With over four times as many advantages than disadvantages, free-standing solar panels in your backyard are a worthwhile renewable energy investment for carbon-conscious homeowners. Contact online >>
With over four times as many advantages than disadvantages, free-standing solar panels in your backyard are a worthwhile renewable energy investment for carbon-conscious homeowners.
Are you a suburban or rural homeowner in search of a renewable energy system, but rooftop solar just isn''t right for you? Then consider the many advantages of ground mount solar systems compared to their disadvantages. Four times as many pros as cons — at least!
In this article, you''ll find out why a backyard photovoltaic (PV) system deserves a serious look to meet all your home energy needs both now and in the future.
A ground mounted solar system, like rooftop solar panels, is a set of photovoltaic cells that produces direct current (DC) electricity from the sun. Instead of being placed on the roof, the ground mount array is situated somewhere on your property, usually the backyard.
There are a number of ways to arrange a ground mount system. The two most common are the standard (fixed) type or the pole-elevated variety.
Now imagine transferring that setup — racking and all componentry and wiring — on to a fixed metal scaffolding that is usually cemented into place. The arrangement is most often placed in a backyard location where there is suitable soil for secure construction and plenty of sunshine. It may be several inches or many feet off the ground, precisely angled and oriented for maximum sun exposure.
One of the major advantages of pole mount solar systems over fixed versions is that there is plenty of space underneath where animals may seek shade or shelter.
Another important consideration with pole mount solar arrays is that they are perfectly suited to be integrated with sun-tracking systems. The panels move as the sun traverses the sky, either daily and/or annually. Their sole objective is to allow your PV modules to seize as much radiant energy as possible all the time (not just for the 4-5 hours/day of peak sunlight).
There are several different types of solar tracking systems. Most of them are either single-axis or dual-axis.
In general, single-axis systems move along just one axis (typically vertical). Dual-axis trackers move horizontally as well as up and down.
If you have a small yard with at least some of it completely free of all obstruction, you may be a good candidate for a ground mounted solar system. But everything depends on how much electricity you wish to generate on a daily basis.
More specifically, for a 10 kW size array — plenty for an average American household — you need approximately 1,000 sq. ft.
Unlike rooftop solar where the pitch of your roof limits you, you have no such restriction with a ground mount system.
You can orient your backyard solar setup to optimize the capture of the sun''s energy by your PV cells. South- or west-facing roofs are ideal. The best angle will vary from region to region and change during the day and over the course of a year.
If you capitalize on superior angle placement even more with a tracking system, which pole mounted solar systems make easy, you will be able to maximize your panels'' capacity to create electricity for your home needs all the time, all year long.
The highest quality PV panels have an efficiency up to 22-23%. Lower priced modules may achieve only 15-18% efficiency. When they are fixed to a roof with a sub-optimal angle and orientation that is not conducive to maximal solar energy production, the efficiency will drop even more. This means there will be less electrical energy production to power your home.
By contrast, your solar installer — or you, if you DIY your own solar system — will orient and angle the photovoltaic modules such that they are as efficient as possible even given their fixed position.
Free software called the System Advisory Model (SAM), provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), will enable you to calculate the energy production of your solar system based on your location and tilt angle of your modules. This determination is essential when designing your home solar array.
Consequently, you''ll enjoy greater energy production and more energy savings.
With tracking systems, efficiency and productivity will increase even more. Normally a 15-30% rise in energy production (compared to a fixed system of the same capacity) will result.
All of these and similar reasons may reduce the feasibility of a rooftop solar project for you. But they don''t have to prevent you from exploring free-standing solar systems. As long as you have a sunny, open area of the required dimensions, ground mount solar could be just your ticket to carbon-free energy freedom.
Unfortunately, PV modules can''t simply be placed on top of your roof without fasteners. This is so because it''s essential to maintain a few inches (at least) of space under them for air flow. The cooling effect of air currents is needed around PV modules since their efficiency, and, likewise, their total energy output, drops when the temperature rises in warm weather.
On your asphalt roof. (To be fair, some metal roofs don''t require bolts for the mounting brackets but possibly will for the wiring.)
If you have a good solar installer, or you''ve taken the time to learn how to do it right, sealing the holes to prevent water leakage should be easy and foolproof. If not, you''ll have a costly mess on your hands especially in areas experiencing climate crisis-intensified heavy downpours.
About Free standing solar panel mounts
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Free standing solar panel mounts have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Free standing solar panel mounts for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Free standing solar panel mounts featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
