Ground-Mount Versus Roof-Mount Racking: What’s the Best Way to Mount My Solar Panels?

Now that you have picked your solar panels, the next thing is to decide how you are going to mount it. Of course, this should be based on various factors, such as budget, space, and energy needs.

You have two options when it comes to mounting your solar panels: ground-mount and roof-mount systems.

Ground-mounts systems are built at ground level, while roof-mount systems affix to brackets on your roof.

Each mounting option, of course, has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific needs. That’s why in this article, we’ll dig deeper into the pros and cons of each, so you can make the most informed decision.

Roof-Mount Racking

Roughly speaking, roof-mount racking is better suited for people who:

• Want to spend less money upfront
• Don’t have a lot of space
• Want a system that is simpler to install
• Want to maximize their Return on Investment (ROI)

Advantages of roof-mount

• Easier to permit

The bureaucratic procedures aren’t tangled up. It is much easier to get a permit for an addition than for a whole new structure.

Unless your home is old, this process should be an easy walk in the park.

• Added insulation and protection

A roof-mounted system will protect your roof from the elements. Also, it’ll offer your structure added insulation. In addition to this, if you are living off-grid, this can be a good way to keep your home cooler in the daytime and warmer at night.

• Makes use of unused space

Mounting panels on the roof allows you to use space that would otherwise be useless. Any scarce yard space that you have might be better used for barbecues or a place for the kids to play.

• Fewer materials and labor mean less cost upfront

The roof-mounted solar system requires less time and money upfront to install. This is one main reason that makes it an easy sell.

Disadvantages of roof-mounted solar

• Space constraints

A medium-pitch roof in America has an average roof area of 1,500 square feet. Some of this space will be unusable due to obstructions such as vents and chimneys.

• Less efficient

Roof-mounted systems are rarely as efficient as ground-mount systems. You can’t always get the panels facing true south or north. You’re at the mercy of the built-in specs of your roof.

• Accessibility makes things harder to troubleshoot

Have you ever cleaned out the gutters or installed Christmas lights on your home? If you have, you probably know what a pain it is to get up on the roof.

Advantages of ground-mount

• Accessibility

Ground-mount makes it easier to clean your panels and perform routine maintenance on them. Also, this is an even bigger selling point if you’re considering a system with microinverters and optimizers. With these accessories, it’s easier to troubleshoot these when it breaks down without risking your safety.

Also, during the installation phase, solar panels require a lot of trial and error. Getting up on the roof whenever you need to work out a kink with your system is a real pain.

• Giving you room to grow

You are under no restriction when you go ground-mount – assuming that you have space in your yard. With roof-mount racking, it could be challenging to add more panels to your current system should your energy needs change in the future.

• The perfect alignment

Every solar array works best when it’s able to get as much sunlight as possible. With ground-mounted solar panels, you can maximize access to the sunlight that powers the array. Getting the perfect alignment can be a little tricky for a roof-mounted system. It’s unlikely your roof naturally faces directly into the sun.

Disadvantages of ground-mounted solar panels

• Ground-mount takes up real estate

If space is an issue, consider a roof-mounted system. It’ll be more discreet and won’t interfere with how you live the rest of your lives.

• Ground-mount racking requires a longer permitting process

A ground-mounted system is considered a new structure. This means that you might have to go to the authority that is having the jurisdiction and obtain a building permit.

• Requires more cost upfront and installation is more labor-intensive

This is primarily because it requires more parts to be assembled. With roof-mounted systems, the supporting structure is already in place. With a ground-mounted system, a new supporting structure has to be built from the ground up

So, what’s the best way to mount your solar panels? Clearly, there is no direct answer to this question. What works for one person may not be the best option for another. Hopefully, with this guide, you’ll be able to assess what’s best for you and make that decision yourself.

The following article was provided by Granite Foundation Repair, a local foundation repair company servicing the DFW area.