THE SHORT ANSWER
A site survey should close assumptions, not merely check a scheduling box. Request a written reconciliation of design, equipment, scope, price and timeline.
Collect the survey outputs
Ask for the measurements or summarized findings used to revise the project: roof planes and condition, shade or obstructions, electrical equipment, proposed pathways and equipment locations. DOE recommends evaluating site and roof conditions as part of going solar. [1]
Compare module count and production
Mark any panel moved, removed or added, and recalculate total kWdc. Request an updated production model if orientation, shade or capacity changed. Do not retain the original annual kWh headline beside a smaller surveyed array without an explanation.
Reconcile installation scope
Review attachments, roof work, trenching, conduit path, electrical modifications, battery location, permits and exclusions. Ask who performs each item. A survey finding can change labor and materials even when the marketed panel model remains the same.
Review money and timing
FTC guidance recommends getting promises and contract terms in writing. [2] Identify any price, financing amount, payment milestone, cancellation term or schedule consequence tied to the revision. Do not authorize an unspecified future change merely to keep a tentative installation date.
Sign one final design set
Approve a dated proposal and layout that incorporate accepted survey changes, and mark prior versions superseded. Keep unresolved items in writing with an owner and due date. Installation should begin from documents the homeowner and project team can both identify.
Before your next conversation
- Obtain the survey findings.
- Recalculate size and production changes.
- Review scope, price and schedule.
- Approve one dated final design set.
Primary sources
- U.S. Department of Energy: Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar
Primary source reviewed September 10, 2026. Utility rules, equipment availability, project design and contract terms remain specific to the property and proposal.
- Federal Trade Commission: Solar Power for Your Home
Primary source reviewed September 10, 2026. Utility rules, equipment availability, project design and contract terms remain specific to the property and proposal.
Planning examples and questions are Origin’s editorial guidance, not a property-specific diagnosis, engineering design, tax determination or promise of savings. Manufacturer and utility references do not imply an affiliation with Origin.
Make the decision specific to your home.
Ask Origin Direct to reconcile a post-survey proposal.
Book an Origin Direct review →Scope, pricing and availability are confirmed for your property. A request is not a confirmed appointment.