10 critical mistakes in solar system planning — and how precise drone measurement prevents them

The installation of a photovoltaic system promises energy independence, climate protection and long-term cost savings. But expensive pitfalls lurk between initial planning and the finished plant, which delay, make projects more expensive or even fail. Particularly critical: Inaccurate roof dimensions and lack of detailed data lead to costly recalculations, assembly errors and significant yield losses.

Studies show that up to 30% of all PV projects are affected by planning errors — the majority being due to inaccurate initial data. Modern drone measurement with AI-supported 3D modeling eliminates these risks right from the start and makes solar planning faster, safer and more precise.

1. Inaccurate or estimated roof dimensions as a basis for planning

The problem: Many PV plans start with 2D data. If you ignore roof pitch and details, the roof area is typically 15-30% above the planimetric area. During installation, a supposedly 120 m² roof turns out to be only 95 m² of usable space — the ordered modules do not fit, the calculation is no longer correct.

✅ The solution: Professional drone measurement services such as Airteam deliver centimeter-accurate DIN-compliant 3D models with an accuracy of 1-3 cm over 40 meters. Airteam automatically calculates the actual roof area, including all dormers, throats and ridges — with an accuracy of up to 99.9%. The Airteam Fusion Platform allows data to be exported directly to planning software such as PV*SOL or Eturnity, which completely excludes transmission errors.

2. Shading analysis is neglected or carried out inaccurately

The problem: Shades from neighboring buildings, trees, chimneys or dormers are often underestimated. Partial shading can deactivate entire cell groups due to bypass diodes and thus cause disproportionately high losses; studies report system loss of 10% to 70% in extreme cases, depending on shadow pattern and duration. For a 10 kWp system, 2,000 kWh would be a reduction of ~ 20% and cost around 600—800 € per year, depending on the electricity price.

✅ The solution: Specialized providers such as Airteam provide the basis for AI-based shading analysis with precise altitude data from drone flight. The Airteam software captures every obstacle three-dimensionally. The shading and annual cycle simulation is carried out in tools such as PV*SOL or Eturnity, to which Airteam models can be exported directly.

3. Roof pitch and orientation are only roughly estimated

The problem: Estimates such as “South, approx. 30°” lead to errors. In typical roof systems, ±10° inclination deviation from the optimum usually results in ~ 1% annual yield difference; small azimuth deviations even less. Systematic misconceptions or east/west layouts that do not match the load profiles are more relevant.

✅ The solution: Airteam's 3D drone survey model provides exact inclination angles and azimuth values for every roof surface — automatically and down to the degree. Airteam provides this precise geometric data in formats that are compatible with all common PV planning tools, enabling realistic yield simulations instead of optimistic estimates. The Airteam Fusion Platform calculates these values within 24 hours of the drone flight.

4. Obstacles and roof structures are not completely covered

The problem: Ventilation pipes, satellite dishes, antennas, skylights — what is overlooked during the preview creates unpleasant surprises during installation. Modules must be rescheduled, additional substructures are required, the assembly time is extended. In the worst case, the entire string planning must be redesigned.

✅ The solution: Airteam uses high-resolution drone images that capture every detail of the roof. Airteam's AI software automatically identifies and classifies all roof structures and obstacles. Fans, Fireplaces and Windows are measured with centimeter accuracy using AirTeam's AI photogrammetry and marked in a 3D model. Installers who work with Airteam data know exactly what challenges they can expect before they travel for the first time.

5. Lack of integration with planning software

The problem: Manual transfer of measurement values to Excel, CAD or planning software is time-consuming and prone to errors. A number twister, an incorrect unit — the entire calculation is no longer correct. The result: loss of time due to duplication of work and costly planning errors.

✅ The solution: Modern software such as Airteam supports seamless data export in over 15 formats — From DXF for AutoCAD to IFC for BIM to direct interfaces. Airteam offers specialized integrations for PV*SOL, Eturnity, SolarEdge Designer, Solar Monkey, and many other planning tools. Geometry data from the Airteam Fusion Platform is automatically transferred, including inclinations, orientations and obstacles — what used to take hours, is done by Airteam in seconds at the click of a mouse.

6. No documented inventory before installation

The problem: Was the roof tile damaged before installation? Have there already been cracks in the roofing felt? Without evidence, disputes arise between homeowners, plumbers and insurance companies. Subsequent reports are expensive and often ambiguous.

✅ The solution: Airteam creates complete 3D documentation of the initial state, which creates legal certainty for all parties involved. With Airteam, every roof tile and joint is documented in high resolution — with time stamp and georeferenced. In subsequent discussions, the Airteam Documentation serves as clear proof of the condition before installation, which protects installers from unjustified claims and homeowners from hidden damage.

7. Statics and load capacity are not precisely assessed

The problem: PV brings additional loads to the roof. Without ballast, modules+substructure are typically 7-14 kg/m², on pitched roofs roughly 16-24 kg/m²; on flat roofs, 20-30 kg/m² additional load must be considered. Without exact area dimensions and load distributions, the static calculation becomes a guessing game. Oversized safety surcharges make the project more expensive, undersized ones endanger the roof structure.

✅ The solution: Airteam provides DIN-compliant area calculations from the 3D model, which provide precise foundations for static testing. With Airteam data, load distribution can be optimally planned — without excessive safety buffers, which has already convinced over 5,000 companies.

8. Preparation of an offer takes too long and is inaccurate

The problem: It often takes weeks from initial customer contact to the finished offer. On-site appointments, manual measurements, post-calculations — during this time, the customer jumps in or obtains competing offers. Inaccurate calculations later lead to additional demands that destroy trust.

✅ The solution: Accurate drone data from Airteam reduces the time required to prepare offers by up to 90%. Airteam delivers the finished 3D model via the Airteam Fusion Platform within 24 hours of the drone flight. The planning data generated automatically by Airteam enables immediate, binding calculations. Customers will promptly receive a professional offer with 3D visualization from the Airteam Fusion platform — a real competitive advantage that companies such as Svea Solar and 1POINT 5° are already successfully using.

9. Dangerous on-site inspections for measurement

The problem: Crashes occur frequently on construction sites every year, particularly when working on roofs. Weather such as wetness, snow or strong wind increases the risk and can delay or prevent ascents.

✅ The solution: Airteam enables safe measurement from the ground — the drone does the work at risk. With Airteam-certified pilots or with your own drone, an entire single-family home can be captured in just 10-15 minutes without anyone having to climb a ladder. The Airteam Method reduces accident risks, and also saves expensive safety equipment.

10. Not a scalable solution for multiple projects

The problem: Manual measurement takes up a lot of time and scales poorly. An on-site appointment typically takes around 1—1.5 hours, longer for complex roofs. As a result, it can quickly happen that a complete employee is only employed for measurement work. Growth is slowed down, orders must be rejected.

✅ The solution: Airteam offers credit-based flat rates (Fast/Pro/Max), which regularly covers 10 to 100 projects per month. There are starter sets with training and A2 certificates As well as a pilot network in DE/AT/CH. A single-family home is captured by drone in about ten minutes. This significantly reduces the measurement bottleneck.

Conclusion: Precision right from the start saves time, money and nerves

The most common and expensive mistakes in solar system planning have a common cause: inaccurate or missing initial data. Anyone who relies on estimates, outdated satellite images or risky manual measurements is planning built on sand.

Modern drone measurement with AI-supported evaluation, such as offered by Airteam, systematically eliminates these sources of error. The result: 90% faster planning, 99.49% accurate roof dimensions, significantly lower risk of accidents and satisfied customers through professional 3D visualizations.

In a market where precision and speed are decisive for success, professional drone measurement is no longer a luxury — but an economic necessity. More than 70,000 successfully completed projects with Airteam speak for themselves.

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