Ground Mounted Verse Roof Mounted Solar System

Ground mounted solar pv systems are commonly used in large commercial or utility photovoltaic projects.

Ground mounted verse roof mounted solar system.

A solar panel mount or solar racking system is the foundation that holds your solar array in place. The additional materials needed including reinforced pole structures and cement foundations are responsible for much of the added expense. Having to conform around roof vents antennas and other misc obstructions. With proper installation a sturdy mount secures your panels in harsh weather and protects your investment.

Shading you can set up your solar panels in the sunniest regions of your yard to avoid shading. In many cases ground mounted solar panels can be your best option. Most grid tied systems use the flush roof mounted arrangement while off grid systems usually use a roof ground mount or tracker that allows for seasonal tilt angle adjustment to provide maximum solar production throughout the year. Mounts are used to attach solar panels to the roof ground or another surface on your property.

Roof mount and ground mount racking systems. See the comparison images below for examples. Labor charges are also higher for ground mounted panels due to the more involved mounting process. Roof mount systems affix to brackets on your roof while ground mount systems are built into a foundation at ground level.

Fewer upgrades no changes to existing rooftops are necessary with ground mounted systems. There are two types of solar mounting options. Room for expansion is usually not as much of an issue with a ground mounted array. Ground mounted panels have more space below them so air is able to circulate more freely.

Ground mounted photovoltaic arrays typically cost more than rooftop systems. However on the residential scale ground mounted structures can be applied as well and might come with some great benefits that roof mounted solar systems cannot provide. Your final mounting choice will be dependant on available space with regard to exposure to sun. If you have a small yard and a bulky array the panels may stand out more than they would on a rooftop.

Installing your pv array with a ground mount will guarantee not to interfere with your existing structure and will also allow you the space to mount the panels anyway you like vs. Generally ground mount solar panels cost a bit more than rooftop solar on a per watt basis because of additional labor and permitting that may be required for the installation. Airflow is better in a ground mount system than a rooftop system so ground solar panels are kept cooler which increases their level of efficiency.