Ground Solar Panel Mount System: Definition, How it Works, and Different Types

As the name suggests, ground solar panel mount systems represent a type of solar power system in which solar panels are installed directly on the ground rather than on rooftops. These systems consist of multiple solar panels mounted on a rack or frame and strategically positioned to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. A ground solar panel mount system works by anchoring to the ground to support solar panels at an optimal angle for sunlight exposure, allowing them to generate electricity efficiently

There are four different types of ground solar panel mount systems that serve as the backbone of your solar power plant and provide the much-needed support for your solar panel modules, allowing them to absorb the maximum solar radiation for increased energy production. The four different types of ground solar panel mount systems are Tracking Systems, Carports and Canopies, Floating Solar Systems, and Traditional Ground Mount Systems.

Ground solar panel mounts offer several unique benefits for those who want to maximize their solar energy production. The main benefit of ground solar panel mounts is that they are able to be placed at optimal angles and orientations for maximizing sunlight exposure, unlike rooftop mounts which are more restrictive in how they are positioned. One of the downsides of ground solar panel mounts is the challenge of space. To maximize energy production in a ground solar panel mount system, you need a space that’s sufficiently clear from all shading and obstructions, such as trees or buildings.

What is a Ground Solar Panel Mount System?

A Ground Solar Panel Mount System is a type of mounting apparatus or structure that facilitates the installation of solar panels on the ground rather than on rooftops. Consisting of a rack or frame, these systems allow the strategic positioning of solar panels to optimally capture sunlight. A ground solar panel mount system is mostly used by those who have limited space in terms of the required southern exposure on their roofs. Depending on the size of your property, a ground solar panel mount system allows you to have enough space to place your solar panels on the ground and add more solar panels in a rack or frame to capture the maximum amount of sunlight energy throughout the day.

A ground-mounted solar panel system is an excellent alternative for customers who want solar panels but do not have a roof that’s suitable for them. The main benefit of a ground-mounting solar panel system is that it lets you position your solar panels for optimal performance. Ground-mounted solar panels are installed anywhere with good sun exposure and sufficient amounts of open space. Depending on your choice of racking system, the solar panels will be positioned a few inches to several feet above the ground. With ground-mounted installations, you have the flexibility to work with solar panels of any size. In a ground-mount solar panel system, you use either a standard ground mount, which fixes the panels in one place, or a pole mount, which puts them higher off the ground.

How does a Ground Solar Panel Mount System work?

A ground solar panel mount system works by providing a physical structure that allows solar panels to be used on the ground. These systems typically consist of metal frames that are securely anchored to the ground and support the solar panels at an optimal angle for capturing sunlight. The solar panels are then mounted onto these frames, either individually or in arrays, using mounting hardware.

A ground solar panel mount system works through a series of steps, starting with the installation of the ground mount structure. This involves anchoring metal frames or racks securely into the ground using concrete footings or ground screws, and positioning them to optimize sun exposure. Once the ground mount structure is in place, solar panels are mounted onto the frames using appropriate hardware, positioning them at the desired angle for maximum sunlight absorption.

When sunlight strikes the solar panels, it is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells within the panels. These cells convert the sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is then sent to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity, the type used in homes and businesses. Ground mount systems are often easier to install and maintain than rooftop systems, as they do not require access to the roof and are easily adjusted or expanded if needed. They are ideal for solar installations where the roof is not suitable for solar panels, such as on buildings with flat roofs or roofs that are shaded by trees or other structures.

What are the different types of Ground Solar Panel Mount Systems?

There are four different types of ground solar panel mount systems, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and ideal applications.

The four different types of ground solar panel mount systems are explained below.

• Tracking Systems: Tracking systems are a type of ground-mounted system that uses a motorized mechanism to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. Tracking systems provide the highest level of energy production, as the panels are always pointed directly at the sun.
• Carports and Canopies: Carports and canopies are a type of ground solar panel mount system that uses overhead structures built to cover parking areas with solar panels on them. Carports and canopies ground solar panel mount systems provide a huge opportunity to use otherwise wasted parking lot space to create renewable energy.
• Floating Solar Systems: Floating solar systems are ground solar panel mount systems involving solar arrays that float on top of a body of water. Known as floating photovoltaic (FPV) or floatovoltaics, floating solar systems are affixed to a buoyant structure that keeps them above the surface.
• Traditional Ground Mount Systems: Traditional ground-mount systems use ground anchor points to support the racking system that holds the solar panels on tracks. Depending on your soil conditions, there are several methods for anchoring your structure, which include concrete piers, driven piers, helical piles, and concrete ballasts.

1. Tracking Systems

Tracking systems are considered a type of ground solar panel mount when installed directly on the ground. Tracking systems use rotational mechanisms to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. By tracking the changing position of the sun, solar panels absorb more sunlight and produce more electricity.

In the context of ground solar panel mounts, tracking systems work by attaching photovoltaic (PV) panels to a racking system using bolts or clamps to ensure a secure fit that withstands various weather conditions. The racking systems are similar to the table structure and are usually installed on the ground for a ground-mounted solar panel system to hold the panels securely in place and position them at an optimal angle to capture sunlight.

There are different types of tracking systems, including single-axis and dual-axis trackers, which move in one or two directions, respectively. Single-axis solar tracking systems have one degree of freedom, which allows them to move in one direction (typically from east to west) following the sun’s daily path across the sky. On the other hand, dual-axis trackers have two degrees of freedom, allowing them to move along two axes of rotation, both from east to west and from north to south. This means they follow the exact position of the sun throughout the day and the year. This ability to track the sun’s path both daily and seasonally allows dual-axis trackers to capture maximum sunlight, increasing the efficiency of the solar panels.

The main advantage of choosing tracking systems as a ground solar panel mount is that by continuing to orient the panels towards the sun as it moves, they increase the energy yield of your panels by 25%-45%. Tracking systems ground solar panel mounts are usually reserved for large-scale ground-mounted solar systems, making them ideal for commercial installations or other large ground-mounted arrays.

2. Carports and Canopies

Carports and canopies are covered structures specifically designed to provide shelter for vehicles, but they produce a secondary benefit when united with solar panels. By using ground-mounted solar panels as the carport or canopy itself, a dual purpose is achieved: providing space for parking and producing solar electricity. Unlike a traditional garage, carports and canopies typically consist of a roof supported by beams or posts without four enclosing walls. Typically, ground solar panel mount carports and canopies are custom-built to contain solar panels in their structure. Not only do they shade and protect your vehicles, they help harness the maximum amount of energy from sunlight, which is then converted into electricity. Solar carports and canopies are commonly used in commercial settings such as businesses or school environments, shopping centers, churches, recreation centers, corporations, and stadiums.

The main advantage of carports and canopies ground solar panel mounts is that they generate free solar electricity, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to sustainability. Another key advantage is that carport and canopy ground solar panel mounts make efficient use of space because they allow for vehicle parking and solar energy generation with a single structure. In addition to making excellent use of ground space, carport and canopy ground mounts provide shade and protection for vehicles, increasing their lifespan. They are usually used to power electric vehicle charging stations.

3. Floating Solar Systems

Floating solar systems, or floating photovoltaics (FPV), are an innovative type of solar panel mounting system where the panels are installed on a floating structure on water. The electricity generated by these panels is transferred through underwater cables. The photovoltaic (PV) panels in floating systems are installed atop a specially designed floating platform, which is nearly impossible to sink and provides extra space for technicians to walk between the panels for maintenance and servicing. Floating solar systems enable the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on the surface of water bodies such as seas, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.

Floating solar systems are commonly found in the Asian-Pacific region in countries like Japan, Korea, and China. The first ever floating solar system was built in Japan in 2017 as part of a pilot project by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. Since then, Japan has built an ever-growing number of floating solar farms, including a 1.7 MW (megawatt) installation in Hyogo, and is now home to around 75% of the world’s largest floating solar installations. Over the last few years, India has been constructing the world’s largest floating solar system at the Omkareshwar Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh, which is touted to provide a whopping 600MW of solar energy. In recent years, the USA has begun to adapt the concept of floating solar into its solar energy plans, with projects such as the 8.9 MW solar farm on Canoe Brook Reservoir in New Jersey, which covers 17 hectares and is able to power 1,400 homes annually. Another key American FPV project is the Healdsburg Floating Solar Farm in California, which consists of nearly 12,000 solar panels and is capable of producing up to 4.8 MW of energy.

The global trend towards adoption of FPV is driven by factors such as limited land availability, loss of efficiency at high operating cell temperature, energy security, and decarbonization targets, according to a research paper published in Energy Conversion & Management. The paper, entitled “Assessment of the potential of different floating solar technologies – Overview and analysis of different case studies”, was written by Sara Oliveira-Pinto and Jasper Stokkermans and assesses the trends, advantages, disadvantages and viability levels of FPV.

The main advantage of floating system ground solar panel mounts is that they eliminate the requirement for land to produce solar. Floating photovoltaic (FPV) power plants are installed in unused spaces in bodies of water, such as wastewater treatment ponds, reservoirs, hydroelectric dams, or manmade ponds. Another key advantage of floating systems is the high energy yield. FPV installations work at lower operating temperatures compared to land-based photovoltaic systems. This lower operating temperature leads to high energy yield in FPV, thanks to the water cooling effect on PV module performance and reduction in the temperature of the PV module. FPV reduces water evaporation by shading the water surface, further substantiating the viability of floating solar as a sustainable solution.

Evaporation is especially a problem in arid regions such as Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Australia. FPV creates a habitat for aquatic animals and recreational opportunities for water-based activities like kayaking, fishing, and boating.

4. Traditional Ground-Mount Systems

Traditional ground mount systems are photovoltaic (PV) panels installed directly on the ground rather than rooftops. Traditional ground solar panel mounts consist of multiple solar panels mounted on a rack or frame and strategically positioned to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The panels are usually supported by two rails oriented in landscape or portrait.

An example of a traditional ground mount system is the standard ground mount. This type of ground mount uses a tilted racking system, typically made of steel, that upholds the solar panel system. The support structures are anchored to the earth using foundations consisting of driven piles, helical piles, ground screws, concrete footings, concrete ballast, or a mixture of these components.

The main advantage of the traditional ground mount system is optimal sun exposure. Traditional ground-mounted solar panels are placed in open land, ensuring optimal sun exposure throughout the day. Their optimal exposure to the sun allows for the design of solar energy systems with the ideal orientation and angle to maximize the solar power rating, resulting in increased energy production. Another key advantage of traditional ground solar panel mounts is the elimination of rooftop restrictions. This means that for ground-mounted solar systems, there’s no need to worry about roof size or shape, shading from nearby trees, or roof drilling that potentially causes leaks and structural damage. This allows for greater flexibility in system design and placement. Traditional ground-mount solar panel systems are much easier to maintain or repair because they’re easier to access than rooftop panels, eliminating the risks associated with rooftops or working at heights.

What are the benefits of the Ground Solar Panel Mount System?

Ground solar panel mounts offer several unique benefits compared to other solar racking types. The main benefit of ground solar panels is that they make it easier to position solar panels at optimal angles and orientations and in more flexible ways, which allows them to produce more solar energy than traditional rooftop mounts. Other benefits of ground solar panel mounts include the elimination of rooftop restrictions, cooling effects, flexibility with angle and orientation, expandability, low maintenance, and fire hazard mitigation.

The 6 main benefits of ground solar panel mounts are listed below.

• Flexibility of Angle and Orientation: Ground-mounted panels are accurately positioned in the right direction and angle to maximize sun exposure, which increases your electric bill savings over time. It is possible to even install tracking systems so your solar panels follow the sun throughout the day. Unlike rooftop systems, whose ability to maximize energy production is limited by the orientation and roof pitch of the building, ground-mounted panels are easily adjusted according to geographic location and latitude. The adjustment of ground solar panel mounts allows your solar panels to maximize as much sunlight as possible and increase the overall efficiency of the solar energy system.
• Elimination of Rooftop Restrictions: Ground-mounted solar systems provide an alternative to rooftop installation. When you install your solar panel system on the ground, you worry less about your roof size or shape, shading from nearby trees, or roof drilling, which potentially causes leaks and structural damage to your building. This allows for greater flexibility in system design and placement.
• Cooling Effect: The cooling effect is another key benefit of ground solar panel mounts, as they are likely to maintain a lower temperature compared to rooftop installations. Ground solar panel mounts are installed at a greater distance from the ground, which allows air to circulate easily around them. High temperatures tend to reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. The natural airflow around a ground solar panel mount is essential for the overall performance of your solar panels, as heat is efficiently dissipated in order to maintain optimum energy production.
• Expandability: Ground-mounted solar panel systems are scalable, making them a flexible alternative for homeowners looking to increase their use of solar energy over time gradually. Unlike rooftop systems, which are limited by the size and load-bearing capacity of the roof, it is easy to expand ground-mounted systems as needed, provided you have sufficient land available. As a result of their expandability, you start small and add more photovoltaic panels as your energy needs increase, making it a cost-effective and future-proof solution.
• Low Maintenance: Ground-mounted solar panel systems generally require less maintenance than rooftop solar panels. With ground-mounted systems, there is no need to climb onto the roof to inspect or maintain your photovoltaic (PV) panels, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring optimal system efficiency. The PV panels are easily accessible for cleaning, repairs, or upgrades. This ease of access reduces maintenance costs and ensures that the system operates at peak efficiency.
• Fire Hazard Mitigation: Ground-mounted solar panels minimize the risk of fire hazards associated with rooftop solar panels. In the event of a fire, firefighters are likely to be hesitant to access a rooftop with solar panels installed due to the risk of electrical shock or damage to the panels. With ground-mounted systems, there is less risk of fire hazards, and emergency responders are able to easily access the system in case of an emergency. Ground solar panels are not attached to the home, so any fire incident that occurs at the solar array is less likely to spread to the entire building.

What are the disadvantages of the Ground Solar Panel Mount System?

While there are unique benefits of ground solar panel mounts, there are significant disadvantages you should know about. One of the key disadvantages of ground solar panel mounts is the significant space requirement. To maximize energy production in a ground solar panel mount system, you typically need a wide open space of 250-600 square feet that’s sufficiently clear from all shadings such as trees or buildings. Other disadvantages of ground solar panel mounts include the higher initial costs involved, the impact on aesthetics, susceptibility to damage, and the lengthy process of obtaining permits.

Below is more information on the five key disadvantages of ground solar panel mounts.

• Significant Space Requirement: Ground-mounted solar panel systems typically require about 80-100 square feet of space per kilowatt (kW) of installed capacity, depending on the system design and tilt angle. This includes the space needed for the panels, the mounting structure, and the required clearance for maintenance access. For example, a 5 kW system would need approximately 400-500 square feet of space. The actual space requirement varies based on factors such as panel size, tilt angle, shading, and local regulations.
• Higher Initial Costs: Ground solar panel mounts are more expensive than rooftop solar systems. This is largely because ground solar panel mounts involve the costly process of preparing the terrain and installing an anchoring system, which includes pouring a concrete foundation or reinforcing itt with piping. On top of that, the mounting hardware required for setting up the panel mounts adds to the higher initial costs of installation, requiring extra labor and material costs. In most cases, it’s beneficial to get a land survey done on top of the usual permits required for solar, which comes at an additional cost.
• Aesthetic Impact: Homeowners worry about the visual impact of ground-mounted solar panels. These systems are more visible and affect the overall appearance of a property compared to rooftop panel systems, which are generally out of sight or street level. To address the issue of aesthetics, homeowners are advised to strategically place ground solar panel mount systems in less visible areas of their property. Creative landscaping is an excellent way to integrate the solar array into the garden design, using shrubbery, trees, or decorative elements to make the ground solar panel system installation more aesthetically pleasing and less noticeable.
• Easier to Damage: Ground solar panel mount systems are more susceptible to environmental damage. Being closer to the ground, they are much more likely to be affected by flooding, debris, and other ground-level hazards. To mitigate these risks, choose durable mounting equipment and consider elevated structures where appropriate. Proper site selection is an excellent way to reduce exposure to damaging conditions, such as flood-prone areas or regions with high wind speed, and expand the longevity of your system.
• Lengthy Process of Obtaining Permits: Obtaining permits for ground solar panel mount systems is considered more challenging than for rooftop installations. This is because ground-mounted systems are often subject to different zoning laws and require additional environmental impact assessments. The permitting application process is usually lengthy and frustrating for homeowners. Connecting the system to the power grid involves a wait time, depending on the local utility company’s policies and the current demand for grid connections. Therefore, start the permitting process early and work closely with local authorities and solar installers who are familiar with the regulations in your area to navigate the process more smoothly.

What are the best brands for Ground Solar Panel Mount Systems?

The best brands for ground solar panel mount systems are recognized for their quality and reliability worldwide. These brands consist of manufacturers and wholesalers who are highly regarded in the industry for their innovative design and product construction, ensuring high-quality solar panels are produced and delivered to all desired homeowners worldwide. The top three brands for ground solar panel mount systems are IronRidge, Unirac, and OMCO Solar, known for being amongst the best solar racking systems available on the market. More information on the top three brands of ground solar panel mount is below.

• IronRidge: Known for their durable and versatile ground mount solutions, IronRidge is a renowned structural hardware manufacturer for residential and commercial properties. As one of the top brands for ground solar panel mounts, IronRidge is famous for its robust and adaptable ground mount solutions. Their XR Ground Mount System is designed to handle various site or terrain challenges, combining their XR100® or XR1000® Rails with locally sourced steel pipes or mechanical tubing. The system is praised for its simplicity, requiring only a few structural components and no need for drilling, welding, or heavy machinery during installation. IronRidge’s ground mount systems are flexible, offering multiple foundation and array configuration options. They provide a 25-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Unirac: Unirac is a world-class PV mounting and solar solutions manufacturer offering a comprehensive range of ground mounting options that cater to different project requirements. Unirac offers two solar panel mounting systems: Ground Fixed Tilt (GFT) and Large Array (ULA). The GFT features a single-post design that makes assembly easy and reduces labor costs. The ULA combines SolarMount rails with steel pipes supplied by installers to create sturdy and inflexible truss structures that are installed on uneven, rocky, or sloping terrains. Unirac is known for providing systems that are easy to install and is committed to supporting projects with region-specific engineering.
• OMCO Solar: OMCO Solar stands out as a leading US factory-direct manufacturer of solar trackers and fixed-tilt solutions for both distributed generation and utility-scale projects. With decades of steel manufacturing experience, OMCO Solar provides expertise in both fixed-tilt and single-axis tracker systems. They have delivered over 10.5 GW of high-quality solar mounting structures nationwide. OMCO Solar’s products are made from 100% US steel, and they offer a nationwide footprint with manufacturing plants across the country, ensuring competitive pricing and short lead times

How many ground-mounted solar panels will I need?

The average number of ground-mounted solar panels needed in a typical home is about 18-20. This estimate assumes that you use 400 watts of solar panels in a location that gets 4 peak sun hours per day, with each panel producing 1.6 kWh (1,600 watt-hours) of electricity daily.

The main factor that determines the number of ground-mounted solar panels you need is your electricity consumption. The more electricity you use, the more solar panels you’ll need to offset your utility bills. Your annual electricity usage, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), determines the size of the solar panel system required to provide sufficient cost savings through solar. Other key factors that determine the number of ground-mounted solar panels you need include geographic location, panel efficiency, panel-rated power, roof space, energy goals, local regulations, and budget.

The geographical location of your home affects how much sunlight your solar panels will receive, which in turn influences the number of panels needed. Areas with more peak sun hours per day, like the southwestern United States, require fewer solar panels than regions with less sunlight.

Solar panel efficiency refers to the ability of your photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into electricity. More efficient panels generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight. This means that you need fewer high-efficiency PV panels to produce the same amount of power as the equivalent quantity of lower-efficiency panels.

Panel-rated power is another key factor when determining the number of ground-mounted PV panels you need for your home. Panel-rated power represents the wattage rating of a solar panel, indicating the amount of power it produces under ideal conditions. Panels with a higher wattage produce more electricity, potentially reducing the number of PV panels you need to meet your energy goals.

The availability of space, meaning the physical space you have available for installing solar panels, limits the number of ground-mounted panels you are able to install. Ground-mounted systems typically require more space than rooftop systems.

Your energy goals are another crucial factor to consider. Whether you aim to offset a portion or all of your electricity usage determines how many panels you need. You need enough panels to cover 100% of your energy consumption if you want to be completely self-sufficient.

Some areas have regulations and restrictions on the size of solar installations, which impact the number of panels you are allowed to install. Ensure you check with your local authorities to understand any applicable limitations.

Your budget dictates the size of your solar panel system. While you want to cover all your energy needs with solar, your financial constraints limit the number of panels you are likely to afford initially.

What is the lifespan of the Ground Solar Panel Mount System?

The lifespan of a ground solar panel mount system is typically around 25-30 years, which corresponds to the warranty period typically offered by Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers. While ground solar panel mounts are able to last beyond this period, typically, the efficiency of the system starts to degrade below 80% after that time. The longevity of a ground solar panel mount system is influenced by several factors, including the quality of the solar panels, the mounting structure, the climate, and the level of maintenance.

Solar panel quality is one of the main factors that affect the lifespan of a ground solar panel mount. High-quality panels from reputable manufacturers like Canadian Solar or Qcells have longer lifespans due to better materials and manufacturing processes. Photovoltaic (PV) panels made with high-grade silicon and robust construction withstand environmental stressors better, leading to a longer operational life.

The durability of the mounting structure is a crucial determinant of the longevity of a ground solar panel mount system. A well-designed and sturdy mount helps to support the panels securely for many years, even in adverse weather conditions. Materials like galvanized steel or aluminum are preferred for their longevity and resistance to corrosion.

Solar panels are designed to withstand various weather conditions, but extreme climates accelerate wear and tear. High temperatures cause materials to degrade faster, while cold climates lead to material contraction and expansion, potentially affecting the integrity of the ground solar panel mount over time. Lastly, regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspections, extends the lifespan of solar panels. Ensuring that photovoltaic (PV) panels are free from debris and damage allows them to operate efficiently and reduces the likelihood of premature failure.

What is the average price of a Ground Solar Panel Mount System?

The average cost for a home ground-mounted solar panel system is usually between $27,000 and $60,000, without accounting for incentives. Applying the 30% federal tax credit, which most American homeowners qualify for, the upfront cost of ground solar panel mounts comes out at around $18,000 to $42,000.

The price of a ground-mounted solar system varies widely based on several factors, including the size of the system, the brand and type of solar panels used, the complexity of the installation, and the geographic location.

The larger the solar panel system, the more materials and labor are required, which increases the overall cost. A bigger ground solar panel system generates more power, potentially offering greater long-term savings.

High-end brands and types of solar panels that boast higher efficiency rates tend to cost more upfront, but they provide better performance and longer warranties, which lead to cost savings over time.

The installation of ground solar panel mount systems on challenging terrain or those requiring special equipment leads to higher labor and material costs. Complex systems with additional features like tracking mechanisms drive up the price. Finally, the cost varies depending on the region due to factors like local labor rates, shipping costs for materials, and the availability of state or utility incentives that offset the initial investment.

Can I DIY Install a Ground Solar Panel Mount System?

Yes, it is possible to install a ground solar panel mount system DIY. DIY installation of a ground solar panel mount system is possible and a rewarding project, but only with the required expertise and electrical knowledge. Do It Yourself (DIY) installation of a ground solar panel mount system typically involves selecting the right location, designing and building the ground structure, mounting the solar panels, and connecting them to an inverter. It’s crucial to obtain the necessary permits, adhere to local regulations, and ensure the electrical setup is done correctly and safely. DIY installation of your ground solar panel mount is a cost-effective way to go solar if you possess the right skills and knowledge. However, you must be well-prepared and informed on how to install ground solar panel mount systems before starting the project.

What is the difference between Ground and Rooftop Solar Panel Mount System?

Ground-mounted and rooftop solar panel systems both serve the same purpose of harnessing solar energy but differ in several ways. The main difference between ground-mounted and rooftop solar panel systems lies in their installation location, which impacts how they maximize energy production. Ground solar panel-mounted systems require a mounting structure that is installed on the ground using pipes, tubing, or poles. Rooftop solar panel systems are mounted directly on the roof of a house or building, utilizing existing structures. Other key differences between ground-mounted and rooftop solar panel mount systems include their sizes, maintenance requirements, and efficiency.

More information about the four key differences between ground and rooftop solar mount systems is listed below.

• Location: Ground-mounted systems are installed at ground level, while rooftop systems are mounted on the roofs of buildings.
• Space: Ground-mounted systems require more yard space and sometimes need landscape adjustments, whereas rooftop systems are space-efficient and utilize existing structures.
• Maintenance: Ground-mounted systems are easier to clean and maintain due to accessibility, while rooftop systems are more challenging to maintain due to their height and roof angle.
• Efficiency: Ground-mounted systems are meant to be positioned and angled for maximum sun exposure, potentially offering increased efficiency. Rooftop systems are limited in exposure based on the orientation and pitch of the roof.