Residential solar projects are usually built on the roof by default, as homeowners typically have a roof but may not have space in their yard to install solar arrays. If there is enough space outside the residential area to install solar energy, installing and maintaining photovoltaic arrays will be more advantageous and, in some cases, more economical.

Taylor Mills runs Advancing Solar Solutions, a photovoltaic contractor located in Ripley, West Virginia. He is one of the few residential installers who works more on ground installations than on rooftops. He estimates that 65% of his business comes from ground mounted solar projects, with a portion coming from rural areas in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, which typically have ample land for such construction.

I will never receive a phone call again saying, 'Hey, my roof is leaking, I think it's because of the solar panels you installed.' I no longer have to answer calls to install solar panels on the ground, "Mills said.

Although this situation is not common, the cost of installing ground-based solar cell arrays by Advancing Solar Solutions is lower than that of rooftop projects. Mills shared a pricing example for a solar project that installed both rooftop and ground solar arrays for a client, with the latter being cheaper by over $3000. The cost difference is mainly due to Mills' tendency to use Enphase micro inverters in rooftop projects to meet fast shutdown needs and provide module level monitoring for customers. However, some cost saving advantages are not limited to the selection of components.

Compared to courtyards, roof space may be limited. Rooftop solar arrays may be able to meet most of a household's energy needs, but the exact quantity depends on available space, while ground mounted solar arrays can provide over 100% of energy, using solar energy to deliver more electricity to the grid, resulting in higher net metering compensation and shorter system investment payback period.

Hilary Fiene, Chief Office Manager of Stateline Solar, stated that the prices for residential floor and roof installations are comparable. Stateline Solar's customers are located in rural communities and towns, with approximately half of the company's residential solar power generation coming from ground installations.

Rural people can choose rooftop installation instead of ground installation, while those living in the city usually can only choose rooftop installation, "Fien said. The approval process in most towns does not allow for ground installation. However, due to the large number of rural residents in our region, this has given us more opportunities for ground installation.

Compared to rooftop projects, the cost of installing support structures on the ground is higher. These systems use steel brackets that need to be driven into the ground, fixed to a concrete base, or secured using non penetrating heavy-duty ballast blocks. Then connect the steel brackets to these brackets to secure the solar modules. This process requires specialized heavy equipment, unlike the manual tools required for roof installation.

However, we believe that this can make workers safer because they have no risk, "Mills said. Yes, they may fall into the ditch, but they won't fall off the roof

When working on the ground, installers do not need to worry about the roof warranty expiring, but should consider what is underneath the soil - rocks, wires, or pipes.

After installation, ground installation is easier to maintain certain components than rooftop arrays. The technicians for roof installation need to dismantle and lift the components to enter the area below the array, while the technicians for ground installation only need to enter the area below the array to maintain the components below the panel. Mills said that from a company perspective, this means fewer on-site services and less maintenance time.

A lot of our work actually involves dismantling and reinstalling solar systems for rooftop installation. With ground installation, you don't have to worry about this issue, "he said. We usually charge a fee of $5000 to $7000 for dismantling and reinstalling the system, and they also need to replace the roof

Homeowners do not need to climb onto the roof to focus more on ground installation projects. Although they may need landscaping around the project, they can also easily clean dirty solar panels on the ground. Some types of ground solar supports, such as pole supports, can be manually adjusted to achieve better energy output as the sun's path changes throughout the year.

Installing solar energy on the ground is not suitable for all homeowners. Sometimes, the roof is the only option. But if there is enough space on the ground to install some components, they can be installed outside the roof slope and edges while still meeting the energy needs of the house.

Every company is different and caters to different customer groups, but I believe it's important to keep customers fully informed about the situation - whether they can choose to decorate their homes with roofs or floors, and whether they are not subject to city or village permit requirements, "Fien said. I have seen many customers we serve who are restricted to one solution when they discover there are other options, which makes many buyers regret it, so I think it is a good thing to let them know their choices