Digitizing Site Surveys: Mobile Checklists for Solar Field Crews
A solar installation is only as accurate as the site survey. If a field engineer fails to identify a shading obstacle, measures roof structures incorrectly, or misses details about the main breaker panel, the design team will draft a layout that cannot be physically built. Correcting these errors on-site causes delays and increases material shipping costs.
Using static paper checklists or raw WhatsApp photos makes survey tracking disorganized. Providing field engineers with a mobile checklist ensures that all critical structural, electrical, and physical details are documented correctly on the first visit.
Key details to capture during site surveys
Rooftop site surveys must document structural material (RCC concrete slab, metal sheet, or clay tiles), structural conditions, azimuth/orientation angles, and shading obstacles (like water tanks, trees, or adjacent structures).
- Rooftop orientation (azimuth) and optimal tilt angle calculations.
- Shading profiling using digital instruments or mobile app photos.
- Electrical details: main distribution board fuse ratings, distance to the inverter, and cable run lengths.
- Rooftop access route, height measurements, and safety anchor points.
With the OnlyWorks mobile app, site assessors can upload dimensions, complete safety checksheets, and capture photos directly from the roof. This data is synced instantly with the design team in the office, reducing proposal turnaround times and ensuring design accuracy.