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Planning Your Equipment Location

What you can expect during your site survey, plus rules + guidelines we’ll follow.

When you schedule your site survey, our team will visit your home to assess where your solar and battery system components can be safely and efficiently installed. Every property is unique — so our goal is to find locations that meet both safety and permitting requirements while keeping the installation clean and unobtrusive.

Location requirements can vary depending on your city or county permitting authority (AHJ), but this guide outlines the most common standards we follow.

🧭 What Happens During Your Site Survey

During your site survey, we’ll:

  • Inspect your main service panel (MSP) and surrounding electrical setup

  • Identify potential equipment locations (battery, inverter, gateway, etc.)

  • Take photos and measurements for code compliance and permitting

  • Check for clearances and obstructions

  • Discuss any site prep you may need before installation


📏 Hardware Requirements

Clearances are essential for safe operation, service access, and code compliance. Here’s what we’ll look for:

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
  • 36” from windows, doors, gas meters
  • 12” on all sides from other equipment
  • 36” of clear level ground in front safe service workspace (no stairs or steep slopes)
  • Must be shaded if south-facing; not on bedroom wall

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
  • 4” on all sides
  • Maximum height from ground to base ≤ 54” (Varies by Manufacturer)

⚠️ Safety first: Adequate clearance ensures safe operation and easy maintenance access.

 

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⚙️ System Site Location Guidelines

Each home is different, but these general guidelines apply in most jurisdictions. Requirements may vary depending on your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) — your local city or county permitting office.

Exterior Walls Preferred Over Interior

  • Exterior walls are generally faster and more cost-effective to permit and install.
  • Interior installations often require additional fire permits, ventilation considerations, and structural review.
  • South-facing exterior walls must have adequate shading — direct sunlight can void battery warranties.
  • Batteries cannot be installed on bedroom walls due to manufacturer and fire code restrictions.

Grouping Hardware For Clean Layouts

  • To install your system, we’ll need to coordinate it with your main service panel (MSP), meter, and Solar Inverter (if existing). 
  • Grouping hardware near these existing components shortens conduit runs and keeps layouts tidy. 

Keep Equipment Clear of Vehicle Pathways

  • If equipment is near a driveway, garage door, or vehicle path, it must meet vehicle impact protection codes.
  • This may require installing bollards or barriers, which we’ll identify during the survey if applicable.

🧹 How to Prepare for Your Site Survey

Before your site visit:

  • ✅ Clear 3–4 ft around your main electrical panel
  • ✅ Move bins, furniture, or storage away from likely installation areas. 
  • ✅ Keep pets indoors during the visit
  • ✅ Let us know about planned renovations or landscaping near electrical areas
  • ✅ Make sure our team can easily access your garage or exterior walls

Preparing these areas in advance helps us finish your survey quickly and identify the best equipment layout for your home.