g/solar • Posted by u/battery_backup_brad • 1 days ago

Best way to document shading analysis for a permit application?

Some AHJs in our area are now requiring a shading analysis to be submitted with permit applications for solar installs. I've been doing shade analysis informally with a Solmetric SunEye for system design, but I've never had to submit formal documentation.

What format do most AHJs accept? Are there specific tools whose output they recognize? Do you typically include the SunEye report directly or summarize it?

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u/roof_mount_ray • 1 days ago

Call the building department before you design. Some AHJs don't require shading analysis at all and others want specific documentation format. 10 minutes on the phone saves you re-submitting. Ask what they want before you go to the site.

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u/string_inverter_sarah • 1 days ago

Some AHJs also accept Aurora or Helioscope shading simulations based on aerial imagery, though the acceptance of software modeling vs. on-site measurement varies. For complex shading situations (large trees, dormers), on-site SunEye measurement is more defensible than a satellite model.

u/solar_steve • 1 days ago

Solmetric SunEye PDF reports are generally accepted by any AHJ that requires documentation — it's the industry standard for on-site shade measurement. Include the full report with fisheye photos, annual shade impact, and TSRF (Total Solar Resource Fraction). Most permit reviewers recognize it immediately.