What purpose does an energy audit serve in solar energy projects?

An energy audit plays a crucial role in solar energy projects as it focuses on assessing a building's energy use and identifying potential opportunities for solar integration. This process involves a detailed analysis of how energy is consumed within the building, which helps identify areas that may benefit from solar energy solutions.

By understanding the current energy consumption patterns, energy audits provide valuable insights into the optimal size and type of solar system needed to meet the building's energy demands effectively. The audit also helps to uncover inefficiencies or areas for improvement in energy usage, enabling the integration of solar technology to maximize both energy efficiency and solar production.

The other options, while relevant to various aspects of solar energy projects, do not encapsulate the primary purpose of an energy audit. Comparing solar technologies is important but not the function of an audit. Likewise, evaluating structural integrity is vital for installation but does not pertain directly to energy use assessment. Assessing financial viability is also crucial in project planning but falls outside the immediate scope of an energy audit.