FACTS ABOUT GOING SOLAR

Some rooftops face the wrong direction for capturing the sun’s energy. Others are shaded by obstructions, such as nearby buildings and trees, or are too small to hold more than a few photovoltaic modules.

Under these conditions, rooftop solar panels may not be as effective as a ground-mounted solar installation. A photovoltaic array mounted at ground level can be placed at the optimal orientation and angle for maximum energy production.

Ultimately, the best decision for your photovoltaic array will depend on several factors — not just your out-of-pocket expenses. We can help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option and recommendations for the most cost-effective solution.

Why is ground mount solar more expensive?

Generally, ground mount solar panels cost a bit more than rooftop solar on a per-watt basis because of additional labor and permitting that may be required for the installation.

Easy access for cleaning and any servicing is a definite plus.

• Ground-mounted solar panels operate the same way a typical rooftop system would, but typically are more efficient.

• Ground-mounted solar panel installations are usually more expensive than rooftop installations, but could maximize your energy production, depending on your roof’s orientation and shading.

• Standard ground-mounts and pole-mounts are the two most typical types of ground-mounted solar system installations.

Based on your energy profile and your needs, we can help you design a system that is completely off grid or is grid connected with a battery backup or simply grid connected. Each system has a vastly different topology and requires different components and adheres to separate code requirements. All of these factors affect pricing. The same system size might have a wide variance in pricing based on the type of system it is. Typically, if we were installing a 10 kW grid connected system it would end up costing significantly less than a 10 kW grid connected battery backup system simply because of the addition of batteries and additional labor and engineering required.

Tesla Solar Roof Cost

A Tesla solar roof costs $22 to $45 per square foot, which includes the solar roof tiles, a Powerwall, roof and site repairs, and complete system installation.

A 9.45 kW solar system installed on a 1,800 square foot roof costs between $39,600 and $81,000.

How Much Does One Solar Panel Cost?

One 150 to 300-watt solar panel costs $112 to $450 on average, or between $0.75 to $1.50 per watt depending on the type of panel, energy-efficiency rating, and size.

Homeowners spend average $1 per watt.