Compare · X vs Y
Rooftop solar vs ground-mount solar: which roof does the panel earn?
Decisions built from Rooftop array and Ground mount — editorial analysis; each figure sourced or labeled in review.
Side ARooftop array
Side BGround mount
FrameBuyer-side · no sales stake
Panels land on the roof or on posts in the yard. Roofs win on land cost and looks; ground mounts win whenever the roof is old, shaded or angled the wrong way.
At a glance: Rooftop array vs Ground mount
| Rooftop array | Ground mount | |
|---|---|---|
| Land needed | None beyond the roof | Open area (usually 15-25 m²/kW with setbacks) |
| Orientation | Fixed by your roof | Free — point the array at the sun |
| Roof work | Penetrations; re-roof risk | None — but trenching to the house |
| Price | Market default (in review) | Higher — structure plus trench |
When Rooftop array wins
- Roof under ~15 years old, unshaded and south-ish — the cheapest honest placement
- Keeping the yard intact matters more than two degrees of tilt
When Ground mount wins
- Roof near end-of-life (re-roof inside 10 years), heavy shade, or wrong angle
- You want snow clearing access or east-west aim without the roof dictating it
The honest verdict
If the roof is under ~15, open and unshaded, rooftop is the default. If the roof is end-of-life, shaded or angled wrong, the yard becomes the honest second base — and the same $/W rules still apply: in both cases compare quotes, not claims.
Where these figures come from
Source review: 2026-09-21. These sources support financing risks and tax distinctions, not a price or savings guarantee.
Questions homeowners ask
Does a ground mount cost more?
Usually — more structure, trenching and sometimes a second electrical shutdown. Ask for both in the same proposal and compare cash $/W (in review per market).
Can I add panels later on a ground mount?
Usually yes, cheaply — the conduit and frame can be sized for a second row from day one.