Do I Have to Put Solar Panels on My Roof?

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You’ve looked at a lot of pictures of solar panels while you’re trying to decide if going solar is right for you. Most of the images that you’ve seen have probably shown houses with panels mounted on their roofs. Some of them are nearly covered and some only have a few solar panels. You’re wondering if that is a requirement or if there is another alternative.

Solar panels installed in the United States need to face the south or the west in order to take advantage of the most direct sunlight possible. This is done most easily on the roof of your home since it is less likely there will be obstructions blocking the sun. Plus, they will be out of the way when you do yard work and are less likely to get damaged.

Ground-Mounted Solar Panel Advantages

If your house is not facing those directions, or there is another reason that you don’t want your panels on your roof, then a ground-mounted system could be right for you. A ground-mounted system is exactly what it sounds like. The frame is planted into the ground and your panels are mounted on it. It has a few advantages over a roof-mounted system. Solar panels can be installed facing different directions to take advantage of the movement of the sun throughout the day. And they are also more conveniently located which makes it easier to keep them clean.

Disadvantages

There are some disadvantages to ground-mounted solar panels as well. They are more likely to be damaged by flying baseballs or a rock thrown from a lawnmower. In most cases, they cost more than a roof installation since you have to build a brand new supporting structure. And they are an obstacle when you are doing yard work such as cutting your grass.

Regardless of where you want your panels placed, Aurora Energy can design a system that will meet your specific needs. When you call us we will send one of our friendly solar consultants to your property. They will analyze your situation and work with you to make the most productive solar energy system possible. 

Take a look at our Facebook page to see some of the customers whose lives have already been changed by going solar. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

More To Explore

You’ve looked at a lot of pictures of solar panels while you’re trying to decide if going solar is right for you. Most of the images that you’ve seen have probably shown houses with panels mounted on their roofs. Some of them are nearly covered and some only have a few solar panels. You’re wondering if that is a requirement or if there is another alternative. Solar panels installed in the United States need to face the south or the west in order to take advantage of the most direct sunlight possible. This is done most easily on the roof of your home since it is less likely there will be obstructions blocking the sun. Plus, they will be out of the way when you do yard work and are less likely to get damaged.

Ground-Mounted Solar Panel Advantages

If your house is not facing those directions, or there is another reason that you don’t want your panels on your roof, then a ground-mounted system could be right for you. A ground-mounted system is exactly what it sounds like. The frame is planted into the ground and your panels are mounted on it. It has a few advantages over a roof-mounted system. Solar panels can be installed facing different directions to take advantage of the movement of the sun throughout the day. And they are also more conveniently located which makes it easier to keep them clean.

Disadvantages

There are some disadvantages to ground-mounted solar panels as well. They are more likely to be damaged by flying baseballs or a rock thrown from a lawnmower. In most cases, they cost more than a roof installation since you have to build a brand new supporting structure. And they are an obstacle when you are doing yard work such as cutting your grass. Regardless of where you want your panels placed, Aurora Energy can design a system that will meet your specific needs. When you call us we will send one of our friendly solar consultants to your property. They will analyze your situation and work with you to make the most productive solar energy system possible.  Take a look at our Facebook page to see some of the customers whose lives have already been changed by going solar. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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