When most homeowners think of solar panels, it’s only natural that they envision the power-generation systems on a home’s roof.
However, that isn’t the only option.
Solar panels can just as well be mounted on the ground– for instance, in a home’s backyard.
Though not as common, ground-mounted solar panels are functionally the same as their roof-mounted counterparts.
And while both installation locations have their benefits, each has its own distinct drawbacks.
Which mounting option is best for your home and your energy needs? Let’s compare roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar panels to find out.
How Does Solar Panel Mounting Work?
While the main difference between roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar panels is inherent in the name, each style of mounting comes with its own considerations, both during installation and in the long term.
Roof-Mounted Solar Panels
The most popular type for residential installations, they use a discreet racking system to mount the panels on the home’s roof. While not as versatile as ground-mounted panels, roof-mounted panels can be positioned on a wide variety of roof types, including flat, pitched, tile, and even metal roofing.
Between the two, roof-mounted panels are also the more cost-effective option to install since they don’t require a separate mounting structure to be installed beneath them. Ground-mounted panels require the installation of a support structure that is significantly larger and more complex than the racking system used for roof-mounted panels.
That, and the convenience of the panels being positioned on the roof and out of the way, is largely what makes roof-mounted panels the more common choice.
Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
Mounted securely at ground level using a robust support structure, this type of solar panel system is installed on the grounds of a property, such as the backyard.
Roof-mounted panels work best when installed on south-facing roofs, allowing them to capture more sunlight; however, not every roof has sufficient south-facing space. Ground-mounted solar panels are perfect for homes with roofing that doesn’t easily accommodate roof-mounted panels, but they also allow for more optimized energy collection under certain circumstances.
This system is also an option for those who don’t want to change the aesthetic of their home – for instance, a roof-mounted system can impact the appearance of a historic building.
While the positioning of roof-mounted solar panels is limited to the space and angles of the roof, ground-mounted solar panels are much more versatile. Not only can homeowners select the ideal spot on their property for optimal sun exposure throughout the day, but they can also choose the angle and pitch of their panels, further enhancing potential energy generation.
Comparing Roof and Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
The best way to determine which mounting type is best for your home is to weigh its advantages and disadvantages against each other. Let’s compare roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar panel systems.
3 Advantages of Roof-Mounted Solar Panels
Compared to ground-mounted solar panels, roof-mounted panels pose three clear advantages:
- Lower installation cost
- They utilize unused space
- Fewer permitting requirements
1. Lower Installation Cost
The primary advantage of roof-mounted panels over their ground-mounted counterparts is the lower installation cost. Roof-mounted panels cost roughly 10% less to install because they don’t require a support structure that roots them into the ground. While roof-mounted panels do require a racking system to affix themselves onto a roof, the roof itself keeps them secure and angled in place.
While a roof offers less space to work with than your yard, for instance, expanding your roof-mounted system is much less expensive than installing more ground-mounted panels, if roof space allows.
2. They Utilize Unused Space
Though there are benefits to mounting panels at ground level, some homeowners may view this as a waste of valuable yard space. For roof-mounted panels, this isn’t a problem; they mount on space that would normally go unused. This is especially ideal for properties with limited yard space.
3. Fewer Permitting Requirements
Because ground-mounted panels are installed in the surrounding area of a property, they’re subject to certain zoning and permitting requirements. Being affixed to the roof of your property means roof-mounted panels aren’t subject to the same restrictions.
3 Disadvantages of Roof-Mounted Solar Panels
Compared to ground-mounted solar panels, roof-mounted panels pose these three disadvantages:
- Less available space for installation and maintenance
- Limited space to expand your system
- Little flexibility in angle, tilt, or positioning
1. Less Available Space for Installation and Maintenance
Rooftop solar is limited by the amount of available square footage on the home’s roof, which limits the potential size – and output – of a solar system.
2. Limited Space to Expand Your System
Limited roof space also means less available space for expanding your solar system; all roof-mounted solar systems are only as large as the space allows. This restriction means potentially missing out on energy generation and efficiency that ground-mounted solar adopters can take advantage of.
3. Little Flexibility in Angle, Tilt, or Positioning
Space isn’t the only limitation that roof-mounted panels need to deal with; the angle, tilt, and positioning of your roof also limit them. While roof-mounted panels should always be installed with the best possible positioning in mind, they’re beholden to what’s available on the roof of a property.
Conversely, ground-mounted panels can be positioned anywhere in a property’s yard, and at nearly any angle, allowing them the flexibility to find the best possible placement for energy efficiency.
3 Advantages of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
While functionally, ground and roof-mounted solar panels are the same, ground-mounted panels do present three advantages of their own:
- Flexible positioning, tilt, and placement
- Easier installation and maintenance
- More space to expand your system
1. Flexible Positioning, Tilt, and Placement
Not beholden to the position and angle of your roof, ground-mount solar panels can be positioned nearly anywhere in a property’s yard, and at a variety of tilt angles. This allows ground-mounted panels to be installed in the ideal location, maximizing energy efficiency and potential energy generation as they capture as much sunlight as possible.
2. Easier Installation and Maintenance
While ground-mounted panels do require a support structure, which makes them about 10% more expensive than their roof-mounted counterparts, they’re also easier to access and safer for installation and maintenance. This is mainly because they are installed at ground level, meaning there’s no need to access and work from the roof.
Roof-mounted solar panels typically require removal and reinstallation whenever maintenance or repairs are needed. Since ground-mounted solar panels are already installed close to the ground, this extra work is eliminated.
3. Freedom to Expand Your System
Ground-mounted panels are usually installed in a property’s yard. This doesn’t just allow homeowners to position their panels wherever they want in their yard; the extra space also provides a lot more freedom to expand their system compared to rooftop solar panels.
While more expensive than installing roof-mounted panels, the key benefit here is space. The ability to grow your array of panels means greater energy efficiency and the potential to capture more sunlight, in turn generating more energy.
3 Disadvantages of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
They may present solid advantages over roof-mounted panels, but ground-mounted solar systems aren’t exempt from their share of disadvantages:
- Higher upfront cost
- Complex permitting requirements
- Exposed to the environment
1. Higher upfront cost
While potentially offering greater long-term energy savings thanks to increased efficiency, ground-mounted solar systems do come with a higher upfront cost. Compared to roof-mounted panels, ground-mounted systems typically cost 10% more to install.
This is mainly due to the support structure that the panels are attached to. While ground-mounted panels often allow for more space to install larger systems, expanding them is significantly more expensive than installing roof-mounted systems.
2. Complex Permitting Requirements
Depending on the laws in your area, be they zoning or other permits, your ground-mount solar installation may need prior approval. Some local governments consider ground-mounted panels to be “new construction”, necessitating permits. If you’re living under an HOA, you may also need its approval before installing your ground-mount system.
3. Exposed to the Environment
One benefit of roof-mounted systems that homeowners may not even consider until it’s gone is their protection from the environment.
Being positioned on a property’s roof means being out of the way of natural and environmental factors that can affect ground-mounted solar panels. Particularly, ground-mounted panels are susceptible to interference from people and animals, two things roof-mounted panels generally avoid.
How Panel Mounting Affects Service Life
While the service life of roof and ground-mounted solar panels is the same, lasting about 25-30 years, the factors that affect their longevity differ. This is due to where each type is mounted and the circumstances therein.
Whether it’s age or damage from extreme weather and other environmental hazards, regular preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your system running efficiently and enjoy a long service life.
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Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
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Roof-Mounted Solar Panels
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Solar by CIR: Certified Roof-Mount and Ground-Mount Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance
Whether you need your solar panel system mounted on the roof of your property or at ground level in your yard, Solar by CIR has the experience, professionalism, and services you need. As a certified installer for properties across Buffalo and Rochester, Solar by CIR always ensures your installation is done right, maximizing the energy generation potential of your system. Contact us to learn more.