There will be several decisions that you’ll have to make when you decide to go solar. It is your home and it is a system that you’re going to live with for decades. The size of the system and its location is ultimately going to be up to you.
One thing that you’ll have to choose is the installation option that you think will best serve the needs of your family. The two types of solar panel installations are roof or ground-mounted. There are pros and cons to both.
Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems
A roof-mounted solar energy system is the most common. Installers attach a rack directly to your roof and your panels are installed on it. There are several wonderful things about this type of system. The space on your roof is not typically used for anything else so it is a good way to optimize the area. Your panels can be attached to virtually any type of roof regardless of the size, shape, or the materials it is made from. And you don’t have to worry as much about things like being hit by rocks thrown from a lawnmower.
For some, the age of your roof may be an issue. If it will need to be replaced in the next several years then you’re probably going to want to do it before you install solar panels. Taking the panels down and then reinstalling them is an unnecessary cost.
Ground-Mounted Option
The other option is a ground-mounted system. One of the best features of this type of system is that panels can be arranged in multiple directions to help take advantage of the sun’s movement. They are also much more accessible for cleaning. Ground-mounted solar panels are a perfect solution if your roof gets a lot of shade or there isn’t a south-facing slope available to mount panels on. For some, a downside is that a ground-mounted system can take up a lot of space on your property. They are also more susceptible to being damaged by falling objects.
Both of these options have worked for lots of customers. If you want to keep your house looking the way it does now then a ground-mounted system might be the right call. But if you want your solar panels to be “out of sight and out of mind” then you’ll want to have them installed on the roof.
Don’t try to make the decision alone. Contact us and we’ll send one of our solar consultants to take a look at your property. They can design your system and go over both options with you. Everyone’s situation is different so you shouldn’t decide until you’ve seen the system that we can design for you. Go to our Facebook page right now and take a look at some of the homes that we’ve already converted. We look forward to hearing from you!
