There is a widespread assumption that solar panels are all roof mounted on houses. I wonder if that is the perception because we often see solar panels mounted on roofs as we drive through suburban areas. Ground mounted solar panels are not as prominent. There are several reasons for ground mounting solar panels.
Solar panels do run slightly more efficiently mounted on the ground. They have a negative temperature coefficient which means their efficiency drops as the temperature increases. Panels run a bit cooler when ground mounted.
They also require cleaning which is relatively easy with a wet broom to remove dust and pollen. So ground mounting where possible makes this a simple task when compared to the safety and logistics required with roof access.
When roof maintenance is required, a solar array may need to be removed to allow for replacement of roof materials.
Depending on the size of a solar array, some roofs may not be able to take the weight of the solar panels.
Most often when designing an off grid power system, the roof area of a house is not big enough to take the solar panels required to run a whole house. Arrays are often 15 meters long and can be up to 70 meters in length. There is no limit to the size of a solar array. This will be determined by the electrical loads of the house or commercial installation that is being powered.
Off Grid Power systems can be quite different to grid tied systems that we often see and hear about. The requirement to provide the complete energy needs of an installation throughout the whole year takes careful consideration and specialised design skills and experience. It is not just a matter of fitting what solar you can to your roof area.
Some of the roof mounted arrays that we have built at Off Grid Energy have been installed on roofs that were purpose designed to take them. Orientation and roof size are important. We will always consider the best location for your solar panels and discuss the benefits of all the options your site has to offer. Consultation early in your design process can be very helpful.
