Ground- vs. Roof-Mounted Solar Panels: What’s Right for You?

Homeowners and businesses alike are using solar power more than ever before. Taking advantage of free energy has intrigued environmentalists interested in sustainability and residents looking to save money. However, you must consider a few things before you commit. For example, should you get ground- or roof-mounted solar panels? If you’re unsure, read on. We’ll analyze the pros and cons of each below.

Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

The great advantage of ground-mounted solar panels is their flexibility. When you install them, you can align—or realign—them to give you the best sun possible. Remember that your panels will produce more energy the more sunlight they receive. For this reason, you can align them better for greater output than rooftop systems. Ground-mounted panels also allow easy access, so you don’t have to climb up your roof to clean or maintain them.

Roof-Mounted Solar Panels

When you don’t have a lot of space on the ground of your property, it might be wise to get roof-mounted panels. Roof mounts don’t require another structure to house your panels. This makes having roof panels less expensive overall. The upfront cost is generally less than ground-mounted systems, and you don’t have to pay extra for poles and concrete. You also won’t need to survey your soil before mounting.

Which Is Best for You?

There is no right answer to this. If you’re on a budget and don’t want to go through the hassle of creating an extra structure for ground-mounted panels, you should go for roof-mounted panels. If not, and you want to get the most energy out of your panels, you should consider ground-mounted panels, especially for their easy maintenance. Hopefully, this analysis of ground- versus roof-mounted solar panels has helped you learn what’s right for you. Go out and get the best solar panels for your needs!

If you’re interested in ground-mounted solar panels, check out what we offer at Earthlight Technologies. If you have any questions, give us a call—we’ll have answers! Contact us today for more information. We have deep expertise in the Connecticut, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Central Oregon markets.