When it comes to environmentally friendly solar energy and panels, there’s one rivalry to rule them all. On one side you have the grounded solar panels, fixed to the earth itself.

On the other you have the roof-mounted panels on high, looming above their rival. But which of these two options is the superior solar panel!?

We’ve put them both to the test to find out whether roof mounting or grounding panels are the best. We’ve noted the pros and cons of both these formats so that you know in the future which one to focus on to obtain your solar power.

Roof Mounting Your Solar Panels: The Pros

First, we’re going to take a look at roof mounting your sonar panels and the pros that this option has. Roof-mounted solar panels are, rather self-explanatorily, panels that have been placed on the roof of your building.

The first major pro of roof mounting solar panels is that it takes up otherwise unused space. In all likelihood, you’re not currently using your roof to house anything else. 

This means that there’s a large amount of space on your property that isn’t being maximized. Using up your roof space means that your solar panels aren’t taking up space from other areas of your home, like your garden. 

In this manner, they can both use up space and be kept out of the way. There are also different forms of roof-mounted solar panels on the market today. This means that there’s likely to be a form of roof-mounted solar panel that works perfectly on your property.

In a nutshell, roof-mounting solar panels are also a cheaper option and are easier to install. This is an essential thing to consider; if you’re looking to get solar energy on more of a budget, roof mounting may be the right option for you.

Roof Mounting Your Solar Panels: The Cons

Though there are many positives to roof mounting, there are some negatives to consider.

It’s important to note that some roofs are still better than others when it comes to getting solar power, despite there being many different options available on the market today. The reality is that chimneys, skylights, the layout of trees or other buildings can get in the way of the sun shining directly onto your panels.

This means that some properties will be at a serious disadvantage in gaining solar energy if they have roof-mounted panels. Because of this, it is vital to assess your individual property before you commit to roof mounting.

Grounded Solar Panels: The Pros

So, what’s the alternative? Again quite self-explanatorily, grounded solar panels are found on the ground.

When it comes to grounded panels, you’ll likely have more space to work with. Often properties have more land space than they have roof space. Because of this, you can usually create a much larger energy source using grounded solar panels.

This is a double-edged sword though. As we mentioned before, one pro of roof-mounted solar panels is that they can be kept out of the way on your roof. Even though you can create a bigger energy source with grounded panels, it’s important to make sure they don’t get in the way on your property.

Grounded panels are much easier to access, meaning they are easier to clean and to maintain. They can also usually be positioned at a particular angle, which can make them better at obtaining energy than panels on certain roofs.

This will depend on your individual property, however. Grounded panels overall are still less common than roof-mounted panels. This can be a pro for some, as it means your property will look ahead of the curve and original compared with others.

Grounded Solar Panels: The Cons

The major con of grounded panels is that they are a more expensive option than roof-mounted solar panels. They are more expensive to buy as well as to install. The installation process itself is more labor-intensive than roof-mounted panels.

This is because columns or other items may be necessary to keep your panels stationary.

They can also sometimes look a bit strange aesthetically. This depends on your property, but it is usually preferable to have panels on your roof compared with having them on the ground.

Because they are installed on the ground, grounded panels are also subject to a lengthier permit process compared with roof-mounted panels. This is something to bear in mind when making your decision, as a lot of time will need to be spent before you can even begin installing your panels.

What Is The Verdict?

Ultimately in the debate between roof mounting and grounding solar panels, there is no clear victor. As you can see from the above, there are pros and cons to both options.

When making your decision, we believe you should consider, based on your situation, the following:

The Cost: How much are you willing to pay?

Space: How much ground space do you have to offer up to solar panels?

The Time: How long can you allow to install and obtain a permit for your panels?

Aesthetics: Do you personally prefer the look of roof-mounted or grounded panels?

If you answer these questions you should come up with which of these options is best for you. If you need to know more about solar panels or are interested in installation services, make sure to contact us directly.

Here at AES, we offer a completely free solar site assessment where we ascertain which panels will be best for you. Then, we can help you with the installation!