Solar Eligibility Checklist
Free pre-survey checklist for UK homeowners and businesses — 7 sections covering roof, electrical, planning, grid and finance prerequisites for solar PV.
Pass 6+ of the 7 sections and you are ready to book a survey. Pass 3-5 and we can usually work around the rest. Pass fewer than 3 and solar probably is not the right next step for your property in 2026.
Roof condition
- Roof is in good general condition (no missing tiles, no leaks)
- Roof is less than 20 years old, OR was last inspected by a roofer in the last 5 years
- Roof structure is sound (no sagging, no rot at the trusses)
- Roof has at least one slope facing south, east or west (not north only)
- Clear roof area of at least 22 m² (4kWp) / 44 m² (8kWp)
Electrical readiness
- Consumer unit is RCD-protected (post-2008 install) or upgradable
- Spare ways available in consumer unit (or willing to upgrade)
- Earthing system in good condition (TN-S or TN-C-S)
- No history of unexplained tripping or electrical faults
Planning & ownership
- You own the property (or have written landlord permission)
- Property is not Grade I or Grade II* listed (Grade II is workable but needs LBC)
- Property is not in a conservation area front elevation
- No Article 4 Direction removing PD rights for solar in your area
Grid connection
- Single-phase supply with 80A+ main fuse (most UK homes)
- OR three-phase supply (typical for larger homes / commercial)
- Smart meter installed (or scheduled — needed for SEG)
- Within 50m cable run from inverter location to consumer unit
Demand profile
- Annual electricity spend above £1,400 (domestic) or £14,000 (commercial)
- At least some daytime household / business activity (not 9-5 empty)
- Plans within 5 years for EV / heat pump / increased usage (boosts ROI)
Finance & budget
- Cash, finance line or PPA appetite available
- Understanding that domestic payback is 9-14 years; commercial 3-7 years
- If business: profit-making company that can use the Annual Investment Allowance
Practical access
- Off-street parking available for installer van and scaffold lorry
- Roof access route not blocked by extensions, conservatories or trees
- Available for 1-2 days install (domestic) or 2-4 weeks (commercial roof)
Passed the checklist? Book a real survey.
Tell us about your roof, your bills and your goals. KMM runs a fully funded electrical & structural survey, designs a system, runs the numbers and tells you honestly whether solar makes sense for you. No deposit, no pressure.
Book Fully Funded Survey → 0115 647 3822