Ground-Mounted vs. Rooftop Solar Panel: Which is Better?

What is rooftop solar?

A solar roof is a solar panel installed on the roof of a commercial or residential building. Solar panels can be mounted on different roofs using racking, whether a flat roof or a pitched roof. The unobstructed view of the sky makes the roof a preferred choice for installing solar panels.

Pros:

• Maximizing the space available in a house without taking up ground space is possible.
• Rooftops often avoid shading problems caused by surrounding buildings or trees, helping to maximize the solar panels' power generation efficiency.
• Safe and secure option as you can prevent unwanted visitors
• Rooftop solar costs less and is less labor-intensive than ground-mounted systems
• The solar licensing process is much easier. You'll have less hassle and a faster solar installation.
• Rooftop solar protects your roof from rain, snow, wind, and UV rays.

Cons:

• It may be necessary to drill holes in the roof to secure the brackets, which can damage the roof and create a risk of leaks.
• You may need to remove and replace panels to repair the roof or install a new roof.
• Adding weight to the roof, in some cases the roof may need to be reinforced or additional support mechanisms may be required for older buildings or structurally weaker homes.
• The tilt angle of roof-mounted solar panels is usually fixed and difficult to adjust to maximize the efficiency of sunlight absorption.
• They are more difficult to install, clean, and maintain.
• Space constraints on the roof limit the size of the system and make it difficult to expand existing systems. Roof shape and size can also limit the location of vents and fire line setbacks.
• Higher panel temperatures can mean lower energy output.

What is ground-mounted solar?

In contrast to rooftop solar panels, ground-mounted solar panels are mounted on a bracket or frame that is fixed to the ground. The installation location is usually chosen in a sunny open area, away from obstructions such as trees or buildings, such as fields and courtyard farms. This is a good option if you don't have enough space to install a rooftop unit, or if you want to have easier access to solar panels.

Pros:

• You can better control the angle and direction of the panels to get the ideal exposure to the sun. Solar panels are usually installed facing south. If your roof does not face in this direction, it makes more sense to opt for ground-mounted solar panels. You also have the freedom to choose how you want to position the array, depending on the terrain and layout.
• Solar panels are easy to align, there are no strange roof structures or vents to deal with, and there are no hidden future costs such as roof repairs or reinstallation after removal.
• Ground-mounted solar panels usually have more space around them, which helps provide better ventilation to prevent overheating. Hot air can flow freely around the solar panels, which helps with ventilation.
• If you have plans to expand your solar system in the future, you can easily add more panels to a ground-mounted system, whereas a roof-mounted system is limited by the size of the roof.
• Ground-mounted solar panels are easier to access and operate, making cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting easier.
• Ground mounting avoids roof damage and eliminates the need to repair or install a new roof.
• Adds the ability to install bifacial solar panels, which would be completely wasted on a rooftop installation
• You can also mount them higher off the ground to take advantage of the shaded ground below, or even better, mount your panels on a carport, shed, or pergola for multiple uses.

Cons:

• Ground mounts have a higher upfront cost because connecting a ground mount to your home meter requires trenching to run the wires underground. So you have to pay for trenching, foundations, and more frame materials. However, this cost is more than offset by reduced maintenance costs, ease of cleaning, and perhaps the avoidance of having to remove and reinstall the panels if the roof needs to be replaced. Decide based on your real needs.
• Ground-mounted solar systems are exposed to the natural environment and may be subject to theft, vandalism, or other security risks. They occupy highly visible spaces and may cause visual impairment to some people.
• Ground-mounted solar systems take up space and can have an impact on land use.