Steel ground mounts vs roof mounts: What are the pros and cons?

Steel is popular for solar panel mounts due to its strength, durability, and adaptability. In ground mounts, steel structures serve as robust foundations, securely anchoring solar panels amidst varying environmental conditions. These mounts often employ galvalume steel, boasting a thickness of 40 microns, compared to 80-160 microns for hot-dip galvanising (HDG), enhancing corrosion resistance and ensuring longevity, with a lifespan of 25 years, surpassing HDG's 15-year mark.

Conversely, in roof mounts, steel components integrate seamlessly with the building's structure, furnishing a stable base for solar panels. With a strength of 550 Mpa, surpassing HDG's 345 Mpa, and significant cost savings, steel is a preferred option. Its high strength-to-weight ratio allows for efficient material usage without compromising structural integrity. Moreover, steel's versatility allows for tailored engineering to suit various roof types and configurations, providing installation flexibility. Steel, whether in-ground or roof mounts, is indispensable, safeguarding solar panel systems' stability and enduring performance. Here is a detailed comparison of the pros and cons of each type of mount:

Steel ground mounts

Pros:

• Installation flexibility: ground mounts can be installed on various types of terrain, including uneven or sloped ground, making them suitable for locations where roof installation isn't feasible.
• Optimal sun exposure: ground mounts can be positioned to maximise sun exposure throughout the day, potentially increasing energy production compared to roof-mounted systems that may be limited by roof orientation or shading.
• Easier maintenance: ground-mounted systems are typically easier to access for maintenance and cleaning, as they are at ground level rather than on a roof.
• Scalability: ground mounts allow for easier future solar array expansion, as additional panels typically require more space.

Cons:

• Land requirements: ground mounts require open land space, which may not be available or may be limited in urban or densely populated areas.
  Permitting and zoning: depending on local regulations, obtaining permits for ground-mounted solar systems may be more complex than for roof-mounted systems.
• Higher installation costs: ground mounts generally require more materials and labour for installation compared to roof mounts, potentially increasing upfront costs.
• Vulnerability to damage: ground-mounted systems may be more vulnerable to damage from environmental factors such as flooding, vandalism, or landscaping activities.
   

Roof mounts
Pros:

• Utilises existing structure: roof mounts take advantage of existing structures (i.e., roofs), minimising the need for additional land or construction.
  Space efficiency: especially in urban areas where land is limited, roof-mounted systems can be a space-efficient option for solar installation.
• Aesthetics: roof mounts are often less visually intrusive than ground mounts, as they integrate directly with the building's architecture.
• Potential cost savings: roof mounts can be less expensive than ground mounts, as they require fewer materials and less labour for installation.

Cons

• Roof condition: the condition and orientation of the roof must be suitable for solar installation, which may require repairs or reinforcement before installation.
• Limited sun exposure: roof-mounted systems may be limited in their sun exposure based on the orientation, tilt, and shading from nearby structures or vegetation, potentially reducing energy production.
• Accessibility for maintenance: depending on the roof's pitch and height, maintenance and cleaning of roof-mounted systems may be more challenging and require specialised equipment or safety measures.
• Potential for roof penetration: some roof mount systems require penetrations into the roof, which can increase the risk of leaks if not installed correctly.

The design of the mounting system determines the tilt and orientation of the solar panels, which directly affects their exposure to sunlight. Properly designed steel mounting systems allow for adjustable tilt angles and orientations, enabling the panels to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day. This optimisation leads to higher energy yields and increased overall efficiency of the solar power system.