Will Ground-Mounted or Roof-Mounted Solar Panels Work Better for Me?
One of the first decisions every solar user must make is where to place their solar panels. Solar panels work well when they’re installed either on the roof or on the ground, but each of those arrangements comes with its own share of pros and cons.
For someone who’s new to solar energy, this decision can be confusing. While you may have an idea where you want to place your panels, you could be wondering whether there’s a more optimal location for them, rather than the one you’ve got in mind.
Which one is right for you? At 1 Source Solar, our team talks through panel placement with customers on a daily basis. Here are some of the considerations we highlight to help you decide whether a ground or roof mount is ideal for your situation.
Ground-Mounted vs. Rooftop Solar: Factors to Consider
All types of solar users — residential, commercial, agricultural, and more — have options when it comes to solar panel placement. But one option may be better than the other. Here are some of the major factors to consider when making the decision:
- Amount of available space
- Condition of roof
- Direction and tilt of roof
- Ease of maintenance
- Cost
- Proximity to service entrance/meter location (The closer a solar array is to the service meter, the more economical the electrical tie-in will be).
Let’s explore the pros and cons of each solar panel setup using these considerations.
The Pros & Cons of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
The Pros:
Flexibility: Since they’re not attached to your roof, ground-mounted solar panels allow for more flexibility in positioning. In the Midwest, solar panels work best when they’re placed facing 30 degrees south, which isn’t always possible with the orientation of a roof of a home or commercial building. Roofs may also have more or less of an angled tilt than is optimal for panels. With ground-mounted solar panels, creating these optimal conditions is much easier.
Cleaning & maintenance: Solar panels that are on the ground are easier to clean and maintain because they are easier to reach.
Lower ambient temperature: Solar panels are less efficient when exposed to high temperatures. The ambient temperature of ground-mounted solar panels tends to be lower than that of roof-mounted panels due to better airflow, meaning they may work with slightly higher efficiency.
The Cons:
Not ideal for small areas: Since ground-mounted panels require the use of land, they may not work well for people who don’t have much available to use. If you have a limited amount of space and need it for other purposes, this could pose an issue. However, ground-mounted solar panels do offer options for shared usage of land. For example, farmers can integrate solar panels into their crop fields or grazing areas by allowing plants to grow around and under the panels. This arrangement, known as agrivoltaics, is rising in popularity.
More expensive: Ground-mounted solar arrays are also slightly more expensive due to the additional structural elements needed to build them. A ground-mounted solar array costs about 10% more than a similarly sized roof-mounted array, according to Energy Sage.
Potentially more in the way and susceptible to damage: Ground-mounted solar panels are easier to reach for maintenance since they’re closer to the ground, but they’re also easier to damage from the ground. The panels also could also obstruct other activities if they’re not installed in an “out-of-the-way” location.
The Pros & Cons of Roof-Mounted Solar Panels
The Pros:
Efficient use of space: Among residential homeowners, rooftop solar panels are the more common of the two arrangements. Installing panels on the roof efficiently uses unused space and often puts the panels above trees and other vegetation, reducing competition for sunlight. If your roof is in a position that would allow optimal or near-optimal sunlight, rooftop panels are a very good option.
Less expensive: Since solar panels installed on the roof use the roof as a foundation, this eliminates some of the cost that you would incur with a ground-mounted solar panel. As long as your roof is in good structural condition, the cost of installing a roof-mounted panel will be slightly lower.
Less susceptible to damage from the ground: Roof-mounted solar panels are sturdy, built to withstand the elements, and can even protect your roof from weather conditions. Since they are on the roof, they are less likely to be inadvertently hit or damaged during the course of day-to-day events.
The Cons:
Less flexible: While a rooftop panel might seem like the best option for spacial reasons, it’s important to consider the condition of your roof. If your roof is old and in need of replacement, if it doesn’t face to the south, or if it is overshadowed by a large number of trees, this might not be the ideal location for your panels. We recommend to our customers that they replace their roof prior to installing solar panels if their roof is more than 10 to 15 years old. However, if you’re already planning to replace your roof, it might be a good time to install solar panels on top of it.
More difficult to clean: When solar panels are on the roof, we don’t recommend climbing up to clean them. Mother Nature will most likely clean the modules for you, but in the event of long dry periods, a garden hose from the ground level can rinse the modules off.
Higher ambient temperatures: Solar panels are less efficient when exposed to high heat. While both rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels are great options and can run very efficiently, the increased airflow around a ground mounted solar panel can cool it down, allowing it to operate at a more optimal efficiency.
The Verdict: Which One Is Best for You?
A Ground-Mounted Solar Array Is Good for Solar Customers Who:
- Have adequate ground space on their property that isn’t blocked by shade.
- Don’t have a roof that can support solar panels.
- Want the extra ability to position and tilt panels to the optimal direction.
- Are OK with the additional cost.
A Roof-Mounted Solar Array Is Good for Solar Customers Who:
- Don’t have enough ground space on their property for ground-mounted panels.
- Are looking for a more cost-effective or space-effective option.
- Have a roof that is in a good enough condition to support solar panels.
- Have a roof that is positioned well enough for solar panels to get good sunlight.
Have Questions? Let an Expert Solar Installation Company Help You Decide
The best way to walk through the decision on where to place your solar panels is to work with a trusted solar panel installer that’s well-versed in both ground and rooftop installation.
Here at 1 Source Solar, we work on solar projects of all sizes and in a wide variety of industries. From homes to cornfields to manufacturing facilities — we’ve been there and done that.
Our team will help you make your decision by conducting a no-cost project analysis that will show you how much we can help you save with solar. Contact us today to start the process.