It is not every time rooftop-installed solar panels are ideal. Sometimes, your roof may be in a shaded area, making it not conducive for solar panels installation. Your roof material may also prevent the effective installation of solar panels. In such cases, settling for ground-mounted solar panels is the next best thing.
Though rooftop-installed panels are the most preferred options, when conditions are unfavorable, you can still enjoy solar power through other methods. Read on to find out more about ground-mounted panels.
When to Consider Ground-mounted Solar Panels
The costs for installing ground-mounted solar may be a bit higher than installing rooftop panels. However, these panels effectively use the available space to generate energy optimally. Below are some of the cases when ground-mounted solar is the best fit.
1. Issues with Roof Orientation
One of the most important factors when installing solar panels on the roof is the angle. Ideally, panels should face south or west to receive direct sunlight, depending on your location. In cases when your roof is not positioned in the recommended way, using ground-mounted PV is the best option.
Under this option, the installer can place the panels facing any direction that allows maximum sunlight exposure. Thus, the panels will generate more energy, which will save you more money on electric bills.
2. Obstructions on the Roof
Ideally, solar panels should have access to direct sunlight to produce electricity. If your rooftop has obstructions, they affect the feasibility of roof-installed solar panels. Due to this, you can choose to mount solar panels on the ground for maximum energy production.
3. Aesthetic Reasons
Ideally, solar panels should have access to direct sunlight to produce electricity. If your rooftop has obstructions, they affect the feasibility of roof-installed solar panels. Due to this, you can choose to mount solar panels on the ground for maximum energy production.
4. When Your Energy Consumption is High
Not all homes have the same energy consumption. If you use a lot of electricity, the roof may not be enough to install panels that meet this demand. For this reason, mounting a ground solar panel system can be a better consideration. You can size the ground PV modules to meet your energy demands without restrictions.
Types of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
If you have searched about solar panels, you may have realized that not all of them are the same. Ground-mounted solar panels are not any different. As you settle for this choice, there are various types that you can choose. These are:
a) Standard Ground Mount
Typically, installers drive metal framing into the ground holding the solar panels at a fixed angle. It is the traditional method of mounting ground panels. In some cases, you can use a concrete footing to stabilize the mounting system for wind resistance.
Ground screws are also an option but can be a bit costly. However, it is more stable, and you attach it to the system equipment. If you prefer not to penetrate the ground, the installers can use ballasted blocks to support the solar panels.
b) Pole-Mounted Solar Panels
The system supports several solar panels on a single pole. You elevate the PV modules off the ground to the desired height. In most cases, they are mounted on backyards and off the ground, where they can still be adjusted. We can divide them into three types. These are:
Top of the Pole Solar Mounts
This type is ideal for mounting large solar panels. The installers use a rack to bolt the modules where they are placed on top of the pole. The recommended pole should be wide and have a concrete base to stabilize it. Several options exist for holding either single panels or multiple panels.
Side of the Pole PV Mounts
The solar panels in this option are much smaller. However, some can hold up to four solar panels. The rack containing the bolted panels is mounted on to the side of the pole. You can use an existing utility pole, eliminating the need for erecting your own. Such an option can save a lot of installation time and money. However, you need to consult your utility company before doing this.
Tracking Pole Mounts
These types are similar to the top of the pole solar panels. The only difference is that this type tracks the sun’s direction throughout the day and follows it. As they automatically adjust the best angles, they improve the production of energy by increasing efficiency. This type of solar mount is more expensive because of the tracking function. However, they can save you more money in the long run.
The Benefits of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
Although this option is ideal for people without perfect rooftop solar conditions, it offers benefits to all. The advantages of ground-mounted solar panels include:
1. Easy to Place
The fact that ground-mounted systems are located on flat land makes them easy to install. They don’t need drilling on your roof. The bracing used for ground-mounting are also easy to remove as they are lightweight. Pole mounts are also much more secure.
2. Increased Efficiency
When you compare them to rooftop solar panels, the ground mounts have a much higher output. A rooftop solar array depends so much on your roof’s orientation, meaning their production may be limited.
A ground-mounted system is set at the most optimal angle to ensure they get more sunlight. For this reason, they can generate more electricity, which saves you money on electricity bills.
A ground-mounted solar panel system also offers you an option to use a tracking system. As a result, your system can increase its productivity over a short duration.
3. Easy to Clean and Maintain
The accessibility of a ground-mounted solar energy system is not in question. Due to this, you can access it easily to clean off dirt and dust. If you live near areas where it snows, you can get to the solar panels easily to wipe it off. They are also secure as you don’t have to climb up the roof to check on the solar panels’ status.
4. Easier to Expand the Solar Panel System
Sometimes, you may underestimate your energy consumption when calculating the number of solar panels you need. Your energy requirements may also change with time. A ground-mounted system gives you the option to add other PV modules in the future to resolve such an issue.
5. More Ventilation for the Panels
Temperature can affect solar panels’ efficiency. When they are well ventilated, the panels’ efficiency is not affected as the temperatures remain low. The ground-mounted system offers better ventilation than the rooftop solar array.
If your rooftop restricts you and can’t hold the panels, ground-mounted solar panels offer the best solution. They are not confined to issues to do with angle or orientation. Instead, they give you more flexibility to construct a much bigger and more optimized solar system.
Additionally, when your roof cannot take on the added weight, ground mounts are ideal. What’s more, you can add a tracking system for optimal production.
You can get a ground-mounted solar panel before the reduction of the investment tax credit in 2021. Contact Dynamic Slr for solar panel installation in all the cities in Texas. We have reliable solar product suppliers from the top brands in the market. Go solar today, say goodbye to utility bills.
