Ground Mount

Roof mount

There are benefits and drawbacks to each, and both solar mounting systems have their merits depending on your project specs. Explore our picks for the best solar panel mounts.

This article will dive deeper into what we think about when we recommend solar ground mount vs. solar roof mount racking to our customers.

But first, a quick summary:

Ground Mounted Solar Panels

Pros
*Easy to access
*Easy to clean
*Easier to troubleshoot
*Stronger racking overall
*System is not confined to the dimensions of the roof
*Cooler panel temperatures mean higher energy output
*No need to remove panels if roof is replaced
Cons
*Installation is more labor-intensive
*Installation is more expensive
*Requires more parts and pieces
*Permitting process is more expensive
*Takes up real estate
*Not aesthetically pleasing to everyone

Roof Mounted Solar Panels
Pros
*Less expensive
*Requires fewer materials to install
*Installation labor cost is lower
*Utilizes unused space
*Easier to permit
Cons
*Hard to access – especially if your roof is steep or slippery
*Harder to troubleshoot errors
*Higher panel temperatures mean lower panel output
*Space constraints on the roof limits the size of the system
*Can be a hassle if you need to replace the roof within the panel’s lifetime (might *install the system twice)
*Putting holes in your roof could lead to water damage