For many homeowners and small commercial sites, the first solar question is simple: put panels on the roof, or build a ground array? In 2026, roof-mount systems still dominate on cost and simplicity, but ground-mount arrays can deliver higher production, easier maintenance, and future expandability-if you have the space and the budget. This guide compares the two options using realistic installed cost and production data.
What You'll Learn
- System Basics and Site Constraints
- Installed Cost and Production per kW
- Design Flexibility, Shading, and O&M
- When Ground-Mount or Roof-Mount Wins
- Case Studies: Suburban Roofs, Rural Land & Carports
- Global Perspective: Land, Roofs & Policy
- Devil's Advocate: Hidden Trade-Offs
- Outlook to 2030: Design Defaults
- FAQ: Permits, Wind Loads, and EV Integration
System Basics and Site Constraints
Both ground and roof systems use the same core components-modules, inverters, wiring-but site conditions drive economics:
- Roof-mount: uses existing structure; limited by roof area, orientation, and shading.
- Ground-mount: requires posts or foundations; needs clear ground and setback from property lines.
Installed Cost and Production per kW
Ground-mount hardware and foundations add cost, but can improve tilt and orientation. The table below uses 2025-2026 pricing for a 10 kW residential-scale system in a sunny region.
Indicative Installed Cost and Output (10 kW DC, Sunny Region)
| Configuration | Installed Cost ($/W DC) | Total Cost (USD) | Annual Output (kWh) | kWh per kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof-mount, flush | 2.2-2.7 | $22,000-$27,000 | 14,000-15,000 | 1,400-1,500 |
| Roof-mount, tilt racks | 2.4-2.9 | $24,000-$29,000 | 15,000-16,000 | 1,500-1,600 |
| Ground-mount, fixed-tilt | 2.7-3.3 | $27,000-$33,000 | 16,000-17,500 | 1,600-1,750 |
Space Requirements and Typical Use Cases
| Configuration | Approx. Area for 10 kW | Best Suited For | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof-mount | 50-70 m- of usable roof | Urban homes, small businesses | Roof condition, orientation, penetrations. |
| Ground-mount | 65-90 m- of clear ground | Rural homes, farms, light commercial | Land availability, aesthetics, fencing. |
Mid-Range Installed Cost and Output (10 kW, Sunny Region)
Design Flexibility, Shading, and O&M
Ground arrays can be optimised for perfect tilt, orientation, and future expansion, but require more steel and concrete. Roof systems minimise material and labour but inherit roof geometry and shading.
- Roof arrays are harder to clean or adjust after installation.
- Ground arrays are simpler to access for module washing, snow removal, and troubleshooting.
Relative Scores by Category (Roof vs Ground)
When Ground-Mount or Roof-Mount Wins
In practice, many projects are constrained by roof space or ground availability from the start. Rules of thumb:
- Choose roof-mount when land is scarce, the roof is in good condition, and array size is modest.
- Choose ground-mount when you have land, want higher production, or plan to add EVs and heat pumps later.
Case Studies: Suburban Roofs, Rural Land & Carports
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Global Perspective: Land, Roofs & Policy
??????? ??? roof-mount ? ground-mount ????? ??? ???????:
- ????? ??? ??????? ???????: ???? ??????? ?? ????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ??? net-metering ?? feed-in-tariffs ????? ?????? ??????? ?????.
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- ??????? ??? ????? ??????? ??????: ??? ???????? ???? ?? carports ?????? ????? ????? ???? ?????? EV ?? ?????? ?????? ???????.
Devil's Advocate: Hidden Trade-Offs
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- ?? ??? ???????? ???? ???? ??????? ?? carport ?? ground-mount ????? ??? ???? ?????? ??? CAPEX? ??? ???? ??????? ?? ????? ????? ?????.
Outlook to 2030: Design Defaults
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- ?????? ?? ????? ????? ???? ??????? ????? ??????? ??????? ???????? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ?????? ???????? ????? ????? ???????.
- ??????? ??? ??????? ??????? (EVs + ????? ??????) ????? ???? ??? ??????? ????? ?? carports ???????? ???? 10-20 kW ??????.
- ??????? ???????? ?? ???? ??? ???????: ????? carports? ???????? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ?? ??????????.
???????: ?? ???? ???? ????? ???? ????? ?? ?? ????? ??? ???????? ????????? ???? ????? ????????? ?????? ??? 2030 ??? ?????.