You’re in the market for solar panels for your business, and you don’t want to waste time chasing a solar project that won’t work. You don’t want to spend money on designs and proposals just to find out your roof isn’t strong enough.
At PSC Energy, we’ve seen this happen more than once. Someone gets excited about solar, skips the early checks, and then hits a wall when the structural report comes back negative. That’s why we do things differently.
In this article, you’ll learn about the following:
- What Is a Structural Assessment?
- Why a Structural Assessment the First Step (Not an Afterthought) in Designing a Solar Panel System
- How Much a Structural Assessment Costs and Why It’s Worth It
- What Happens If Your Roof Fails the Structural Assessment?
- The Certification Process: Before and After Solar Panel Installation
By the end of this article, you’ll learn what a structural assessment is, how much it costs, and why it should be the very first step in your solar journey.
What Is a Structural Assessment?
A structural assessment determines whether your roof can safely support a solar system. It looks at the building’s strength and helps decide if solar is a viable option for your site. It’s a step that should come before any design or planning.
A qualified structural engineer carries out this check. More and more engineers are now focusing on solar energy. They understand how rooftop systems affect older buildings and what to look for during an inspection.
At PSC Energy, we take care of this step for you. You don’t need to find an engineer or know what to ask. We hire a trusted engineer to do the job properly. If you proceed with a full solar project through us, this assessment will be the first part of our scope of work.
The process starts with a review of your building plans if they’re available. Then our engineer visits your site to inspect the roof. They’ll check the type of roof, the spacing of supports, the materials used, and how much weight is distributed across the structure.
After that, you’ll get a report. It will confirm if your roof can support solar panels as-is or if it needs upgrades. In some cases, the report may recommend against installing a system altogether.
That answer shapes everything that follows. If the roof fails, you stop before making a large investment. If it passes, you move forward with clarity and confidence.
This isn’t just a technical box to tick. It’s a vital checkpoint that protects your time, your budget, and your project from going off track.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about commercial solar, you might want to check out the following article titled, Commercial Solar Energy in Sydney: Why Should I Consider It?
Why a Structural Assessment Is the First Step (Not an Afterthought) in Designing a Solar Panel System
A structural report can stop a solar project before it begins, and that’s not a bad thing. It provides straightforward answers early on before you invest time or money into a plan that won’t work.
Solar systems add significant weight to your roof. Between the panels, mounting frames, and wiring, the load can be substantial. If your building wasn’t designed to carry that weight, the structure could become unsafe. That’s why this check is crucial.
At PSC Energy, we make the structural assessment your first step. Whether you engage us for just the assessment or a whole project, we start by confirming your roof can support the system. If it can’t, you can walk away without wasting money or time.
Some providers delay this check. By the time the assessment is done, you may have already signed contracts or approved system designs. If the report says the roof won’t work, changing course can be costly. We avoid that risk by getting answers up front.
Even if the result is negative, the report still provides valuable information. It may suggest structural changes that could make solar energy possible, or it may guide you toward other options, such as a ground-mounted system or an off-site PPA (Power Purchase Agreement).
Completing this report first shows that you’re focused on long-term value. You want to make informed, thoughtful decisions, not impulsive ones. And if the outcome is positive, you can move forward with confidence.
For around $1,200, you gain clarity on whether your building is even a candidate for solar. That’s a small price to pay for protecting a much larger investment.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about whether your business is a good fit for solar, you might want to check out the following article titled, Is Your Business a Good Fit for a Commercial Solar Energy System?
How Much a Structural Assessment Costs and Why It’s Worth It for Solar Panels
A structural assessment for a commercial solar project typically costs around $1,200. That figure can vary depending on your building’s size, shape, and roof access, but it’s a solid estimate in most cases.
At first glance, it might seem like a lot for a report. However, when compared to the cost of a solar system, which often starts around $100,000 and can increase significantly, it’s a relatively small investment. You’re spending approximately 1% of the total project cost to determine if the project is even feasible. That’s not just reasonable. It’s smart.
This one step can save you money in two key ways:
- First, it can prevent you from wasting time and funds on a building that cannot support solar.
- Second, it can prevent redesigns or cancellations later if the roof turns out to be unsuitable after planning has begun.
We’ve seen cases where clients skipped this step. They moved ahead with quotes and design work, only to learn too late that their structure couldn’t handle the system. By that point, they had already spent thousands.
At PSC Energy, we include the structural check at the very beginning. If you just need the assessment, we’ll manage it for a one-time fee. If you decide to proceed with a full solar project, the report becomes part of our scope of work. And if the result is negative, you’re free to exit. You only pay for the report.
This approach gives you control. You’re not committing to a major investment until you’re confident your building can support it. You’re making a clear, low-risk decision that protects both your budget and your time.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about commercial solar requirements, you might want to check out the following article titled, Why Emissions Reporting Will Make or Break Your Business and How Solar Panels Help.
What Happens If Your Roof Fails the Structural Assessment for Solar Panels?
Sometimes, a structural report comes back with bad news. The engineer may find that your roof can’t support a solar system. That can be disappointing, but it doesn’t mean you’ve wasted your time or money.
At PSC Energy, this is built into the process. If the assessment finds your building isn’t suitable, you can walk away. You only pay for the report. There are no penalties, hidden fees, or pressure to continue. That’s how our contracts are set up: flexibility first.
Even a negative result provides valuable information. The report explains why your roof isn’t suitable. In some cases, the fix may be simple, like adding support beams. That lets you decide whether it’s worth exploring further with a builder or engineer.
In other cases, upgrades may be too complex or expensive. Knowing that early saves you from planning a project that won’t work. It helps you avoid higher costs later.
You also still have options. If rooftop solar isn’t possible, you might consider a ground-mounted system if you have the space. Or you could explore a power purchase agreement (PPA) from an off-site solar provider.
No one wants to hear that their building isn’t a good fit. But learning that early, before you’ve made major commitments, is the best time to listen to it. You’ve made only a small investment, and now you have a clear path forward.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about commercial solar payment options, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Should a Business Pay for a Commercial Solar Panel Energy System? Your Guide to CapEx, Leasing, and PPAs.
The Certification Process: Before and After Commercial Solar Panel Installation
Once the structural assessment is complete, the engineer provides a report. This report confirms whether your building is suitable for solar energy and outlines any necessary adjustments that may be required.
But there’s a second important step after the system is installed.
At PSC Energy, we bring the same structural engineer back to inspect the finished installation. They inspect the roof, the mounting system, and the panel layout to make sure everything aligns with the original plan. If it does, they certify the system.
This final certification proves the system was installed safely and correctly. It gives you peace of mind and provides documentation you can show to building inspectors, insurers, or potential buyers.
No government agency certifies these systems. Instead, the certification comes from the licensed structural engineer. They’re qualified, insured, and trusted to make that call.
You don’t need to manage any of this yourself. We coordinate the entire process, from initial assessment to final sign-off, so you know the system is safe and fully supported.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about PPAs, you might want to check out the following article titled, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for Commercial Solar: A Practical Explanation for Businesses.
Wrapping It Up: Your First Smart Move in Solar
If you’re thinking about solar for your building, the structural assessment is the first step. Not the last.
It costs about $1,200. It gives you a clear answer. And it protects you from wasting money or time on a system that might never get off the ground.
At PSC Energy, we make it easy. We will engage a structural engineer on your behalf. We include this step as the first part of your project. If the report says no, you can walk away without being locked into anything else. If it says yes, you move forward with complete confidence.
Before obtaining quotes, planning your system, or signing any documents, have your structure checked. It’s the smartest first step you can take.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about commercial solar installation, you might want to check out the following article titled, Commercial Solar Panel Feasibility Study: How Businesses Can Assess Energy Benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a structural assessment for solar panel energy systems?
A structural assessment is a professional review of your building’s roof to determine if it can safely support a solar panel system. A licensed structural engineer checks your existing plans, inspects the roof, and provides a report confirming whether solar installation is possible.
Why do I need a structural report before installing solar?
Without a structural report, you risk spending time and money on a system that your roof can’t support. This assessment is the first step in confirming whether your building is suitable for solar, helping you avoid delays, redesigns, or project cancellations later on.
How much does a structural assessment cost?
Most structural assessments for commercial buildings cost around $1,200. That price can vary depending on the size and design of your building. Still, it’s a small investment compared to the overall cost of a solar system, which often exceeds $100,000.
What happens if my roof fails the structural assessment?
If your roof doesn’t pass inspection, you can stop the project before proceeding further. At PSC Energy, you only pay for the assessment. You’re not locked into a full contract, and you have the flexibility to walk away or consider changes to the building, like structural reinforcements.
Is the structural assessment included in a solar project with PSC Energy?
Yes. If you sign a full solar contract with PSC Energy, the structural report is included as the first part of our scope of work. If the report shows the building isn’t suitable, you can exit the process with no additional charges beyond the report itself.
Who performs the structural assessment?
PSC Energy engages a qualified, licensed structural engineer to carry out the assessment. We manage the process from start to finish, so you don’t need to search for an engineer or coordinate the inspection yourself.
Is there a certification required after solar panels are installed?
Yes. After installation, the same engineer returns to inspect the system and confirm that everything matches the original assessment. If it does, they certify the installation. This final certification gives you proof that your system is safely supported and installed as planned.
Is there a government body that certifies rooftop solar structure checks?
No. Structural certifications are issued by licensed structural engineers, not a government agency. These professionals are trained, insured, and qualified to provide assessments and final certifications for solar projects.
What if my building isn’t suitable for rooftop solar?
If your roof can’t support solar, there are still other options. You might consider a ground-mounted solar system if space allows or look into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with an off-site solar provider.
