I'm curious about the pros and cons of roof-mounted versus ground-mounted solar panels. If you've had to make this choice, what made you lean towards one over the other? I know both have their advantages, so it would be great to hear what factors influenced your decision. Did anything surprise you after your installation? Personally, I think roof-mounted panels are advantageous because they save space and can be cheaper to install. Ground-mounted panels require more groundwork like trenching and concrete, which adds to the cost. Also, considering I'm in an area with moderate snowfall and occasional storms, I'm interested in whether one type performs better over time in extreme weather.
3 Answers
From my experience, ground-mounted systems are way better if you have the space. They tend to perform better because you get more air circulation, which helps with cooling, plus you can angle them perfectly for maximum sunlight. Roof angles can be tricky, and ground mounts handle reflected light really well too!
I really wanted a ground mount but just didn't have the space or budget for it, so I went with roof-mounted panels. Thankfully, it was pretty easy and cost-effective!
A lot of people don’t realize you can use ground screws instead of concrete footings for ground mounts. They're a bit pricey but super handy if you're limited on mixing concrete and need something ready to go. Overall, I still think ground mounts are generally better for most situations.