What are some of the potential benefits of ground mounted PV systems?

Ground-mounted solar power systems have several advantages that may make them preferable to rooftop-mounted panels. An obvious advantage is you don’t need to put any holes in your roof. Excess holes in the roof can lead to leaks and higher maintenance costs if solar mounting is not installed properly.

Your roof may not be situated at the best angle to maximize solar energy production; ground-mounted systems can be ideally placed wherever they need to be. Ground-Mount SolarWhen it comes to a ground-mount system, your installer will have to build a support structure with steel beams sturdy enough to withstand severe weather conditions.  This can be a better option for homeowners when their roof isn’t suitable for solar panels because they face in the wrong direction, are partially shaded or not strong enough to support solar panels.

 Solar panels prefer to be kept cool. Ground-mounted systems have room below them to allow air to circulate freely. Ground mounts also benefit from having more airflow to cool the solar panels. There is a direct correlation between cooler temperatures and higher efficiency. When the panels are cooled by better airflow underneath, efficiency and electricity production goes up. Panels on a roof are generally inches from the surface, meaning that there isn’t much room for circulation to cool the panels. So ground mounts have an efficiency advantage.

Solar panels work best when they are kept clean and dust free. Ground-mounted solar panels can be cleaned and serviced without anyone having to climb on the roof.

And finally, a ground mount system does not require penetrations in the roof. Your solar power system may well outlast your roof. Your roof-mounted system must be disassembled and reassembled before and after your roof can be worked on. It’s important to note that even though rooftop arrays actually help protect the shingles from wear and tear and extend the useful life of a roof, penetrations would cause more precautions to be taken during the installation.