Optimising Solar Projects with Smart Surveying for ESG Impact

How do Solar Surveys Drive ESG Impact and Investment Readiness?

Strong ESG credentials aren’t just a ‘nice to have’; they’re increasingly vital for long-term business success. Investors, regulators, and consumers are all placing greater emphasis on sustainability and transparency. For asset owners, showing real progress on ESG commitments can lead to better stakeholder relationships, increased asset value, and reduced environmental risk.

Solar power is one of the most accessible and cost effective renewable energy options for many organisations. But installing solar panels – especially on large or complex sites – requires detailed planning, precision, and the right data from the start. That’s where surveying comes into play, as these services below each offer different advantages when supporting a sustainability-focused project. Not only this, but each of these surveys can be stacked together to provide a complete in-depth look at the site you’re working on.

• Drone Surveys – These deliver fast, accurate, and high-resolution aerial data, making them ideal for assessing large areas or complex rooftops before solar installations. Drone surveys on solar projects speed up decision-making and ensure nothing is missed.
• Measured Building Surveys – Crucial for understanding the exact dimensions and conditions of existing structures. Measured Building Surveys help assess whether solar panel installations are feasible and optimised for maximum efficiency.
• Topographical (or Topo) Surveys and 3D Modelling – Where required, additional techniques are used to build a full picture of the site, enabling smarter planning and seamless project delivery of the solar panel installation.

Silverstone: Driving Towards Net Zero

One of our most exciting examples of this work is our project with Silverstone Race Circuit. As part of its sustainability journey, Silverstone set out to install solar panels across key areas of the site. But with a layout as complex and dynamic as a world-famous racetrack, traditional survey methods weren’t going to cut it.

We deployed our drone survey team to carry out a detailed assessment of the installation areas. The results put our clients in pole position for decision making:

• Pinpoint Accuracy – The drone data allowed for speedy and precise mapping of rooftops and open spaces, helping Silverstone’s team plan solar panel placement to capture the maximum amount of sunlight.
• Sustainability in Action – With reliable data in hand, Silverstone was able to move forward confidently with its solar project, bringing it one step closer to its net-zero target and reinforcing its ESG credentials.

Supporting the Transition to Net Zero

Our work goes far beyond data collection—it’s about empowering organisations to make informed, sustainable decisions. By providing the insights needed to plan and execute solar installations efficiently, helping asset owners turn ESG ambition into real-world impact.

If your business is on a sustainability journey and looking to strengthen its ESG performance, Survey Solutions is ready to help.

Read the full Silverstone case study to see how we helped one of the UK’s most iconic venues.

Check out our ESG report to learn how Survey Solutions has become carbon neutral and continues to lead by example in the built environment.