Ground Mounted Solar Solutions

When to Install A Ground-Mount System

If the available roof space at a property is not large enough to host the solar array, the lowest cost alternative is a ground-mounted solar array.  If there is open land available with an unobstructed southern view, a ground-mounted array may be the best option.   Additionally, if the roof is either not able to structurally handle the weight of the roof or if the roof is nearing the end of it’s useful life, a ground mount option would be appropriate.

Advantages of Ground-Mounted Solar

Ground-mounted solar power systems have several advantages that may make them preferable to rooftop-mounted panels. An obvious advantage is that you don’t need to put any holes in your roof. Improperly flashed penetrations in the roof can lead to leaks and higher maintenance costs if solar mounting is not installed properly.

Additional benefits of a ground-mounted solar array include:
 
Ideal Angle: Your roof may not be situated at the best angle to maximize solar energy production; ground-mounted systems can be ideally placed wherever they need to be.
Better Efficiency: Solar panels prefer to be kept cool. Ground-mounted systems have room below them to allow air to circulate freely.
Ease of Maintenance: Solar panels work best when they are kept clean and dust free. Ground-mounted solar panels can be cleaned and serviced without anyone having to climb on the roof.
Panel Longevity: Your solar power system may well outlast your roof. Your roof-mounted system must be disassembled and reassembled before and after your roof can be worked on.
Future Expansion: There is usually not room to expand a rooftop mounted solar panel system; this is typically not a problem with a ground-mounted system.