The site assessment service will help determine the property's ability and readiness to harvest solar energy.
A site assessment will provide specific information regarding how energy efficiency and renewable energy systems can be used together to help meet energy needs.
An assessment is NOT a sales call, the assessment service will provide a site specific report that to the client that is completely unbiased enumerating no specific products or services.

Each site will be professionally surveyed for the following:

1. Quantify inherent renewable energy resource available thru obtaining multiple solar site readings.
2. Determine client needs, expectations and reservations.
3. Energy usage and energy demand.
4. Energy conservation and energy efficiency potential.
5. System placement and mounting options.
6. Structural integrity of home or buildings.
7. Utility requirements for inter-connection.
8. Building permits required for implementing a renewable energy system.
9. Insurance required for implementing a renewable energy system.
10. Neighborhood building covenant or regulations.

The site assessment will provide a detailed report regarding ten prominent items:

1. Amount of harvestable solar energy available at site.
2. Optimal system placement options.
3. Recommendation for size and type of renewable energy system to meet energy needs and budget.
4. Estimate system output of energy system based on available resource
5. A general cost estimate based on budget and inherent solar resource.
6. An analysis of energy needs, usage and trends.
7. Energy conservation and efficiency recommendations.
8. Economic cost/benefit analysis for investing a renewable energy system.
9. Environmental benefit analysis.
10. Next steps required to implement a renewable energy system.


Site Assessment Benefits: The site assessment is a useful tool when people or organizations are considering a renewable energy project. The report can be used to present a summary of information and options to a group of decision makers for their approval, such as a board of directors or a budget committee. A site assessment conducted by a certified site assessor provides an opportunity to talk with an experienced, objective third party about the characteristics and potential of the property.

More and more people, organizations are excited about utilizing renewable energy. It is important to learn as much as you can about the technology. Become an informed consumer. You need to feel confident and comfortable in choosing renewable energy. An excellent resource is Home Power magazine, get a subscription or check them out on line (www.homepower.com). Also, consider attending a renewable energy workshop from the Midwest Renewable Energy Association in Custer, WI. (www.the-mrea.org) or call (715) 592.6595 for a course catalog.

Ultimately, the way to find out if your location is appropriate for implementing a renewable energy system is to have a site assessment.  A site assessment will bring a renewable energy expert to your site to determine the feasibility, appropriateness, general costs and locate incentives for installing renewable energy systems such as solar electric or solar hot water. Solar Systems of Indiana are Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) certified renewable energy site assessors. 

There are many site specific variables to consider such as shading/placement of system, inherent resource, structural integrity, interconnection, balance of system, conservation, load analysis and economic analysis. All renewable energy systems are tailor made and site specific. If you are to own a renewable energy system you should know as much about the technology as you can, as you will be living with a system for the next 30+ years.

During an assessment, Solar Systems of Indiana visits your site, takes the time to sit down and visit with you to determine your background, needs, expectations and discuss any reservations. Solar Systems of Indiana takes solar site readings to determine the amount of solar energy available throughout the year.

An energy conservation audit (Solar Systems of Indiana has performed over 30 energy conservation audits for Hoosier Energy and REMC's) is performed to find ways for you to lower your new home's carbon footprint immediately, saving you energy and in turn lowering the size of a renewable energy system required. The assessment usually requires two hours to visit on site and a week to prepare the report. Solar Systems of Indiana also distributes valuable, unbiased renewable energy and energy conservation case studies, references pertinent to your specific site. About a week later, Solar Systems of Indiana issues a site specific, detailed 20-30 page report, essentially providing a road map to going solar and saving energy at your site given the location's inherent solar resources. 

Solar Systems of Indiana has performed new construction solar assessments for Architects and Builders. As part of the new construction assessment, Solar Systems of Indiana forwards energy efficient appliance, lighting and water use recommendations.

A site assessment is usually the first step to seriously implementing a renewable energy system. Site assessments conducted by an MREA Certified Site Assessor is a service to help homeowners and businesses through the process of putting in a renewable energy system. An assessment is an unbiased survey to assess your property's ability to harvest solar energy and educate you regarding renewable energy systems and options.

Solar Systems of Indiana has performed commercial PV site assessments for Hoosier Energy, Ball State University, The City of Bloomington, Herndon Architects, Helm Test, South Central Indiana - REMC Martinsville Headquarters, WFHB Community Radio, Greencastle Vet. Clinic, Bloomington North High School, The Caldwell Center, JFW Industries, Helm Test, Inc. and Associates, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity as well as numerous residential clients.