Choose the Best Solar Mounting System

[@jmcknight7542]

For us, while getting estimates, almost all solar companies suggested to put solar panels on the front & back of the house (due to our house orientation). Which could have worked, if we cut down a tree in our front yard. Then a company suggested ground mount. That's what we did and do not have any regrets. We LOVE our ground mount system, that's 275' away. Which we used (while the trench exposed) to run 1) additional electric to a shed and 2) used CPVC Pipe to our garden. If there was a shirt, "Ground Mount" I'd buy it !!!!

[@ToddDesiato]

That was a good one guys. However, I've found at NCSolarElectric that the DIY crowd really prefers ground mounts, and it avoids all the RSD equipment that roof mounts require. I feel more comfortable selling to homeowners who are keeping their feet on the ground as well. Ballasted Powerfield PowerRacks are awesome for this, and residential neighborhoods prefer them because they are low to the ground and don't block the view.

[@josephhoward6144]

I'm trying the Martin Roofing and Solar mount UL 2703 hidden fastener.

[@teslamac5348]

Here’s a ground mount complexity for you. House is in the trees, so only a ground mount is the only option. I have a pasture with great exposure, and i also need run-in shed for my horses. I already need an engineer sign off on the ground mount, i may as well have them sign off a run-in that will support the solar. Trenching is a bit far, so i plan to have a second small hay barn half way to the house with the second half of the solar system. Then use the hay barn as a halfway point. It’s a mid 80’s southern house with 3 200 amp panels!. Im moving the septic and well to the first panel with home circuits. I’ll back that panel up. 2 HVAC heat pump systems are in the second panel. Shop and EV chargers are in the third panel. I could probably consolidate the 2nd and 3rd panels, but that’s even more work. And as you already appear to know, yes, I have a tractor with a backhoe!

[@sctexan5392]

I am thinking of going ground mount. Reasons: easy of maintenance/cleaning (repair if necessary - seems it would cheaper)(older you are, the easier it would be); Higher solar energy production (would reduce the payback time); Roof damage - maybe solar install but more likely the roofing material will need to be replaced in some period of time maybe multiple times within the life of the panels - in that case the panels would have to be removed and reinstalled - how much would that add to the cost (even if it's just once); My install will be on a newly design home with solar being part of the design. I have seen multiple solar ground installs using a screw mount. Looks like a no-brainer - if it works and is code in your area. One last thing, if I have a conditioned attic space, I wouldn't want holes punched in it. I want it to stay air tight.

[@torahislife]

This could've been a discussion between home security system salespeople 20 years ago. Like home security systems, DIY solar will continue feasting on the fat margins of self-serving contractors. Imagine how great it will be when the average homeowner can hire a cheap laborer to dig that trench and then connect the mounts, cables, and PV together by number. Just like IKEA. Its going to be huge.

[@brwa5176]

How do they find the rafters?

[@e6ensperception]

What days do you livestream?? I want to watch on youtube are you in cst?

[@SolarSurge]

Wednesdays 3pm EST

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

Ground mounts cost a bit more because they cost more to buy and it takes longer to install them, i've never heard anyone say ground mounts are cheaper than roof mounts. Ground mounts do have some positives over roof mounts, like they are safer to install and work on and have less liability issues from injuries or a leaking or damaging the roof, etc. and the pv's will be easier for the owner to clean. No Solar Installer can guarantee that the roof will not leak, etc (all they can say) is if there is a problem we will be there to fix the problem. And it is the owners decision if he wants a ground mount, if you don't want to install a ground mount then you should be honest and tell the home owner you don't do ground mounts and why and then let him make his decision. I have a large open field to the South of my home with zero trees or buildings/obstructions while I have trees that shade my roof in mornings and evenings so a ground mount in my back yard in summer will give me about 3 more hours of sunlight than what the roof of the house gets.

[@dbsimmons]

If the home gets 900 sun hours on a 10kw system would cost $x vs a ground mount would get roughly 1400 sun hours and need a much smaller system say around 6.5kw to produce more energy. At $3 watt and $10k for ground rack the ground mount would be $500 less. It's very possible for the ground mount to cost less. Sometimes much less.

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

@@dbsimmons There are lots of ground mounts today that are cheaper, some only cost about $5,000 and do not even need cement.

[@kencollins7822]

I’m looking to get into the solar business. I was in the Commercial Insurance business and recently sold my large book of business and signed a non complete agreement. So I love sales and being out helping people. I’m in Central Florida in the Orlando/ Daytona Beach area.. How do I get information on getting started with a real trusted Solar Company ?? Thank You. Ken Collins. LUTCF. CPCU.

[@alybe2812]

This is AI, these men aren’t real in this video.