Structural Assessments for PV Solar Panel Installations

We specialise in structural assessments for PV solar panel installations, ensuring your roof is safe, compliant, and ready to support both temporary and permanent loads.

With over 13 years of experience in solar PV projects and 30 years as a trusted structural engineering practice, we’ve assessed thousands of sites for commercial and educational buildings.
Whether you’re a landlord, installer, or investor, our expertise provides the reassurance you need for a successful solar installation.

Talk to a Structural Engineer

You’ll receive practical, experienced structural input to confirm roof capacity and suitability – giving you confidence to move forward with yourcinstallation.

Tell us a bit about the project below and we’ll take it from there.

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How We Help You

Adding solar panels to a roof requires more than just installation expertise—it demands a thorough understanding of the building’s structural integrity. Here’s how we support you:

1: Pre-Installation Assessments

Record Review: We assess any existing structural drawings or records to determine whether they are sufficient for the project.

Condition Surveys: If records are inadequate or outdated, we conduct on-site surveys to evaluate the roof’s current condition and ensure it can support the proposed loads.

2: Load Assessments

Calculate the permanent loads from solar panels, ballast, and mounting systems.

Evaluate temporary loads during installation, such as pallets of panels or equipment.

Provide recommendations for managing point loads, such as spreading loads or breaking pallets into smaller batches.

3: Construction Guidance

We go beyond standard assessments by offering practical guidance for your construction team.

  • Advise on efficient methods to load materials onto the roof safely, minimising crane days and improving security.
  • Ensure the roof can handle heavy cable bundles and other installation logistics.
  • Collaborate with installers to ensure structurally sound build sequences are used

4: Structural Calculations and Recommendations

Provide detailed calculations to confirm whether the roof structure is adequate.

Offer a traffic light system for recommendations:

  • Red: Roof is not adequate and requires significant strengthening.
  • Amber: Minor adjustments or reinforcements required.
  • Green: Roof is ready for installation as is.

5: Post-Installation Services

Conduct follow-up surveys to ensure the roof remains structurally sound after installation.

Offer annual inspections to maintain long-term safety and performance.

Book a Structural Survey for Solar

What We Need From You

To provide an accurate quote and deliver the best results, we’ll ask for the following:

  • Project/Site Address and Reference: Clear identification of the site.
  • Summary of Requirements: Details of the scope of work, such as load assessments, condition surveys, or ballast design.
  • PV Layout and Section: Helps us understand the proposed panel arrangement.
  • Roof Plans and Elevations: If not clear from the PV layout.
  • Subframe and Fixing Details: For subframe design, we’ll need rail and fixing concepts and manufacturer data sheets.
  • Access Information: Commentary on access to the roof structure, including details on loft hatches, suspended ceilings, or whether additional access equipment (e.g., MEWP or scaffolding) is needed.
  • Ballast Design Inputs: PV triangle details, roof finish, and friction testing (if viable).
Request a PV Roof Assessment

Why Work With Us?

Proven Expertise: Since 2011, we’ve worked on thousands of PV sites for commercial and educational buildings.

Comprehensive Service: Unlike others, we provide guidance for both permanent installations and temporary works during construction.

Efficient Processes: We deliver structural assessments within 4–5 weeks, ensuring they are completed well before the 13-week DNO approval timeline.

Collaborative Approach: By working with landlords, insurers, and installers, we streamline the process and ensure all stakeholders are confident in the structural safety of the building.

Batch Assessments for Efficiency: For clients with multiple sites, we group surveys geographically and apply to the same DNO for multiple properties, saving time and costs.

Why Choose Us?

Expert Problem-Solvers.

With extensive experience in structural engineering, we specialise in diagnosing and resolving complex structural issues.

Tailored Solutions.

Every building is unique, and so is our approach. We provide solutions that are specific to your property and needs.

Clear Communication.

Our reports are written in plain English, ensuring you fully understand the findings and next steps.

Focus on Safety and Compliance.

We prioritise safety and ensure that all recommendations align with industry standards and building regulations.

Independent, Unbiased Advice.


We work solely in your best interests, providing clear, independent engineering advice.

Our recommendations are based on what’s right for your building – not what’s easiest to sell..

Proven Track Record.

We’ve delivered structural solutions across simple and complex buildings.
That experience means fewer surprises, faster decisions, and smoother delivery.

Why Structural Assessments Matter

Solar panel installations involve significant loads, from the panels themselves to the temporary weight of pallets and equipment during installation. Without proper assessments, these loads can lead to structural damage or even failure.


Our expertise ensures:

  • Safety: Protecting the building, installers, and occupants.
  • Compliance: Meeting landlords’, insurers’, and investors’ requirements.
  • Efficiency: Helping your team plan installations to minimise costs and maximize security.
Start Your Solar Structural Assessment

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re managing one site or a portfolio of properties, we’re here to provide the structural expertise you need. Let’s work together to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective solar installations.

Get a Structural Quote Today

What our Clients Say

Great Customer Service

 “Great customer service provided by Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers throughout both projects and the team have been prompt to answer queries as and when they have arisen.”

— Robert Taylor, Spirit Solar