# What happens on a solar panel survey | Eco Solar > What happens on a solar panel survey in Birmingham, from the first call to the written quote: the roof, the shade, your usage, the planning check and the grid. URL: https://ecosolarpanelsbirmingham.co.uk/blog/solar-survey-walkthrough/ 1. [Home](https://ecosolarpanelsbirmingham.co.uk/) 2. [Blog](https://ecosolarpanelsbirmingham.co.uk/blog/) 3. What happens on a solar panel survey: a walkthrough How a job runs # What happens on a solar panel survey: a walkthrough [Eco Solar Panel Installation Company](https://ecosolarpanelsbirmingham.co.uk/) walks through a typical home solar survey step by step, so you know what to have ready and what a good survey should cover. Published 29 September 2026 · By Eco Solar Panel Installation Company **Illustrative walkthrough.** This describes how a typical job runs. It is not a record of a particular customer's job. A solar quote is only as good as the survey behind it. This is how a typical home survey runs, and what you should expect it to cover. ## Before the visit The first call covers the basics: your address, which way the roof faces if you know, whether you already have panels, and whether you want a battery or an EV charger as well. It helps to have: - a year’s electricity use, from a bill or your supplier’s app - a rough idea of when you use most power: evenings only, or during the day too - any past building or planning paperwork, if the house has been extended The address is also checked against the council’s conservation areas. In Birmingham there are 29, and 11 of them have Article 4 Directions. ## On the roof, from the ground Most of the roof survey is done from the ground and from inside the loft. The surveyor looks at: - **Direction and pitch.** [PVGIS](https://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvg_tools/en/) gives Birmingham about 969 kWh a year per kWp facing south and 777 kWh facing east or west. - **Shade.** Chimneys, trees, neighbouring extensions and dormers, and where their shadows fall at different times of day. - **Clear space.** Roof windows, vents and the edges of the roof limit how many panels fit. - **Condition.** Slipped tiles, a sagging ridge or an old roof that will need replacing soon. Panels last decades, so the roof under them should too. - **The loft.** The rafters, where cables can run and where an inverter or battery could go. ## Inside the house The surveyor looks at the consumer unit, the meter and where the inverter will go. If you want a battery, they look for a suitable place. If you want an EV charger, they check the cable route to where you park. ## The design and the quote Back at the desk, the system is sized to your usage, not just the roof. The quote should show: - the number of panels and the system size in kWp - the panel, inverter and any battery make and model - expected yearly generation for your roof - what is included: scaffolding, bird mesh, optimisers, grid registration with National Grid Electricity Distribution - the planning position for your address - warranties, and who looks after the system afterwards If most of the power would be exported, a good quote says so, and shows whether a smaller system or a battery would suit you better. ## After you say yes Installation usually follows a set order: scaffolding, rails and panels on the roof, then the inverter and wiring inside, then testing and switching on. Afterwards the system is registered with National Grid Electricity Distribution, and you get the handover pack of certificates, warranties and manuals. Keep it safe, because you will need it if you sell the house. Ready for a survey? Call with your postcode for a free quote. 0121 330 1151 (+441213301151) Sources - [PVGIS, European Commission Joint Research Centre](https://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvg_tools/en/) - [Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, Schedule 2 Part 14](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/schedule/2/part/14) ## Related guides - [Decision Guide Are solar panels worth it in Birmingham?](https://ecosolarpanelsbirmingham.co.uk/guide/are-solar-panels-worth-it/) - [Learn Do solar panels need planning permission in Birmingham?](https://ecosolarpanelsbirmingham.co.uk/guide/solar-panels-planning-permission-birmingham/) - [Decision Guide How much do solar panels cost in Birmingham?](https://ecosolarpanelsbirmingham.co.uk/guide/solar-panel-cost-birmingham/) - [Learn Can you put solar panels on a terraced house?](https://ecosolarpanelsbirmingham.co.uk/guide/solar-panels-terraced-house/) Thinking about solar, or need a repair? Get a free quote. Lines open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 7pm. 0121 330 1151 (+441213301151) [Get a free quote](https://ecosolarpanelsbirmingham.co.uk/contact/)