You’ve probably seen solar panels on roofs all over your neighborhood, but did you know that it’s also possible to mount solar panels on the ground? Rooftop solar systems are the most common among our residential solar customers here in Arizona, but a ground mounted system can be a great option in many situations.
Considering a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for your home and want to know if ground mounted panels are right for you? Here are a few scenarios where a ground mounted system may be the best option.
Your roof isn’t ideal for solar.
The best roofs for solar are south-facing and have a large, open area where solar panels can be installed. (A good rule of thumb — if your roof is large enough to fit three cars side-by-side, it’s large enough for solar.) They also have minimal shading from nearby trees and houses.
If your roof is heavily shaded or has obstructions like chimneys, skylights, and dormers, a ground mounted solar electric system may be your best solution. Ground mounted systems can be installed wherever conditions are best, giving you more flexibility.
You use a lot of electricity.
If your electricity use is especially high — if you own electric cars and condition your house with a heat pump, for example — it’s possible that your roof doesn’t offer the space needed for a larger solar array. When this is the case, a ground mounted system still gives you the option to harness free solar power for your home.
One major plus to a ground mounted system here is that your solar contractor can install your solar panels at the perfect angle for maximum energy production, whereas with a rooftop system, the angle of the solar panel depends on the roof pitch.
You prefer the aesthetic of a ground mounted system.
Some homeowners simply prefer the look of a ground mounted system over a rooftop system. Ground mounted solar systems do tend to cost more than rooftop systems to install, so be sure to think about the added cost if you’re considering a ground mounted system for aesthetic reasons.
Find out if ground mounted panels are right for you!
A ground mounted system offers impressive flexibility and easy maintenance — plus the typical benefits of solar like lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint. If you’re thinking about going solar here in Arizona, don’t forget to consider the benefits that ground mounted panels could offer your home and family. Get a free quote from Energy Solution Providers, Arizona’s leading solar installer, to discover the solar PV system that’s best for you!