Recent updates to federal tax credits for solar panels may entice even more homeowners to consider adding this renewable energy option in the coming years. Current options include rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems that offer opportunities to lower your utility costs with a renewable energy source.
Solar Panels on Ground vs. on Roof
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, 15% of U.S. homes will have a solar photovoltaic (PV) system by 2030. Today’s residential options include rooftop panels or a ground-mounted solar system. If you’re considering investing in solar energy, you’ll want to determine which type of solar panels works best for you. Each system has its pros and cons to consider. While rooftop solar panels remain the most common choice for residential homeowners, ground-mounted systems provide advantages. They may also be the only option for those with roofs that cannot support solar panels.
Rooftop Solar Panels
Rooftop systems affix solar panels on top of the home to capture sunlight and transform it into electrical power for your home. Some homes may be more suited for solar panels than others. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, to receive the maximum benefit from this type of solar system, a roof should face south, with a slope of 15 to 40 degrees. You may also need to consider the interference of trees or other nearby structures that block sunlight from reaching the roof during the daytime.
Other factors to consider for a solar panel roof installation include the overall structure of your home and the roof system. You’ll need a roof large enough and strong enough to support the number of panels necessary to give you enough solar power to support your home’s energy needs. While builders of newer homes may factor solar panel placement into their construction process, older homes might lack the necessary structure to make a rooftop installation practical.
Should I Place Solar Panels on the Roof?
Personal preference also influences your decision to place panels on your roof, as they change your home’s exterior look. Aesthetically, rooftop solar panels may not bother some homeowners, or they may even like how they look. Others may not appreciate the drastic change to the look of their home when installing a rooftop solar system.
Homeowners with rooftop solar panels will also need to consider any issues with the accessibility of both the roof and the solar panels for repairs, cleaning, and maintenance. Owners needing to repair roof leaks or replace their roofs should hold off on installing solar panels.
Ground Mounted Solar Panels
Rather than sitting on your home’s roof, ground-mounted solar panels attach to a metal frame or poles on your property. Compared to rooftop systems, ground-mounted panels can offer increased efficiency because you have more options when choosing a location. Ground-mounted panels do not rely on the slope and shape of your roof for placement.
Ground-mounted systems affect your property’s appearance and functionality more than rooftop systems. When placed in your yard, ground-mounted systems take up space you might reserve for other purposes, such as a swing set, garden, or swimming pool. The panels also affect the aesthetics of the land around your house compared to less visible rooftop panels.
Should I Place Solar Panels on the Ground?
To consider ground-mounted panels, you’ll need to measure how much free space you have available to accommodate this solar system. Like rooftop panels, to maximize your investment in solar power, you should have enough space to install the panels to support your home energy needs.
Also, some ground-mounted systems use a tracking system that can adjust the angle of the panels to capture more light as the sun moves across the sky. Price-wise, ground-mounted panels typically cost more than rooftop panels, but this setup offers the potential for additional energy cost savings in the long run.
Solar Panel Installation
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends using a certified solar installer to ensure proper installation. Get several quotes for this project and ask the installers about labor and product warranties if you need to repair or replace a defective panel.
Rooftop systems may require a roof inspection and additional modifications to your home to support the solar panels. Before shopping for an installer, check with your homeowners’ association (HOA) determine if the bylaws permit solar panels in your neighborhood.
Insurance Coverage for Solar Panel Installations
To protect your investment in solar panels, talk to your homeowners’ insurance agent about any potential changes required to your policy to cover this addition to your property. Find out if you have coverage for rooftop panels built into your current insurance policy. Ground-mounted systems may require a supplemental policy or insurance rider. Also, talk to your agent about the process for filing a claim if you experience damage to your roof while installing a solar panel system.
Installation Cost of Solar Panels
Before tax incentives, installing solar panels costs an average of $26,526, but homeowners can save up to 50% on their home electricity bill when using this form of renewable energy. The total price tag for a solar system includes purchasing solar panels and professional installation. You’ll also need to pay for any required building permits.
You may also recoup some of the installation costs by increasing future home value as solar panel systems continue gaining popularity and becoming a more standard home energy provider. Consider current federal and state tax incentives to lower the overall installation cost. The current federal tax credits for solar installation expire at the end of 2034, so homeowners still have time to save up for this purchase.
Rather than paying for the entire system at once, homeowners may want to finance some of the costs with a solar loan. Other options include leasing solar panels (rather than owning them) or signing a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) where a third party agrees to set up and operate a solar system on your property, then charges you for usage at an agreed-upon rate.
Community Solar Options
Condo owners or apartment residents who cannot install solar panels on their property still have options to utilize renewable energy. Community solar projects allow residents to receive a portion of their electricity from solar panels not located on their personal property.
New York City residents can subscribe to a community solar project in New York. Residents share the costs of maintaining a solar farm and receive credits on their electric bills representing the amount of renewable energy used. Before you sign up for a community solar project, research the solar provider and ensure you understand your financial commitment.
Conclusion
As the infrastructure for installing, operating, and maintaining solar technology continues to evolve, consider utilizing this form of renewable energy to save on energy costs and generate power without fossil fuels. Homeowners can decide whether to move forward with a solar panel roof installation if they wish to save costs and preserve their yard space. Owners without a suitable roof may opt for ground-mounted solar panels, which can provide additional energy savings depending on the size of their outdoor space.
