Where to mount PV's

[Redmondite]

Since we'll be building a small home on some land is there any reason NOT to
mount the PV panels essentially at ground level? I figure on mounting them
at least a couple of feet off the ground to keep them clear of snow.

thanks.

 

[Brent Geery]

Since we'll be building a small home on some land is there any reason NOT to
mount the PV panels essentially at ground level? I figure on mounting them
at least a couple of feet off the ground to keep them clear of snow.

More prone to damage by vandals, and accident. May be harder to site
without creating shading problems. May cost slightly more to mount.

On the plus side, easier to instal, easy to adjust tilt and clean
regularly, and have the option of using tracking mounts of economic at
your site.

 

[George Ghio]

Since we'll be building a small home on some land is there any reason NOT to
mount the PV panels essentially at ground level? I figure on mounting them
at least a couple of feet off the ground to keep them clear of snow.

thanks.

Two points:

Your age.

Maintenance.

George

 

[SQLit]

Since we'll be building a small home on some land is there any reason NOT to
mount the PV panels essentially at ground level? I figure on mounting them
at least a couple of feet off the ground to keep them clear of snow.

thanks.

If your building, then why not design a roof for a porch that exactly
matches the optimum angle for your solar. Have a ladder included, your good
to go. You could put your PV and hot water up there together

 

[Nelson]

Since we'll be building a small home on some land is there any reason NOT to
mount the PV panels essentially at ground level? I figure on mounting them
at least a couple of feet off the ground to keep them clear of snow.

thanks.

Since you're in snow country too, you might find a little more gain in
the cold months from
the reflective properties of the snow by putting the panels essentially at
ground level.
Nelson

 

[Brent Geery]

Two points:

Your age.

Maintenance.

Are your points pro- or anti-ground mount?

 

[George Ghio]

Are your points pro- or anti-ground mount?

Neither.

I prefer to have my panels on the roof.

OTOH one of my customers who is close to seventy years old and has had a
heart attack still likes to maintain his own installation and has his
panels on the ground. I think his doctor and or wife would freak seeing
him up a ladder these days.

Ground mounting and children can be a problem, as well as lawn mowers.

Mine are on the roof for the lack of shading and short wiring run to the
batteries.

The choice depends on a number of factors, some as above.

All mounting solutions have pros and cons.

What can you live with? Do you like ladders? Can you get the sun at
ground level?

George