Renewable Energy Site Assessment

Site assessments provide recommendations for customers considering solar electric, solar water heating, and wind electric systems. Focus on Energy requires a site assessment to qualify for wind electric system incentives and recommends site assessments for all renewable energy system installations.

A site assessment can help you determine if a renewable energy system will fit your energy needs, site, and budget. Costs for site assessments vary depending on the type and complexity of the renewable energy system and typically range from $300 to $1,000.

During the site visit, the assessor will:

• Review your system goals
• Review how systems work
• Complete a basic analysis of your energy needs
• Make energy efficiency improvement recommendations
• Evaluate the resource at your site
• Recommend a system size and setting to meet your energy goals
• Estimate the system’s production
• Provide a rough cost estimate for the system
• Overview the incentives for which the system is eligible
• Provide a preliminary economic analysis of the system
• Outline the next steps you need to take to make your system a reality

Note: a site assessment is not a bid nor does it provide a system design.

When ready for a site assessment, contact a qualified site assessor to schedule and perform your assessment. View the Midwest Renewable Energy Association's (MREA) certified site assessor directory.

Earn a MREA Site Assessor Certificate A site assessor provides evaluations and information to help residential, business, and agricultural customers determine whether their properties would benefit from a renewable energy system. Visit the Midwest Renewable Energy Association website to learn more.