Looking to install a ground-mounted solar system to power your property? Then get this guide before you make a decision.
A quick drive through the nearby neighborhoods in your city of Edison is all you need to find out what’s the purpose choice among Edison homeowners – rooftop solar systems or ground-mounted solar systems. You will find that most of the houses have rooftop solar solutions, and very few of them have ground-mounted systems.
So, does popularity mean rooftop solar systems are better than ground-mounted systems?
If so, then why are people even bothering with ground-mounted solar solutions?
We’ll give you all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Rooftop Solar Solutions: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Efficient utilization of an otherwise unusedroof space
- Easy to get permits
- Doesn’t take up space that could be used for other purposes
- Generally has fewer shading issues from nearby objects
- Not readily accessible to unauthorized visitors
- Cost-effective solution in most cases
Cons
- Not easily accessible for installation and maintenance
- Roof area, orientation, & design severely constrain solar system design and power output
- Older roofs may require reroofing before solar panel installation
- May require additional support in some cases
Ground-mounted Solar Solutions: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easily accessible for installation and maintenance
- Highly flexible with system design – orientation, position, etc.
- When installed on tall ground mounts, they offer shading for car parking, among other things
- Installation optimized for maximum energy production
Cons
- Require special-purpose ground mounts for installation, which escalates the cost
- Occupies useful space that could have been used for other purposes
- Increased chance of accidental damage
- Easily accessible to visitors – kids, food delivery executives, mail delivery executives, and even guests during parties
- Depending on your neighborhood, may require fence installation, which adds to the costs
Rooftop Vs. Ground-Mounted
The right choice between rooftop and ground-mounted solar is based on the unique context of your situation. Neither of them trumps the other option entirely.
For most homeowners, space tends to be a constraint. So, in the absence of sufficient yard area, they can install solar only on their rooftop. It’s also the right choice for homeowners for whom money is a dealbreaker, or when they have a strong roof that doesn’t require renovation anytime soon.
Because ground-mounted systems can be orientated at the perfect tilt and angle, they can be the most efficient energy producers. However they can require extra care and increased start up costs.and so on – So, yes. For the majority of homeowners, rooftop solar systems are the optimum choice, but if you have the ground space available that isn’t too far from the meter, ask us about ground mounts!
