Solar Roof Mounts Versus Solar Ground Mount Systems

Solar power technology has been around for decades now but it is only recently that you have seen it pop up more and more often in your neighborhood.

You have likely come across businesses or homes that have solar panels. Sometimes you’ll see them in a yard, sometimes you’ll witness them on a roof. No matter where they are, you know they are powering an entire house based solely on the strength of the sun.

If you want to help the environment – and lower the cost of your bills – then you should invest in solar panels. They really are the best way to take care of your home and the planet too. But which way should you have them set up? Should you let them sit upon your roof and soak up the sun that way? Or maybe you should have them set up in your front or back yard?

What are the benefits and drawbacks to both solar roof mounts and solar ground mounts? Which is better? Which one should you invest in?

At the end of the day, you will find promising and exciting results no matter which route you take. But if you want to know more about both roof and ground mounts, here is some information that will give you more insight.

Solar Roof Mounts System

When most people think of solar power, they usually think of roof mounts. They have become synonymous with solar power and are seemingly everywhere nowadays.

It’s probably not surprising to learn that the most popular method of installation is a roof mount. The solar racking keeps the panels in place and is erected right on the roof, resulting in a set-up that you have likely seen on other houses and businesses over the years. panels can then be connected to anything from metal to rubber roofs, whether they are positioned flat or slanting.

Now, you must keep in mind that not every roof mount needs to be anchored to the rooftop via piercing and drilling. Indeed, a ballast mount has proven to be a very viable and reliable option, but only if the home owner happens to have a solid, flat, unslanted foundation. The system components are held in place by blocks that hold them down.

So, what are the benefits of having a roof mount? Well, there are quite a few. Firstly, they take up space that wouldn’t be used without them. How many things do you really have on your roof? Not a lot. Doesn’t it make more sense to fill that unused space with your solar panels?

Secondly, it’s cheaper to install roof mounts than it is to use a ground-mounted system so that’s an added bonus.

Additionally, solar panels on your roof can actually protect your property from the elements like heavy rain, wind, or snow. And finally, they don’t stand the chance of being messed up or damaged by people when they are sitting above your house.

Let’s move onto the other option you have for your solar panels: a ground mount system.

Solar Ground Mount System

Ground mount system panels are mounted to a sturdy, strong structure that is linked to the foundation with metal beams or some other form of metal post in a ground mount configuration, which keeps them solidified and stable in the ground no matter how bad the weather or elements get. These ground mounts could be used as a canopy over a parking garage or in an open area as well, so they can serve more than just one purpose.

Ground mounts may be erected anywhere the optimum solar conditions are in place, meaning that they are a wonderful option for those who don’t have enough usable room on their roof or perhaps don’t want panels on their roof.

When it comes to the amount of solar power you get from a ground mount, it’s just as good as what you can get with your roof mount. It’s really a matter of preference and a matter of space. If you have a lot of area in your yard that can use a lot of solar panels, why not put them there?

Why would someone choose a ground mount system for their solar panels? Because they can be installed facing any direction and can be placed in nearly any location on a property. You can install them in multiple angles and you can also easily access them if you need to perform some maintenance on them.

The fact that these panels can also be installed on parking lots or car parks is yet another bonus about them. They can give you shading or lighting and protection for your cars or property as well.

Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between a solar panel on your roof or on the ground, the choice is up to you. No matter which route you take, there are great benefits to both.

However, if you are lacking space, you should probably elect to go with the solar panels that are mounted on your roof. They will take up more space and will be easier to install. Additionally, they are often cheaper to set up than solar panels on the ground.

But if you want to have your panels cover your car or don’t want to be trekking up on the roof every time you need to perform a repair, a ground mount is the way to go. Additionally, if you want to face your solar panels in many different directions, you will need to have ground mounted solar panels installed.

You need to make the choice that best fits your home and the property you have. If your roof space is limited, a ground mount is the right approach. If you don’t have a ton of space in your yards, the roof is the best option. No matter which way you go, you can rest assured that you will soon be powering your home solely by the power of the sun in no time.

Sunlight Solar Energy can install ground and roof mount systems in Bend.