Clear answer, explained.
Solar feasibility is assessed as part of the audit by combining the facility's post-efficiency consumption profile with the physical parameters of the site. The rooftop is assessed for available area, structural allowance, obstructions (HVAC equipment, skylights, drainage), and orientation. The utility interconnection assessment identifies the available capacity on the local distribution network — which in some cases is the binding constraint on system size, regardless of rooftop area.
The post-efficiency consumption profile — what the facility will consume after efficiency measures are implemented — is the correct baseline for solar sizing. A solar system sized against an inefficient baseline will be larger than necessary. Reducing consumption first, then sizing solar to the lower baseline, produces a system that covers the same share of consumption at a lower capital cost.
For some facilities, solar feasibility confirms that a 100% annual offset is achievable. For others, rooftop area or utility interconnection limits constrain the system below full offset. The audit report presents the solar opportunity sized to what is physically and electrically achievable at that specific site — not a generic estimate.
What this means in practice.
- Solar feasibility assessment covers rooftop area, structural allowance, obstructions, and utility interconnection headroom
- The annual consumption profile — post-efficiency — is the primary input for accurate solar system sizing
- Utility interconnection capacity can be the binding constraint on system size independent of rooftop area
- Sizing solar to a post-efficiency baseline produces a smaller, better-returning system than sizing to an inefficient one
- Some facilities can achieve 100% annual offset — others are constrained by roof area or electrical service capacity
- The audit presents the solar opportunity sized to what is physically and electrically achievable at that specific site
Best-fit environments.
- You want to understand whether your facility is a viable candidate for commercial solar before commissioning a separate solar feasibility study
- You are planning a combined efficiency and solar program and want both scoped together
- Your rooftop is complex — multiple HVAC units, varied structure types — and you need a proper assessment before committing to solar
- Your utility has indicated there may be interconnection constraints and you want to understand their impact on system size
