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Is a Roof-mounted Panel the Right Choice for You?

Ashleigh AngellOctober 17, 2018 1602 0

Is a Roof-mounted Panel the Right Choice for You?

When installing your new solar panels, you’re going to have a lot of different choices to make. Panels come in all varieties, with all different kind of components and features. One of those choices you’ll have to make is the decision between a ground-mounted panel or a rooftop-mounted panel. A rooftop-mounted panel, of course, will be limited to your roof, however, it will also help save you money and keep the aesthetics of your yard in tact. Keep reading to learn exactly what makes a rooftop-mounted panel unique, with a complete outline of its features, so you can decide if this is the type of panel you’ll want to add to your home.

Rooftop-Mounted Panels are Cheaper and Easier to Install than Ground-Mounted Panels - With a Catch

Because a rooftop-mounted panel is the most common, has less issues with difficult wiring, and does not need as much materials as a ground-mounted panel array, a rooftop-mounted solar panel system is going to be cheaper and easier to install. However, the condition of your roof may increase the price if you need to do repairs or replace it all together. Panels can last anywhere from 25 to 40 years, so you’ll need to have a roof that can last as long as your panels. You won’t want to wait until after the solar panels are installed to fix and/or replace your roof, as uninstalling and reinstalling the panels is going to cost you even more.

Rooftop-Mounted Panels Take Up Less Space - With a Catch

Because you won’t have to sacrifice any part of your yard in order to install a rooftop-mounted panel, they’ll take up less space. However, the catch to that is that you also won’t have nearly as much space to place your panels. You’ll have to work within the limits of your rooftop.

Rooftop-Mounted Panels Can Be Placed on the Back of Your Roof

If you’re worried about rooftop-mounted panels ruining the aesthetics of your roof and are considering a ground-mounted system just for that reason, don’t make your final choice yet! Rooftop-mounted panels can be placed on the back of your roof, which means that the same (or less) amount of people will see them as if you install a ground-mounted panel in your backyard: you and people you invite over.

Rooftop-Mounted Panels are Limited by the Angles of Their Roof

Unlike ground-mounted panels, which can be placed and angled anywhere, a rooftop-mounted panel is much more limited. If you have no south-facing section of your roof, you’ll have to choose somewhere else. If your roof is completely flat, you’ll either have flat panels or you’ll have to pay more to add a tilted racking system. You’ll also have to deal with things like shade and obstructions, which again, you won’t have much control over.

Cleaning and Repairing a Rooftop-Mounted Panel is More Difficult

Unlike a ground-mounted panel, a rooftop-mounted panel is much more difficult to reach for things like cleaning, inspection, and repairs. You should have a professional doing all your repairs, anyway, but if you live in a two-story home and can’t clean your panels without getting up on the roof, you’ll have to have a professional do it.

Want to learn more about all the different choices when it comes to installing solar? Check out the HahaSmart blog for daily updates!

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