Are you thinking about going solar? After you’ve decided on the solar panels, you’ll need to figure out how to mount them. To make this critical decision, you must consider your budget, available space, and energy requirements. Solar panels are typically mounted using one of two methods: ground mount or rooftop racking systems. Both mounting systems have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of each. Solar panels installation rooftop VS ground mount!
Advantages of Ground Mount Solar Panels
- Space is not a limitation. If you have enough space in your yard, you can add panels as you need more power. In contrast to the rooftop system, where the dimensions of the roof limit expansion, you can expand with minimal fuss.
- Simple Accessibility. Easy access is a significant advantage during the installation process as well as routine cleaning, maintenance, and repairs.
- Improved Airflow. The raised ground mount panels allow for better airflow and cooling, resulting in higher and better energy output.
- Best Alignment Possible. Ground mount systems allow you to position your solar panels at the best possible angle to the sun. The array is more efficient when it has maximum access to sunlight.
Cons of Ground Mount Solar Panels
- Installation Requires a Lot of Work. A structure with sturdy foundations is required to hold the panels in a ground mount solar panel array. A soil survey, digging, and the construction of a suitable foundation are all part of the process.
- Installation Is Expensive.
The entire project, which includes the construction of a new structure to support the solar panels, is significantly more expensive than a rooftop system. There are also more parts and components in the ground mount panel assembly. - Expensive Permitting Procedure. Depending on where you live, you will need to apply for a building permit before you begin construction on the new structure. To build the new structure, you may need to submit a construction design plan and pay the necessary fees.
- Purchases Real Estate. A ground mount solar panel cluster takes up a lot more space on your property than a rooftop one.
- Aesthetic Deficiency. Even if space is not an issue for you, aesthetics may dictate how you mount the solar panels, as some people consider ground mount solar panel arrays to be an eyesore on their property.
Rooftop Solar Panel Advantages
- Much less expensive. Rooftop mounting for solar panels is less expensive because it makes use of an existing structure as a foundation. These mounts require fewer parts to assemble and have lower labor costs than ground mounts.
- Make Use of Less Space. Rooftop panels take up significantly less space than ground mounts. Furthermore, these mounts make use of unused space in your building.
- Permits are now easier to obtain. A rooftop system has a much simpler and easier permitting process. You simply need to submit building blueprints demonstrating that your roof is structurally sound and that the wiring and electrical systems are up to code.
- Insulation and security. A rooftop system has the unintended benefit of keeping your building well-insulated and protecting your roof from rain, wind, snow, and harmful ultra-violet light.
Rooftop Solar Panels’ Downfalls
- Access is difficult. Before purchasing a roof mount system, you should consider the accessibility of your roof as well as your own mobility. Unutilized rooftops are frequently difficult to access and dangerous.
- More difficult to repair and maintain. The reason for this is, once again, the lower accessibility of a building’s roof structure.
- Reduced Output and Efficiency. Rooftop solar panel arrays are inefficient compared to ground mount systems. It is more difficult to direct them directly at the sun and thus optimize them for maximum output.
- Space Restrictions. The average roof size is about 1,500 square feet, with vents, chimneys, and other features taking up some of that space.
In their own way, both mounting systems are useful and effective. Neither is superior to the other. Your needs, lifestyle, and budget (which may be shrinking as food and energy costs rise due to new policies) should ultimately determine which option is best for you.
