{"id":10311,"date":"2023-08-04T12:00:54","date_gmt":"2023-08-04T16:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.realtyhop.com\/blog\/?p=10311"},"modified":"2023-08-07T17:43:49","modified_gmt":"2023-08-07T21:43:49","slug":"solar-panels-roof-vs-ground","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.realtyhop.com\/blog\/solar-panels-roof-vs-ground\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Install Solar Panels on the Roof or Ground?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a> with a renewable energy source.<\/p>\n

Solar Panels on Ground vs. on Roof<\/h2>\n

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association<\/a>, 15% of U.S. homes will have a solar photovoltaic (PV) system by 2030. Today\u2019s residential options include rooftop panels or a ground-mounted solar system. If you\u2019re considering investing in solar energy, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

Rooftop Solar Panels<\/h2>\n

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. \u00a0According to the U.S. Department of Energy<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

Other factors to consider for a solar panel roof installation include the overall structure of your home and the roof system. You\u2019ll 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\u2019s energy needs. While builders of newer homes may factor solar panel placement into their construction process, older homes<\/a> might lack the necessary structure to make a rooftop installation practical.<\/p>\n

Should I Place Solar Panels on the Roof?<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Ground Mounted Solar Panels<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Should I Place Solar Panels on the Ground?<\/h3>\n

To consider ground-mounted panels, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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