If you’re considering an investment in solar energy, you may be wondering if a rooftop solar energy system is the right choice for your property or if a ground-mounted system is the way to go. The experts at TruNorth Solar can help you decide which option is best for you. Here’s a closer look at these two solar energy systems, their advantages, and their disadvantages.
Rooftop Solar Energy System: A Popular Option
Rooftop solar is the most popular option for residential solar. These arrays are installed directly onto your home’s roof. Most of the residential installations TruNorth Solar performs are rooftop solar energy systems. If your home has a sunny, structurally sound roof and you’re looking for a system with a smaller footprint, rooftop solar may be the perfect fit for you.
Advantages of Rooftop Solar Energy System
Rooftop solar has several advantages. These projects generally face few zone or aesthetic restrictions and often move forward easily once we pull the necessary permits. Since we install the panels directly on your roof, we don’t need to build a mounting structure, which lowers labor and materials costs. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice yard space to go solar.
Disadvantages of Rooftop Solar
However, if your roof is older or needs repairs, you may need to upgrade it before we install your system, which can increase its overall cost. A rooftop solar energy system is limited to the size of your roof, its shape, and its sun exposure. This may mean your system can replace most of the energy you pull from the grid, but not all of it. Rooftop solar arrays can be difficult to access for repairs and maintenance.
Ground-Mounted Solar: Thinking Outside the Roof
Ground-mounted solar energy systems are installed on a racking system that is sunk into the ground on open land or in your yard. It’s a smart choice for properties with acreage or for homeowners who want maximum efficiency and system size flexibility.
Advantages of Ground-Mounted Solar
Ground-mounted solar arrays can be positioned so the solar panels are at the perfect angle and orientation for maximum sunlight. Panels are accessible from the ground, which makes them easy to maintain and repair. These systems are highly scalable, and they’re only limited to size of your property.
Disadvantages of Ground-Mounted Solar
Ground-mounted solar energy systems can be more costly than rooftop solar systems because they require racking and trenching. This drives up installation costs. They also take up space, which is a drawback if you have a smaller yard. Some areas have strict permitting rules for ground-mounted systems, especially if they are visible from the street. The TruNorth Solar team will take these factors into consideration when making their recommendations to you.
Your Options in a Nutshell
| Feature | Rooftop Solar | Ground-Mounted Solar |
|---|---|---|
|
Installation Cost
|
Lower
|
Higher
|
|
Space Requirements
|
Uses existing roof space
|
Requires yard/open land
|
|
System Size Limits
|
Constrained by roof area
|
Flexible, can be expanded
|
|
Sun Exposure Control
|
Limited by roof orientation
|
Fully adjustable
|
|
Maintenance Access
|
More difficult
|
Easy
|
|
Aesthetic Impact
|
Less visible
|
More visible
|
|
Permitting
|
Generally simpler
|
May face local restrictions
|
Deciding Which Solar Solution is Right for You
The TruNorth Solar team will work with you to determine if rooftop solar or ground-mounted solar is the way to go. We may ask the following questions to help us make our recommendation:
- Do you have enough usable roof space?
- If your roof in good condition and under 10 years old?
- Do you want flexibility to expand the system later?
- Are you concerned about aesthetics or HOA restrictions?
- Do you want easier access for maintenance or future battery/storage add-ons?
Ready to go solar? Reach out to our team for a site evaluation or consultation to find the best fit for your property.
