We discover which location works best for your home.
When it comes to solar panels, people often think of rooftops. What most people don’t realize is there are actually multiple locations for installing solar panel systems. Location, building type and space are the main factors in determining which location works best for you. Whether it’s your family home or your work’s office building, it’s important to consider all your options.
Here are two locations for installing your solar panels:
- Rooftop
Rooftops are the most common location for installing solar panels. In order to get the most out of your solar panel, you need to install it wherever it will receive maximum sunlight. This is why rooftop solar panels are so popular. It’s best if your roof faces south in order to get the most direct sunlight throughout the course of the day. However, east- and west-facing roofs can still save money and reduce electricity bills. Large square roofs are optimal and the easiest for installation. Before installation, be sure there are no large trees, buildings or tall items blocking your roof – rooftops in the shade may not provide the amount of energy you need. - Ground
Ground solar panels are just as easy to install as rooftop solar panels. Usually, ground-mounted solar panels cost as much as rooftop solar panels, if you’re going by a per-watt basis. When installing a solar panel, direct sunlight is the most important thing. This means you generally want your panels facing south and angled toward the sun.Installing your panels on the roof produces limitations – you may not be able to adjust which direction or angle the panels face after installation. Most roofs also have obstructions like chimneys or skylights, which sometimes makes ground solar panels a better alternative. One of the main advantages of ground solar panels is space. If your residential or commercial building requires a lot of electricity, sometimes the roof isn’t big enough. Ground solar panels allow you to utilize your lawn or even your parking lot to create a space big enough to generate the amount of energy you need.Both the roof and the ground are great options for solar panel installation. However, many factors go into choosing the right location. While your neighbor may benefit from a rooftop solar panel, a ground installation might interest you more. We have engineers who draft plans to ensure proper placement of solar panels on your home that yield the highest possible results.