Solar panels are a great option if you’re considering a lasting energy solution for your home. Luckily, reliable solar companies like EcoGen America can provide you with superior solar technology for energy savings for your home. Are you ready to embrace solar energy? You can check out EcoGen America Website for some good solar panels. Once you have that picked out, the next step is choosing which mounting system would work best for your living space, energy needs, and budget. Stay with us as we compare the two types of mounting options with their pros and cons and our take on them.
Roof-Installed Solar Panels Vs. Ground-Installed Solar Panels
Roof Installed Solar Panels
Here, solar panels are typically installed on your rooftop. For most people, this is usually the preferred option as the installation is done using your available roof space rather than valuable ground space. Roof installation is great for many reasons. First, depending on the shape of your roof and the angle of installation, your roof can provide a clear view of the sky, allowing enough sunlight to get to your solar panels – this is very vital for generating sufficient power. Also, the strength of your roof provides a strong structure on which the solar panels can be laid. This would save you cost when compared to ground mounting, where you’ll need to raise a structure first before mounting the panels.
Pros of Roof-Installed Solar Panels
- It doesn’t require additional space
- It is cheaper to install than ground-mounted solar panels
- It doesn’t require a planning permit
- It provides added protection and insulation to your roof
- It requires fewer materials to install
The Cons
- It isn’t easy to assess for repairs or maintenance
- The angle and shape of the roof can interfere with its installation
- It is difficult to troubleshoot errors due to the height constraints
- It is difficult to install on smaller roofs
- It can be a challenge if you’ll need to replace your roof along the line
- It may lead to roof issues
If your rooftop is large enough, angled in the right direction to allow maximum sunlight, and has proper structure, then a roof-installed solar panel would work just well for you. Also, it is cheaper to install and is an efficient use of both your roof space and your home space.
Ground-Installed Solar Panels
Opposed to roof-installed solar panels, ground-installed solar panels are erected as a separate structure on any available ground space in your home. This gives you the flexibility to control the angle and orientation of the solar panels for maximum energy output. That is when you opt for ground installation, you can align your panels in the part of your home where you can get the most sunlight.
Pros of Ground-Installed Solar Panels
- It is easy to access and maintain
- It provides stronger racking and support
- It is not restricted to the size of your roof
- It produces optimal performance
The Cons
- It is more expensive to install
- It is more labor intensive
- It requires additional space to install
- It can provide fewer aesthetics than roof-installed solar panels
- It may be more difficult to have a clear view of the sky
- Permitting process takes time and can be expensive
A ground-installed solar panel is an excellent choice to make If you have enough outdoor space with an unobstructed view of the sky. It can be oriented at any angle, is easy to troubleshoot, can be easily maintained, and is very efficient. In addition, the ground installation would work best for you if you plan to extend your solar panels in the future.
Which Should You Go For Roof Installation or Ground Installation?
It all depends. But you should know that neither installation option is better than the other. The best option for you depends on several factors, such as your energy needs, your budget, your lifestyle, etc. So, while we can’t tell you the best one between the two, we can tell you that there are some benefits and drawbacks with both options. Always make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each installation option before making a choice.
With solar panels, the most important factor you should consider when choosing an installation option is one that gives you unrestricted access to solar radiation. Also, before going ahead to mount your panels, you should check with your homeowners’ association (HOA) if there are restrictions on where you can mount your panel.
