Where can I put my solar panels?

It's a long-believed myth that the only place solar panels can be installed is on a south-facing roof that sits under 365 days of sunshine. In reality, a solar panel system can be installed almost anywhere on your roof. If your rooftop isn’t a good candidate, the system can be installed on the ground.

There are a number of factors that solar panel installation companies take into consideration when making this decision. Let’s take a closer look at the two places you can put your home solar panels – the roof or the ground – and the benefits of each.

On Your Roof

The most common place to install PV solar panels is on the rooftop. The panels receive the most sunlight this way and won’t interfere with your home’s curb appeal. Where the panels are installed depends on a few factors:

• • Direction. South-facing roofs are ideal for solar because they receive the most sunlight. However, a west-facing or east-facing roof can still produce a lot of energy.

• • Pitch angle. Any roof with a pitch of 15 to 40 degrees is suitable for solar panel installation. Even flat roofs can handle solar systems, providing that the panels are mounted at an appropriate angle.

• • Size and shape. A large square roof is ideal for a PV solar system. Additionally, most solar panel systems require around 500 square feet of space. Again, there is some flexibility here. Do keep in mind that skylights, chimneys, and domes take away some space.

• Shade. The panels need as much sun as possible, so some obstructions can be a problem. Before installing the solar system, we may ask that you trim trees so that the most sunlight gets through to your roof.

On the Ground

If your roof is not an ideal candidate for a solar system (due to obstructions, older roof, or no sun), you may be able to have it installed on the ground. Ground-mounted solar systems are mounted on the flat ground and can be positioned south or west. This is a huge advantage because they can be manipulated to generate the most energy.

The drawback to installing solar panels on the ground is that they take up a lot of space and can detract from the appearance of your home. If you want ground-mounted solar panels to work for your home, you’ll need a large, open space.

Call Suntuity Solar to Find the Best Place to Install Solar Panels

Most people choose to install their solar panels on their rooftops. The panels tend to be most effective and easiest to install this way, and they remain largely out of sight and mind (except for all those energy savings you’ll see each month!).

Give Suntuity Solar a call and we’ll be happy to come out to your property and take a look. Based on your roof, its age, and its materials, we can determine the best fit for your home.