Obstruction

An obstruction is any physical object that blocks sunlight from reaching solar panels or prevents panels from being installed in a particular location. Obstructions are identified during the site survey and directly impact system design, panel placement, and energy production estimates.

Roof obstructions include chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights, dormer windows, HVAC equipment, satellite dishes, and antenna masts. Ground-level obstructions include trees, neighboring buildings, fences, and utility poles. Fire code setbacks (required clear spaces around roof edges, ridges, and penetrations) also effectively act as obstructions by limiting where panels can be placed. Installers must design the array layout to avoid obstructions while maximizing the number of panels and minimizing shading impact. In some cases, obstructions can be relocated (satellite dishes) or removed (tree branches) to improve the installation area. 3D design software models the shadow patterns cast by obstructions throughout the year, ensuring the final layout delivers the production promised in the solar proposal.