01
Bring energy context
Gather recent bills or half-hourly data if available, your tariff, likely changes such as an EV or heat pump, and the hours when electricity is usually used.
02
State your priorities
Rank bill reduction, carbon reduction, backup capability, future electrification, budget and appearance. A system cannot optimise every objective equally.
03
Walk through constraints
Discuss roof access and condition, loft structure, shading, meter and consumer unit locations, cable routes, equipment positions and any leasehold or planning context.