Ground Mounted Verse Roof Mounted Solar System

Roof mount and ground mount racking systems.

Ground mounted verse roof mounted solar system. 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. 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. There are two types of solar mounting options.

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. Labor charges are also higher for ground mounted panels due to the more involved mounting process. Orientation for properties without south facing roofs ground mounted solar installations allow you to maximize your energy generation potential. In many cases ground mounted solar panels can be your best option.

Mounts are used to attach solar panels to the roof ground or another surface on your property. Ground mounted solar pv systems are commonly used in large commercial or utility photovoltaic projects. The additional materials needed including reinforced pole structures and cement foundations are responsible for much of the added expense. Your final mounting choice will be dependant on available space with regard to exposure to sun.

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. Shading you can set up your solar panels in the sunniest regions of your yard to avoid shading. Roof mount systems affix to brackets on your roof while ground mount systems are built into a foundation at ground level. Room for expansion is usually not as much of an issue with a ground mounted array.

See the comparison images below for examples. Ground mounted solar panels typically sit between a few inches and several feet above the ground depending on your location and the mounting system. While rooftop solar arrays are the most common choice for homeowners there are many reasons to consider a ground mounted solar panel system. 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.

A solar panel mount or solar racking system is the foundation that holds your solar array in place. Having to conform around roof vents antennas and other misc obstructions. Fewer upgrades no changes to existing rooftops are necessary with ground mounted systems.