Should You Put Free-Standing Solar Panels Around Your Garden?

You want to add value to your home. But you're not sure about installing solar panels to your roof. Find out here all about free-standing solar panels.

Around 2.5% of homes in the United States are expected to have some type of solar installation on or around the property by 2024.

If you're thinking of jumping on the bandwagon and getting some solar panels installed at your house, you're not alone! You first have to decide, however, what type of panels are going to be best for you.

The most popular choices are either free-standing solar panels or roof solar panels. Which one is the best for your home and how can you make that choice?

If you're considering installing free-standing solar panels or roof panels on your property, keep reading to learn more.

Free-Standing Solar Panels vs. Roof Solar Panels

The difference between roof mount systems and ground mount systems all comes down to where they are placed and installed. Roof mounts will be affixed to your roof and ground mounts are free-standing and built into your foundation.

Depending on where you live (or how much sun your property gets), one of these solar panel types may be better than the other based on that factor alone. There are other things to consider as well, however, including cost, appearance, installation, and long-term savings.

Each of these options has benefits and cons, but we will be focusing on whether or not free-standing solar panels (or ground mounts) are the best choice for your home.

Benefits of Free-Standing Solar Panels

The main benefits of using ground solar panels are that they are easier to access from the ground and this makes them more convenient.

Ground panels are easier to get to than panels on a roof, so it's much more simple to inspect and clean them. If something goes wrong, you'll also be able to get access to the panel more quickly to troubleshoot the issue.

You'll also find that the racking system is stronger than the system for roof panels because it is actually fixed into the foundation. There is more security for the system to stay in place.

Free-standing solar panels will stay cooler because they are closer to the ground, so they may actually put out more energy as a result.

You can also put them almost anywhere you'd like, such as your garden, because they are able to stand on their own. Roof panels can be slightly confining because you only have a few options as to where they would fit and function based on the roof brackets already in place.

You also won't have to remove your ground panels when you eventually need a roof repair or replacement like you would if you had roof solar panels instead. Some ground mounts can even be installed with sun trackers that will move during the day to get the most sunlight.

You'll also find that you won't have to worry as much about nests or animals living between your panels, which can be a problem with roof panels.

Cons of Free-Standing Solar Panels

Some of the cons of installing solar panels with a ground mount compared to roof panels are related to installation and appearance.

The installation of ground solar panels is a bit more expensive because it is more complex. As a result, you'll also end up paying more for the labor required and for the additional parts needed to ensure it is safe.

There are some situations in which you would need to obtain a permit before you can have free standing solar panels installed, which does cost money. Depending on the size of the panels, they may end up taking a large amount of space and you could potentially be using that land for something else.

Even if you weren't planning to use it, the new solar panels could become an eyesore. If you're thinking of putting the free-standing solar panels around your garden, you may find that they won't look as nice as you had imagined.

How Much Value Does This Add to Your Home?

While plenty of people want to invest in green energy at home to help the environment, it's impossible to ignore the fact that it may add value to your home.

It's no secret that solar panels are able to save you money in many cases and they can even get you a tax break if you install them on your owned property. Since the average family in the United States is spending close to $1,500 per year on electricity, this can add up to big savings for anyone.

Aside from the potential savings solar panels can provide, you may also be wondering whether or not solar panel installation could help you if you ever wanted to sell your home. With the current changes that are happening in terms of solar power popularity, this may be a smart change to make.

The average home in the United States could see around a 4.1% value increase after solar installation, but it changes based on location. Regardless, no homes have seen a drop in value after installation and this is the key thing to remember. Adding that solar panel to your garden could mean that you get more money for your home later on, which may pay off the costs entirely.

Be sure to go with a good home solar company that is able to do the job well and make the solar panels look aesthetically appeasing to get the biggest return.

Go Green With More Solar Tips

Solar panels are a great way to do your part in protecting the environment and giving back to mother nature.

If you're considering free-standing solar panels because you want to be more eco-friendly, you're in luck. Our website has a lot more tips that can help you!

Check out the rest of our website to learn about composting, growing plants in your garden, and more! Your home will be greener in no time.