Compare Options
Ground Mount vs Rooftop Solar
An honest comparison to help you choose the right option for your Texas property.
The Quick Verdict
Choose Ground Mount If:
- • Your roof is shaded, old, or complex
- • You have 0.5+ acres of land
- • You want maximum energy production
- • You plan to expand your system later
- • You prefer easy maintenance access
Choose Rooftop If:
- • You have limited yard space
- • Your roof is new and unshaded
- • Upfront cost is your primary concern
- • You don't want panels visible in yard
- • Your property has HOA aesthetic rules
Full Comparison
| Factor | Ground Mount | Rooftop |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | 10-15% higher | ✓ Lower initial cost |
| Energy Production | ✓ 10-25% better | Standard efficiency |
| Installation Time | 2-3 days | ✓ 1-2 days |
| Maintenance Access | ✓ Walk-up access | Requires ladder/roof access |
| Roof Condition | ✓ Irrelevant | Must be in good condition |
| Roof Lifespan Impact | ✓ No impact | May void warranty, penetrations required |
| Expandability | ✓ Easy to add panels | Limited by roof space |
| Aesthetics | Visible in yard | ✓ On roof, less visible |
| Property Requirements | 350-450+ sq ft of land | ✓ Just needs suitable roof |
| System Lifespan | ✓ 30+ years typical | 25-30 years |
Ground Mount Solar: The Full Picture
How It Works
Ground mount systems use steel racking anchored to the ground with concrete footings or helical piles. Panels are mounted at the optimal angle for your latitude (typically 25-35° in Texas), maximizing energy production throughout the year.
Pros
- • Optimal positioning: Install at perfect angle and orientation regardless of roof design
- • Better cooling: Air flows under panels, preventing heat-related efficiency loss
- • No roof penetrations: Zero risk of leaks or structural damage
- • Easy maintenance: Clean panels, check connections, and inspect without climbing
- • Future-proof: Your roof can be replaced without touching the solar system
- • Expandable: Add more panels when your energy needs grow
Cons
- • Higher upfront cost: Expect 10-15% more than equivalent rooftop
- • Uses yard space: 350-450 sq ft for a typical residential system
- • More visible: Panels are at ground level in your yard
- • Permitting: May require additional permits in some areas
Rooftop Solar: The Full Picture
How It Works
Rooftop systems mount directly to your roof using racking that's bolted through the shingles into the rafters. The angle is determined by your roof pitch, and orientation depends on which direction your roof faces.
Pros
- • Lower cost: 10-15% cheaper than ground mount
- • Uses unused space: Roof would otherwise just sit there
- • Less visible: Panels are up and out of the way
- • Faster installation: Typically 1-2 days
- • Good for small lots: No yard space required
Cons
- • Roof dependent: Old, shaded, or complex roofs reduce viability
- • Penetrations required: Bolts go through your roof
- • Removal costs: $10K+ to remove and reinstall if roof needs work
- • Harder maintenance: Cleaning and inspection require roof access
- • Suboptimal angle: Your roof pitch may not be ideal
- • Limited expansion: Can only add panels if roof has space
The Hidden Cost: Roof Replacement
Here's what most solar salespeople don't mention: if your roof needs replacing after you install solar panels, you'll pay approximately $10,000 or more to remove and reinstall the system.
The average Texas roof lasts 15-25 years. If your roof is already 10+ years old, you may face this cost within the first decade of your solar system's life.
Ground mount eliminates this risk entirely. Your solar system is completely independent of your roof.
Still Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
Get a free property assessment. We'll evaluate your roof, yard, and energy needs to recommend the best option.
Get Your Free QuoteWe respond within 24 hours