Introduction
As the demand for sustainable energy rises, the demand for solar energy is increasing as well, making it a major factor to consider when choosing the right type of energy.
Solar energy has been divided into two major categories: rooftop solar and ground-mounted solar, and choosing the right one for your business becomes important, as it is an investment for the next 20-25 years.
While choosing the right type of solar system, some factors are taken into consideration, like space, budget, and energy needs, which is why in this blog, we will help you choose which system you should consider for your business.
What is Rooftop Solar?
Rooftop Solar systems are panels that are placed on the roof of a business. These types of solar systems are taken into consideration when the owner has a lot of space on the roof of their building.
Rooftop solar systems are usually installed in urban areas on commercial buildings and industries, as the ground space is limited in these areas.
Rooftop systems are more efficient as they require the space on the roof of commercial buildings, which is already available. They can be easily installed on any rooftop exposed to sunlight, and sometimes, they require a little tilted position to capture more sunlight.
What is Ground Mounted Solar?
Ground-mounted solar systems are systems installed directly on the ground, usually in open spaces. These types of solar installations are ideal for properties with huge land spaces.
Ground-mounted solar is useful for businesses with large properties, capturing more sunlight. They are considered more flexible compared to rooftop solar installations, as they can be built in any position for maximum energy production.
Key Differences Between Rooftop Solar and Ground-Mounted Solar
Advantages of Rooftop Solar Systems
Here are some advantages that you should consider before buying rooftop solar:
1. Utilize Unused Roof Space
They do not require any extra space for installation, and they utilize the unused space on the roof, creating an efficient and cost-effective installation for the business.
2. Lower Installation Cost
The rooftop system is more cost-effective as it is usually a smaller project with a pre-occupied space.
3. Easier maintenance
Once installed, rooftop solar systems require minimal maintenance and can last 20–25 years, offering consistent energy output with very low operational costs.
4. Supports Sustainability Goals
Switching to rooftop solar helps industries reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner, greener operations, boosting their CSR value and brand image.
5. Suitable for urban areas
As it only requires the space on the roof, it is suitable for urban areas, saving space on the ground for other tasks.
Advantages of Ground-Mounted Solar Systems
Here are some advantages that you should consider before buying Ground-Mounted solar:
1. Higher Scalability
Ground-mounted solar systems can be installed in a large number of areas, creating a higher chance for scalability, making them suitable for high-demand industrial setups.
2. Better performance
Ground-mounted solar provides better performance compared to rooftop, as it has more space to build an angle-optimized solar system.
3. Easier cleaning and maintenance
As the whole system is on the ground, it makes it easy to clean and maintain the system, making it simpler and safer, ensuring consistent performance over time.]
4. Long-Term Investment and ROI
Ground-mounted solar projects can be scaled up as energy requirements grow, making them a smart long-term investment with higher returns for large industries.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing
Before choosing the right investment for your business, consider these points to get the most benefits:
1. Available space
Space is an important factor when choosing a solar system, as both systems require different amounts of space. Rooftop solar requires less amount of space as it can be installed on a rooftop. Ground-mounted solar requires more space on the ground for large set-ups.
2. Budget and ROI expectations
Rooftop solar systems require less budget while giving a good ROI in around 2-3 years. Ground-mounted solar requires more budget, while giving a slow ROI, as it is usually a large project.
3. Energy demand
The preference of the system also depends on the energy demand, as companies with high energy demand have to get a big system, which is mostly suitable as ground-mounted, and businesses with a low energy demand do not require a big system, so they can get a cost-efficient rooftop solar system.
4. Installation Complexity
Rooftop systems reqire the shape and size of the panels as per the shape of the roof. On the other hand, Ground-mounted systems require land preparation, mounting structures, and possible regulatory approvals.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you do not require a huge amount of energy and also don’t have a lot of ground space, then rooftop solar suits you, as it does not require any additional space and can provide a significant amount of energy to the business.
If your business has a lot of space to spare and requires much more energy than ground-mounted solar suits you, as it provides a huge amount of energy to the business.
Conclusion
Choosing between rooftop solar and ground-mounted solar depends on your business’s energy needs, available space, and long-term investment goals. Rooftop solar is ideal for businesses with limited ground space and moderate energy requirements, offering cost-effective installation, easy maintenance, and the added benefit of utilizing unused roof areas. On the other hand, ground-mounted solar is perfect for large properties with high energy demands, providing greater scalability, optimized energy production, and long-term ROI.
By carefully assessing your space, budget, and energy goals, you can select the solar system that best aligns with your business objectives.
It can also be helpful to have a great parent company to help you build your solar system, for which a company like Novergy can be the best, with its 2 decades of experience in solar energy. Novergy serves as one of the industry leaders. Contact Novergy Solar today to get your own solar system.
FAQs
1. What are the disadvantages of ground mounted solar panels?
Ans- Ground mounted solar panels require more structural elements, groundwork, and more complex wiring.
2. How long do ground solar panels last?
Ans- Ground mounted solar panels commonly last for around 20-25 years.
3. What maintenance do solar panels require?
Ans- To keep solar panels in good condition, you must clean them at least twice a year, or if the panels are in a high-pollution area, then once every 3 months is recommended.
4. Is ground mounted solar cheaper?
Ans- No, Ground mounted solar is actually 20% more expensive than rooftop solar.