Choosing a Ground-Mounted Panel

When installing your new solar panels, you’re going to have a lot of different choices to make. Panels come in all varieties, with all different kind of components and features. One of those choices you’ll have to make is the decision between a ground-mounted panel or a rooftop-mounted panel. A rooftop-mounted panel, of course, will be limited to your roof, whereas a ground-mounted panel can be placed virtually anywhere that receives sunlight. Keep reading to learn exactly what makes a ground-mounted panel unique, with a complete outline of its features, so you can decide if this is the type of panel you’ll want to add to your home.

Ground-Mounted Panels Will Cost More

A ground-mounted solar panel is probably going to end up costing you more than a traditional roof-mounted panel. This is because they require more materials, additional time to manufacture, and additional time to install. An installer will want to put down a cement foundation, which increases the time it takes to install this panel, plus requires more materials than a roof-mounted panel will need. The process after placing the cement down is also more intensive, requiring additional wiring and more time to tilt it at the perfect angle.

Ground-Mounted Panels Take Up More Space

A ground-mounted panel is also going to take up a lot more space than if you go the traditional roof-panel route. If you place your panels on your roof, obviously that won’t occupy any of your walking space. However, by placing a panel in your backyard or front yard, that decreases the amount of room you have in those areas. If you have a beautiful garden or are planning to install a pool, this might hinder your ability to do so. On the flip side of that, however, the additional space a ground-mounted panel takes up also increases the amount of energy they generate, meaning they will also help save you more money in the long run.

Ground-Mounted Panels Could Either Increase or Hinder Aesthetics

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it’s up to you whether the aesthetics of your roof or yard are more important to you. If you have a gorgeous front and backyard and a huge solar panel array would ruin the aesthetics, these may not be the panels for you. However, if you love the way your roof looks and would hate to put bulky panels on top of it, adding a solar panel array to your backyard might be your top choice. After all, no one but you and people you invite over is going to see your backyard, anyway.

Ground-Mounted Panels will Help You With Panel Orientation

A huge problem people have with the traditional roof-mounted panels is that they’re at the whim of the ways their roof is built. If their roof is facing north and has no tilt, they’re unlikely to get the most efficient panels they could be. Because of this, a ground-mounted panel would be ideal for them, as they can be placed in any direction, oriented in any way, and can be placed in a perfect position to avoid shade.

Repairing and Cleaning is Much Easier With Ground-Mounted Panels

One huge issue with roof-mounted panels is how difficult it is to clean, inspect, and repair them. With a ground-mounted panel, you’ll be able to clean them with ease and inspect them with your naked eye without having to ever worry about calling a professional to get up high for you. Additionally, when it is time for your annual professional inspection or you do need repairs, you’ll probably end up saving more since it will be so easy for your solar company to access your panels. Your ground-mounted panels will also have an easier time of self-cleaning due to the positioning they’re placed at, meaning you probably won’t even need to clean them nearly as often as you would with a roof-mounted panel.

Want to learn even more about solar panel designs and technologies? Check out the HahaSmart blog for daily updates!

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