If you want a solar system installed on your property, then this is a good choice so you can invest in clean energy. Solar energy has many benefits. They can save you over $100 a month on your energy bills, and they allow you to take advantage of tax credits. Solar panels can also increase the value of your home. Most solar panels even have warranties for up to 20 to 25 years, so they are a safe financial investment. When you decide on solar panels, you have to figure out which type of mounting system you want. Ground mounting systems are one option and typically a good choice. If you want to know about some of the benefits of ground mounting solar panel systems, then keep reading.

They Perform Better

You may think that roof mounted solar panels will function better and allow for the production and storage of more energy. This is only true if the panels are placed in perfect conditions. Even adjustable tilt panels on your roof may not be positioned correctly to absorb the most sun rays. This happens if the roof is more pitched than usual. Also, if the panels are not installed in a way that they point to the south, then they may not work correctly. The panels may be obstructed by chimneys and other features on your roof as well.

Also, solar panels are installed to match your electrical usage. If your roof is relatively small or has only a small space to fit the panels, like in the case of a pyramid hip roof, then there may not be room to fit all the panels you need. Most solar panels produce between about 150 and 345 watts per panel. If you need several thousand watts of electricity per hour, then you may need a lot of panels to meet your needs.

Ground mounted panels can allow for more solar panels that are larger. Also, ground mounted systems can be tilted at a steeper angle than roof mounted varieties to track the sun better. This means more electrical production and the possibility of more storage. In some cases, the extra electricity can be used by the electrical company, and your monthly electric bills will be even lower than usual. 

They Will Not Weigh Down Your Roof

One of the downsides of having a roof mounted solar panel system is the fact that it will add extra weight to the roof. Most roof mounted systems only add about two to three pounds of extra weight to each square foot of the roof's surface. While this is not an issue for a standard asphalt roof, it may be a lot of weight for your home to handle if you have a heavier roof like a steel or slate variety. 

Also, you may need a new roof before solar panels can be installed. This will occur if there are any structural issues that are noted like water damage. If you are not ready for the expense, then a ground mounted system can help to reduce this concern. 

In some cases, the weight of the panel may not be an issue, but air lift or uplift might be. Uplift occurs when the wind pulls up on the panels from underneath them. If you live in a hurricane area or in a place that seems a lot of strong storms, then the panels can actually become dislodged due to the force of the wind.

If you do live in a windy area, then make sure to choose your ground mount system carefully. Both standard and pole mounts are an option. You may want to consider the standard mounts though. They keep the panels closer to the ground with several different supports. Pole mounts have a single pole instead to keep the panels in place. For more information, contact a solar company like ML Solar.