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Solar SiteAssessment Checklist FinalReport 2021

This document provides guidance on conducting a solar site assessment for local government facilities considering solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. It outlines 4 steps to gather key information about the site and utility details, including verifying the site's suitability for solar, collecting utility bills and rate information, identifying electrical specifications, and evaluating roof characteristics for a roof-mounted system or land details for a ground-mount system. Conducting a thorough site assessment is important for determining the viability and design of a potential solar PV project.

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Zahid Khan
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25 views3 pages

Solar SiteAssessment Checklist FinalReport 2021

This document provides guidance on conducting a solar site assessment for local government facilities considering solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. It outlines 4 steps to gather key information about the site and utility details, including verifying the site's suitability for solar, collecting utility bills and rate information, identifying electrical specifications, and evaluating roof characteristics for a roof-mounted system or land details for a ground-mount system. Conducting a thorough site assessment is important for determining the viability and design of a potential solar PV project.

Uploaded by

Zahid Khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Solar Site Assessment Resources

Developed for Solar Possible Local Government Joint RFP Process

Installing solar PV at a local government facility, whether on the ground


or on the roof, is an opportunity for environmental and economic
benefits. Some sites may be more suitable for solar than others. If you
are considering solar, this guide provides information to consider,
assemble, and analyze as you begin.

Before you begin: Where is your site? At minimum, know the Zip Code of
the site you are considering.

If Your Building isn’t Built Yet:


If you are considering solar on a building that hasn’t yet been constructed, you may need to
conduct an energy model and you should ensure that the building is built solar-ready. You
can start with resources from Grow Solar and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

STEP 1 – General Screening Data


 Check whether your site is suitable for solar energy by
entering the address of the desired site on the Minnesota Solar
Map. If the roof is at least 80% unshaded, it is considered a
potentially good site.
 What is the total square footage of the
unobstructed/minimally obstructed surface area?
 What is the distance (in feet) from the proposed site to the
utility meter, mechanical room, and electrical service box?

A Note on Roof Obstructions:


When considering a roof for solar, it’s important to consider equipment that may obstruct
solar, including mechanical equipment, window washing tie-offs, roof entrances/exits, etc.
Take time to identify potential obstructions to ensure the viability of solar.
Solar Site Assessment Resources
Solar Possible Local Government Joint RFP Process

STEP 2 – Utility Data

 Ideally: Provide 12 contiguous months of utility bills.


 At Minimum: Provide scans of 2 utility bills for summer and
winter months (July/June and December/January).
 Consider: Does your utility offer any incentive programs for solar
PV (e.g. capacity, net metering, or production incentives)?

STEP 3 – Utility Rate Information


 What is the building’s rate structure? It is either
time of day, fixed, or peak control. Utility Rate
 What time of day do rates change? Information:
 Are weekends and holidays off-peak? There are many aspects of
 If the site has more than one meter onsite, what is utility rates to consider.
the rate schedule? For example, general vs. small Work with your utility
service. representative if you have
questions about rate
 What are the kWh rates?
information.
 What are the kW peak demand rates

STEP 4 – Electrical Information


 What is the voltage of the incoming power supply and the number of phases?
 Does the site have a minimum power factor required by the utility? Or is the power
factor <1 for the metered site?
M i n i m u m P o w e r F a c t o r : the ratio of real power flowing in AC towards load
to apparent power in the circuit
Solar Site Assessment Resources
Solar Possible Local Government Joint RFP Process

Ground-Mounted Systems
 What is the approximate grade of the land?
 What is the current use of the land? What type
of land is it?
 Describe activity of adjacent tenants (e.g.
agriculture, mining, highway).

Roof-Mounted Systems
 What type of building is it?
 Is the tilt, angle, and orientation of the south facing flat roof area?
 What is the roof pitch?
 Are there any historic building issues? Is the building on a national registry?
 Roof Construction
• What is the roof age and condition? Roof
• What is the rooftop construction material?
Replacement
Schedule:
• Are there rooftop units (HVAC)?
• When was the rooftop last replaced? It’s important to consider
how often and when the roof
• Is a roofing replacement scheduled in the next is scheduled to be replaced.
10 years? Roofs that are neither brand
• How many stories is the building? new nor old should be
• Does the roof have any leaks? considered with caution and
may not be good locations
• Are rooftop drawings available? until roof replacement.
• How often will people be working on the roof?

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