couple of hours.

Myth vs Fact

❌ Myth

“If I have a Solar survey, I’m guaranteed funding.”

✅ Fact

A survey simply helps assess your property. Any Government grant is subject to the official eligibility criteria and available funding.

Warm Homes: Local Grant

The Government’s Warm Homes: Local Grant is designed to help eligible households improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Current guidance indicates that you will usually need to:

• Live in England.
• Own your home or rent privately (with your landlord’s agreement if required).
• Have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.
• Meet the household income or other eligibility criteria set by the Government.

Lifetime Savings Ltd keeps up to date with the latest guidance and can help explain the process in clear, simple language.

Key Takeaways

• A Solar survey checks whether your home is suitable for Solar.
• Every property is different.
• The survey helps identify the best solution for your home.
• A survey does not guarantee Government funding.
• Lifetime Savings Ltd can help you understand the process from start to finish.

Your Next Step

If your home is suitable for Solar, what happens next?

Read Guide 25 – How Long Does It Take to Install Solar Panels?

Trusted guidance from Lifetime Savings Ltd is helping homeowners across the East of England understand Solar and Government energy support with confidence.

Editor’s Note

Last reviewed: July 2026

This guide is based on current industry knowledge and the latest Government information available at the time of writing. Eligibility for the Warm Homes: Local Grant is subject to the Government’s criteria and may change as further guidance is published.