Ground-Mount vs Rooftop Solar: Which is Right for You?

Jul. 06, 2023

Making the switch to solar energy is a big decision—one that can provide numerous benefits to your home. But how can you know which solar panel mounting option is going to be best for your specific energy needs? Both ground-mount and rooftop solar panels are great options for producing residential solar energy, but there are many factors to consider when choosing between them, like your roof and any nearby obstructions.

At Boston Solar, we’ve installed more than 5,000 solar systems in the Greater Boston area. With our help, you can find the best—and most productive—solar system for you. Our team can evaluate your home and design a rooftop or ground-mount system that will bring you affordable electricity for years to come. 

How to Choose the Right Solar Panels

Before we dive into the different mounting options for solar panels, there are several factors to consider when choosing a solar system for your home. These factors can include:

  • Your energy needs - How much electricity your home needs is one of the most important factors when choosing solar panels. This helps our team determine the number of solar panels you’ll need and decide the best place on your home or property to install them. 
  • Your budget - While the cost of both rooftop vs ground-mounted solar panels varies depending on your home and energy needs, it’s important to know how much you can spend on your solar installation and weigh the options compared to your electricity bill. 
  • Solar installer - Finding an experienced and professional solar installer, like Boston Solar, is the key to long-lasting electricity production. Poor installation is one of the most common reasons for a solar system to degrade prematurely. 
  • Incentives - Knowing the current rebates and incentives available in your area can help you save thousands of dollars on solar installation. You can even get a shorter solar payback period with net metering and other ongoing incentives. 

Advantages of Rooftop vs Ground Mount Solar

Rooftop solar panels are the most common type of solar array on the market today and make up the majority of our installation projects. They are perfect for homes or businesses that have a good amount of roof space and get plenty of sunlight throughout the day. In some cases, however, rooftop solar panels are not ideal due to factors like roof direction or surrounding obstructions. In these cases, ground-mounted solar panels can be a better option. 

However, many towns and cities have regulations in place that limit where we can install ground-mounted solar panels on a property. Our team will take all factors, including municipal regulations, into consideration when choosing the best location for your ground-mounted solar system. 

Types of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels 

There are several types of ground-mounted solar panels, and Boston Solar can help you choose the best fit for your needs. For example, we can install a standard ground-mounted system in your yard or a ground-mount that doubles as a carport in your driveway. There are many options and our team can provide creative solutions based on your needs and the regulations in your area. 

Boston Solar: Your Solar Installation Expert in MA and Southern New Hampshire

The best way to find out if ground-mount or roof-mount solar panels are better for your home is to schedule a consultation with an experienced solar installer. Boston Solar can help you analyze your electricity needs and home to determine where your panels will get optimal production. From there, we can help you find residential incentives to maximize your savings and even handle all of the permitting paperwork for you! 

Boston Solar has been empowering New England for over 11 years and is the leading local solar company in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Whether you’re looking for residential or commercial solar panels, we can help you enjoy all of the benefits of solar with the highest-quality installation and an industry-best 25-year warranty. Ready to go solar? Download our Solar Buyer’s Guide to get answers to all your questions. 


Find the right solar system for you. Call 617-858-1645 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
Ground-Mount vs Rooftop Solar: Which is Right for You?

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