Why Site Inspections Before Quoting Matter: A Commitment to Transparency and Accuracy at ilumen Solar

At ilumen Solar, we believe that providing a seamless and transparent experience for our clients begins long before we install your solar panels. One of the key ways we do this is through comprehensive site inspections, conducted before we even provide a quote.

Accurate Roof Modeling with Drone Technology

One of the most important aspects of installing solar panels is ensuring that they’re placed on a structurally sound roof that can handle the weight and configuration of the panels. To ensure the highest level of precision, we use drone technology to conduct a detailed flight over the roof. This drone flyover allows us to map out the roof in 3D, capturing all of its dimensions, angles, and any potential obstructions.

By using this technology, we can:

• Accurately model your roof: This helps us calculate the ideal placement for solar panels and optimize their performance.
• Identify obstructions: Things like chimneys, vents, and skylights can affect how much sunlight your roof receives. We make sure to account for these elements in our design, so you're getting the most efficient system possible.

With this data, we don’t just give you a generic quote – we create a proposal that’s custom-tailored to your home and specific needs.

Inspecting Your Home’s Electrical System

A solar installation is more than just panels on a roof. To ensure everything works seamlessly, we must assess your electrical system. During our site visit, we inspect the location of the meter, service panel, and any existing electrical conduits to determine how the solar system will connect to your home’s power grid.

Why is this so important?

• Equipment Placement: Knowing exactly where the meter and service panel are helps us design a system that’s not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. By mapping out where the equipment and conduit will go upfront, we give you important visual details about what to expect in terms of appearance, placement, and any necessary adjustments to your home’s layout.
• Electrical Code Compliance: During the inspection, we also keep an eye out for code violations in your electrical system. If your system does not meet current electrical standards, we’ll identify these issues before we even begin the installation process. This is crucial because, if there are violations, they could lead to additional costs for electrical upgrades or corrections.

Picture 1 – potential code violation with the meter inaccessible, but depends on the jurisdiction and the utility company

Picture 2 – Outdated breaker panel (Pushmatic), which are no longer up to code and need to be replaced

Picture 3 – Cold, Hot, and Gas pipes need to be bonded at the hot water heater to be up to code and pass a solar inspection

The Advantage of Upfront Assessment

While many solar companies conduct their site visits after you’ve signed a contract, Ilumen Solar takes a different approach. By doing a thorough inspection before providing a quote, we ensure that we’re accounting for any hidden costs that might arise, such as the need for electrical upgrades or repairs to bring your home’s system up to code.

Other companies may offer you a shiny proposal that looks great on paper but may later surprise you with additional charges once they conduct their site inspection. At that point, you could be facing unexpected expenses for things like electrical upgrades or changes to the layout. Unfortunately, these issues often come up only after you’ve committed to the project.

At Ilumen Solar, we believe in full transparency from the very beginning. By addressing any potential issues during our site inspection, we can:

• Provide you with an accurate proposal that accounts for all variables.
• Help you avoid unexpected costs that could arise during or after installation.
• Offer you a clear, upfront picture of what to expect in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.

A Customer-Centered Approach

Our goal is to make your solar journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. We’re committed to delivering the most accurate assessment and proposal from the start, so there are no hidden surprises later. By offering upfront site inspections, we prioritize your satisfaction and provide clarity, helping you make informed decisions about your solar investment.

Choosing the right solar company isn’t just about price – it’s about trust. When you choose Ilumen Solar, you're choosing a partner who is dedicated to transparency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule your site inspection and receive a quote that reflects the true cost and value of your solar project. Let us help you harness the power of the sun with confidence!