Solar100 Malaysia Site Inspection Guide

What Happens During a Solar Site Assessment?

Last updated: July 2026

A solar site assessment is a technical inspection used to determine whether a property is suitable for rooftop solar and what additional work may be required. The assessment normally covers the roof, shading, structure, electrical system, equipment locations, cable routes, access, safety conditions and available installation area.

Quick Answer During a solar site assessment, the provider measures the usable roof area, checks the roof material and condition, identifies shading and obstructions, reviews the building structure, inspects the main switchboard and electrical supply, plans panel and inverter locations, studies cable routes and records any repairs, upgrades or safety measures needed before installation.

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Why Is a Solar Site Assessment Needed?

A desktop estimate based on electricity bills, satellite images or roof photographs may provide an early indication of solar potential. However, an on-site inspection helps confirm whether the proposed design can be installed safely and practically.

Confirm Solar Suitability

The assessment checks whether the roof and electrical system are suitable for the proposed installation.

Improve Design Accuracy

Actual roof measurements and site conditions help improve the panel layout and equipment plan.

Identify Additional Work

Roof repairs, structural reinforcement or electrical upgrades may be discovered before installation begins.

Reduce Installation Risk

Early identification of access, safety and cable-routing issues can reduce unexpected changes during installation.

A Site Assessment Does Not Automatically Guarantee Installation: The provider may still require additional engineering, structural, electrical, utility or regulatory review after the initial inspection.

What Happens Before the Solar Site Visit?

Before attending the property, the solar provider may collect basic information to understand the customer’s electricity profile and likely system requirements.

Review recent electricity bills
Confirm the property address
Identify the property type
Review daytime operating hours
Ask for roof photographs
Confirm roof type
Ask about known roof defects
Confirm building height
Review available building drawings
Review available electrical diagrams
Confirm access arrangements
Identify battery or backup requirements

Electricity Data and Site Data Serve Different Purposes: Electricity bills help estimate a suitable system size, while the site assessment confirms where and how the system may be installed.

What Is Checked on the Roof?

The roof inspection is one of the main parts of a solar site assessment. The assessor reviews the usable installation area, roof material, condition, geometry and possible mounting method.

Roof Material Metal, tile, concrete and other roof types may require different mounting systems and installation methods.

Roof Condition The assessor looks for corrosion, cracked tiles, damaged sheets, weak sections, leaks or previous repairs.

Roof Dimensions Lengths, widths, setbacks and usable areas are measured for panel-layout planning.

Roof Geometry Roof slope, orientation, ridges, valleys and multiple roof sections are recorded.

The roof inspection may check:

Roof material
Roof age
Visible corrosion
Broken or loose tiles
Existing leaks
Waterproofing condition
Roof slope
Roof orientation
Available panel area
Roof-edge setbacks
Drainage channels
Roof ridges and valleys
Existing roof penetrations
Previous repair areas
Access points
Potential mounting locations

Roof Problems Should Not Be Hidden by Solar Panels: Existing leaks, corrosion or damaged roofing should be addressed before installation. Repairing the roof later may require temporary panel removal.

How Is Roof Shading Assessed?

Shading can reduce solar generation and may affect the panel layout, inverter configuration and expected financial savings.

Identify Nearby Objects

Trees, buildings, walls, poles and other nearby structures are reviewed.

Review Rooftop Equipment

Water tanks, air-conditioning equipment, antennas and vents are checked.

Estimate Shading Periods

The assessor considers whether shading may occur at different times of day or seasons.

Adjust Panel Placement

Panel rows may be repositioned or reduced to avoid heavily shaded areas.

Review Equipment Design

The provider may consider string design, optimisers or microinverters where appropriate.

Update the Generation Estimate

Expected system output should reflect the identified shading conditions.

Future Shading Also Matters: Young trees, planned extensions or future neighbouring developments may affect generation even if current shading is limited.

What Happens During the Structural Assessment?

The assessor reviews whether the roof and supporting structure appear suitable for the additional solar equipment and installation activity.

Roof-Support Condition

Visible rafters, trusses, purlins or structural supports may be reviewed where accessible.

Building Age and History

Older buildings, extensions or previous structural changes may require closer review.

Panel and Mounting Loads

The proposed panel quantity and mounting arrangement contribute additional permanent load.

Engineering Referral

The provider may recommend review by a qualified professional when the structure cannot be confirmed during the basic assessment.

A Solar Site Assessment Is Not Always a Full Structural Certification: A visual inspection may identify concerns, but some properties require calculations, drawings or formal assessment by a qualified engineer.

What Electrical Equipment Is Inspected?

The electrical inspection helps determine how the solar system may connect to the property and whether electrical upgrades may be necessary.

Main switchboard
Distribution board
Incoming electricity supply
Single-phase or three-phase supply
Main-switch rating
Existing circuit-breaker capacity
Available connection space
Cable condition
Earthing arrangement
Surge-protection equipment
Lightning-protection system
Meter location
Existing generator connection
Existing battery or UPS system
Power-factor equipment
Electrical-room access

Electrical Item	What the Assessor Checks	Possible Outcome
Main Switchboard	Condition, rating, available space and connection point	Direct connection or switchboard upgrade
Electricity Supply	Supply phase, capacity and existing load arrangement	System-size or inverter-design adjustment
Earthing	Existing earthing arrangement and connection availability	Additional earthing work may be required
Protection Equipment	Breakers, isolators, surge protection and protection coordination	New protection devices or panel modification
Meter Position	Meter type, location and access	Metering or utility coordination may be required

An Older Electrical System May Need Upgrading: A low-cost solar quotation may change after the switchboard, protection, earthing or cable condition is properly assessed.

How Are Inverter and Battery Locations Selected?

The assessor identifies suitable locations for the inverter, monitoring equipment and battery system, where applicable.

Ventilation The location should allow equipment heat to dissipate according to the manufacturer’s requirements.

Weather Protection Exposure to direct rain, flooding, excessive heat or harsh conditions should be considered.

Maintenance Access Technicians should be able to inspect, service and replace the equipment safely.

Cable Distance The location should support practical DC and AC cable routes without unnecessary distance.

Equipment-location planning may consider:

Direct sunlight exposure
Rain exposure
Flood risk
Heat and ventilation
Wall strength
Service clearance
Noise sensitivity
Customer access
Security risk
Distance from the roof
Distance from the switchboard
Communication signal
Internet availability
Battery safety clearance
Emergency access
Future expansion space

How Are Solar Cable Routes Planned?

The assessor plans how DC cables from the solar panels and AC cables from the inverter may reach the required electrical connection point.

Roof Cable Route

The provider identifies practical routes between panel groups and the roof exit point.

Vertical Cable Route

External walls, service risers, shafts or existing containment may be reviewed.

Internal Cable Route

Ceiling spaces, electrical rooms and service corridors may be considered where appropriate.

Protection and Appearance

Cable containment, weather protection, fire-stopping and visual impact should be considered.

Long or Difficult Cable Routes Can Increase Cost: Additional conduit, cable trays, drilling, access equipment, fire-stopping or reinstatement work may not be included in a preliminary quotation.

What Safety and Access Conditions Are Reviewed?

The assessor reviews how workers, materials and equipment can safely reach the roof and installation area.

Roof-access point
Ladder position
Scaffolding requirements
Building height
Roof-edge exposure
Fragile roof sections
Fall-protection options
Restricted areas
Vehicle and crane access
Material-lifting route
Public-access control
Working-hour restrictions
Factory safety requirements
Work-permit requirements
Planned shutdown requirements
Emergency arrangements

Commercial Properties May Require Additional Planning: Factories, warehouses, shopping premises and offices may require safety induction, permits, lifting plans and installation outside normal operating hours.

What Measurements and Records Are Taken?

The provider may collect photographs, measurements and technical records to support the final design and quotation.

Roof Measurements

Usable lengths, widths, setbacks and roof sections are recorded.

Photographic Records

The roof, obstructions, switchboard, meter and proposed equipment locations are photographed.

Electrical Details

Ratings, labels, supply information and connection conditions are documented.

Cable Distances

Approximate DC and AC cable lengths are measured or estimated.

Site Constraints

Access limitations, safety requirements and operating restrictions are recorded.

Additional-Work List

Roof, structural, electrical and access work is identified for pricing or further review.

What Happens After the Solar Site Assessment?

The provider uses the collected information to refine the technical design, installation method, project scope and final quotation.

Assessment Finding	Possible Design or Project Response
Usable roof area is smaller than expected	Reduce panel quantity or use a different panel layout
Significant shading is identified	Relocate panels, reduce capacity or adjust the inverter design
Roof repairs are required	Complete repair or replacement before solar installation
Structural condition is uncertain	Request additional engineering review or reinforcement
Switchboard capacity is limited	Include switchboard modification or upgrade work
Cable route is long or difficult	Revise the inverter location or add installation costs
Access is difficult	Add scaffolding, lifting equipment or special safety measures
Battery location is unsuitable	Select another location or revise the storage proposal

The Final Quotation May Change after the Assessment: A preliminary package price may be revised when actual roof, structural, electrical, access or cable-routing conditions are confirmed.

Ask Which Findings Are Confirmed and Which Are Preliminary: Some observations may require further technical investigation before the installer can confirm the final scope and price.

How Should Solar Site Assessment Services Be Compared?

Comparison Item	Basic Assessment	More Detailed Assessment
Roof Review	Visual inspection and approximate dimensions	Detailed measurements, defects and mounting considerations
Shading Review	Visible shading observations	Time-based shading analysis and design adjustment
Structural Review	General visual observations	Additional structural documentation or engineering review
Electrical Review	Switchboard photograph and basic supply information	Connection, protection, earthing and upgrade requirements
Cable Route	Approximate proposed route	Measured distance, containment and access requirements
Site Report	Brief notes or quotation comments	Photographs, findings, exclusions and recommended actions

A Free Assessment May Have a Limited Scope: Ask whether structural calculations, professional certification, electrical testing or detailed shading analysis are included.

What Is the Difference Between Solar100 and a Solar Provider?

Solar100	Solar Provider or Installer
Explains the general solar site-assessment process	Visits and inspects the customer’s property
Highlights common roof, structural and electrical checks	Takes project-specific measurements and photographs
Helps users understand common risks and exclusions	Identifies additional work and technical requirements
Helps users compare participating providers	Prepares the project-specific design and quotation
Does not certify the roof or electrical system	Arranges further engineering review where required
Does not guarantee installation suitability	Confirms suitability according to the agreed professional scope

How Should the Property Owner Prepare for the Assessment?

Prepare recent electricity bills
Provide the property address
Provide roof photographs
Explain known roof leaks
Explain previous roof repairs
Prepare building drawings, if available
Prepare structural drawings, if available
Prepare electrical diagrams, if available
Provide switchboard access
Provide meter access
Arrange safe roof access
Clear locked service areas
Explain operating-hour restrictions
Identify planned building renovations
Identify future electrical loads
Confirm battery or backup requirements
Inform the provider about existing generators
Inform the provider about existing solar equipment

Disclose Known Property Problems: Information about leaks, structural changes, electrical faults or previous repairs can help the assessor identify the correct installation scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a solar site assessment necessary?

It is important for confirming the roof, electrical system, access, equipment locations and additional work before installation.

How long does a solar site assessment take?

The duration depends on the property size, roof access, electrical complexity and whether commercial safety procedures are required.

Will the assessor go onto the roof?

Roof access may be required when it can be carried out safely. Some early assessments may rely on photographs, measurements or external observations before a closer inspection.

Does a site assessment include a structural certificate?

Not always. A basic assessment may identify structural concerns, while formal certification or calculations may require a separate professional review.

Can the quotation change after the assessment?

Yes. Roof repairs, structural work, switchboard upgrades, difficult access or longer cable routes may affect the final project price.

What should I receive after the assessment?

The provider should explain the proposed panel area, equipment locations, identified site issues, required additional work and next project steps.

The information on this page is provided for general educational and comparison purposes. It is not a structural certification, engineering report, electrical inspection certificate, safety approval, installation approval or guarantee that a property is suitable for solar. The actual scope of a site assessment depends on the property, roof type, building structure, electrical system, access conditions, system size and provider appointment. Additional structural, electrical, utility, regulatory or engineering review may be required. Solar100 is a discovery and comparison platform. It is not a solar installer, structural engineer, electrical consultant, utility, regulator or government authority. Customers should obtain project-specific written findings from the appointed qualified provider before proceeding.

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