Ground Mount vs Rooftop Solar Panels

The idea of solar panel installation is quite common in modern India. But what should you opt for? Whether you should go with ground mount or rooftop solar panels is still a pending decision for many. If you intend to leverage the potential of the sun and adopt clean energy, this blog will help you be clear on whether to go with ground mount or rooftop panels. 

Here, you will get a deep insight into the perks and demerits of both options, alongside other factors such as their efficiency, cost of installation and real estate impact. Read along till the end to be able to harness solar power for your property through the most efficient installation. 

What is the Overview of Ground-Mounted and Rooftop Solar Panels?

Before addressing the positives and negatives associated with ground mounted solar panels vs roof panels, you must have a general understanding of what they are and how they work. 

Ground-Mounted Panels

As the name suggests, ground-mounted panels are meant to be installed on the ground surrounding the property. It is ideal for you to consider this system only if you have ample space around the property with suitable conditions. While executing this setup, the panels will be fixed over the structures or racks and will then be angled accordingly to get maximum sun exposure. 

Rooftop Solar Panels

When considering either ground or roof solar panels, the difference is quite evident. Rooftop panels, as the name suggests, are fixed to the roof of a property. In most of the building structures, the roof space is often unused. Therefore, using it for solar installation can turn out to be immensely productive for generating clean energy. 

What are the Pros & Cons of Ground Mount and Rooftop Solar Panels?

The best way to conclude the debate on ground mount vs roof mount solar panels is to discuss their positives and negatives. So, here is a brief elaboration on the respective pros and cons of both the options:

Ground-Mounted Panels:

Pros:

• Better Sunlight Exposure: There is a better scope for aligning the ground-mounted panels in order to enhance sunlight exposure during the daytime. Thus, the energy yields will eventually be higher with this setup. 

• No Space Limitations: When you compare solar panels on the roof vs ground, space limitation is what’s the biggest concern with the former. With the ground-mount system, there will be no such limitation, allowing you to install more panels and create a larger solar system. 

• Low Maintenance: As the ground solar panels are easily accessible, maintaining and cleaning them won’t be a hassle. 

• No Adverse Real Estate Impact: As far as ground vs roof solar setup is concerned, the former creates no adverse impact on the building’s aesthetics or structural formation. 

Cons:

• Increased Land Use: In urban regions or areas with a dense population, sparing additional land space for ground-mounted solar panels might become a limitation. 
• High Installation Costs: Ground installations might incur lower expenses than roof panels, but some cases might demand additional labor efforts and materials, degrading this perk. 

Rooftop Panels:

Pros:

• Better Utilization of Space: When you compare solar panels on the ground vs roof, the latter offers better space utilization efficiency. It’s because you will mostly be considering the unused part of your roof. 

• Less Use of Land: In areas where the population count is very high and land availability is scarce, rooftop solar installations come to the rescue. It eventually becomes the only possible way to harness solar power without the need for any ground space. 

• Lower Installation Expenses: Comparing the ground mount vs roof mount solar cost, the latter is more efficient than the former. It’s mostly because rooftop solar panels make use of existing building structures, whereas ground mount alternatives need additional materials.

• Positive Real Estate Impact: The solar installations on the roof can appreciate the value of your property. Apart from reducing energy bills, it also offers you an additional income source. 

Cons:

• Limitation on Available Roof Space: Even with the best space utilization, it is a fact that rooftops do come with certain limitations associated with the structural capacity of the building. So, if you are installing larger arrays, a roof mount might not be a feasible pick. 

• Strenuous Installation Process: When you compare ground mounted solar vs roof solar panels, the latter comes with a complex installation method. It’s because experts must analyze the roof’s structure, shading and proper angle in order to drive maximum solar efficiency. 

What Factors Can Influence Your Choice Between Ground Mount and Rooftop Solar Panels?

Now that you are aware of the positives and negatives of ground mounted solar vs roof solar panels, it finally comes down to choosing one option among the two. Therefore, here are some factors that you must consider for choosing the ideal option for your solar installation requirements:

1. 1. Sunlight Exposure: You must let the experts assess the level of sunlight that a particular area receives. Depending on the results, it will be easier for you to choose between ground or roof installation. In general, ground installations do offer better sunlight exposure, but some well-positioned rooftops can also be a great choice. 
   2. Cost of Installation: The experts can help break down the overall installation cost for both options, considering the labor, material and structural modification expenses. Rooftop solar installation is often less expensive than the ground mount option. 
   3. Real Estate Impact: When you consider installing rooftop panels, you will be aesthetically improving the property’s appeal and its functionality. Thus, the overall value will be enhanced, which might not be the case with ground mount panels. It is completely your call on what would be ideal for your solar installation. 

• Availability of Space: The final consideration should be on the availability of space, on both ground as well as rooftop installation aspects. In some cases, either option can turn out to be efficient. Take the help of experts to decide better!
  
  

Parting Words

With this, you are now clear on whether to go with rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels for leveraging solar power. Do assess the pros & cons and influencing factors to be able to decide better. 

If needed, you can always reach out to our experts at Fenice Energy, to help you with property inspection and installation advice. We provide both rooftop and ground mount solar installations with utmost efficiency and at a reasonable price tag. Do connect with us to know more.