What Affects The Energy You Receive From Solar Panels?

Multiple factors are in play when you install a solar panel on the roof of your home. Below, we have collated a list of certain elements that might help you decide where to install the solar panels. The pitch of the roof If you’re wondering what we mean by the pitch of the roof, it refers to the angle of the roof. If you have a flat or a steep roof at your home, you will need to put in the extra work to install solar panels at the perfect angle. However, if your home’s rooftop is nothing special and lies within a standard design, the installation will be comparatively easier. You won’t need any special equipment. This, consequently, gives you solar panels at a cheaper rate. The pitch angle you should root for is traditionally between 30 and 45 degrees. A solar panel at the perfect angle contributes to the increase in the overall solar energy that you receive. It can then harness solar energy efficiently. Ballasted mounts and flat roofs From the information given above, you may have inferred that having a flat roof might be the solution to all your problems while installing a solar panel. However, if you have a flat roof, you will require a different mounting system. Ballasted mounts do the best job at holding solar panels in place on homes with flat roofs. Furthermore, these mounts also enable the solar panel to tilt by the flexibility that comes along. Ballasted mounts provide you with a racking set. This set gives the perfect angle to your solar panel as per the latitude of your home. These racking sets are held together by cement blocks. Shade isn’t always good Solar panels operate on the energy received from the sun. So, solar panels should be exposed to as much sunlight as possible. Objects that cast a shadow over the most suitable locations make it difficult to install solar panels.

Roof Mounting Or Ground Mounting – Which Is Better?

If you drive through a residential neighborhood with blue or black solar panels, you will notice that almost all of them are roof-mounted. This is because rooftops generally offer a wide variety of mounting options and provide maximum benefits when it comes to sunlight. So, the top of any home or building appears to be the best place for mounting solar panels as they are less likely to receive shade from other objects on the roof. This allows them to work effectively. Nevertheless, it may so happen that your roof cannot escape the shade from nearby objects, or the roof can be shaped in a manner where it’s impossible to mount solar panels. Meaning to say that not all roofs are suitable for solar panel installation , especially roofs made from clay tiles. So, if you have an oddly shaped roof, the best option for you is to opt for a ground-mounted installation. If you have plenty of space available, ground-mounted solar panels will enable you to adjust the panels manually. This helps you receive the maximum amount of solar power with each season. Additionally, it is easier to clean and maintain solar panels when they are on the ground. It is imperative to mention that ground-mounted solar panels cost higher than rooftop solar panels. This is because the material required for their installation is more expensive than roof-mounted solar panels. Ground-mounted solar panels necessitate excavation and building a foundation that increases the solar panels’ overall cost and installation. However, if there is no other option for you to mount the solar panels on the roof, this might be the best option for you. So, even though roof-mounted solar panels are the best option for any building, ground-mounted solar panels are also a viable option that helps you receive solar energy. These mounting systems are meant to ease your solar journey depending on the kind of roof you have.

Which Direction Should Solar Panels Ideally Face?

After considering the factors given above, let’s now learn about the ideal direction that optimizes the energy received from solar panels. As we already know, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. So, we need to place the solar panels in a manner in which they always face the sun and don’t get blocked by any shadows. To ensure this, you need to install your solar panels in the south direction. If your solar panels face south, you will receive a large amount of energy because there will never be a shadow cast over them. Moreover, south-facing solar panels never see a day without the sun! If this is not possible for you, there’s nothing to worry about. You can also install the solar panels in a manner where they face east or west directions. That is also likely to give you plenty of energy. All sides except north work in solar panel placement. North-facing solar panels do not work efficiently because objects that face north receive more shade. Thus, it reduces the amount of energy they receive.

Why Do Solar Panels Work Best When Facing South?

After what we just told you, you are probably wondering why south is the best direction for solar panels. Correct? The answer to the question given above is quite simple. The earth is a sphere. So, sunlight reaches all locations at different angles. The sun rises in the east, and so, solar panels facing east are likely to receive sunlight in the morning. Thus, they are at an optimum level only in the morning. As the sun sets in the west, solar panels facing that direction are optimum in the afternoon. However, south-facing solar panels receive sunlight throughout the day if no shadow is cast on them. If you live in the northern hemisphere, your solar panels work best when they are facing south.

Which Is The Best Roof Shape For Solar Panels?

The shape of your house is one of the most important things that is going to determine whether your solar panels will work or not. So, if you’re wondering what the ideal roof shape is, we are here to tell you all about it. The ideal roof shape for solar panels is a roof with lots of space that allows the solar panels to face south, west, or east. Typically, a residential solar panel is about 65 by 39 inches big. This is likely to take up 17.5 square feet of space for each solar panel. Traditionally, roofs are known to have at least 3000 square feet of space. So, if no object casts shade on your roof, you can install up to 171 solar panels on your roof. Of course, the pitch, time of day, and other factors mentioned above come into play. However, in an ideal scenario with the perfect roof shape, you are likely to receive lots of energy in any direction except the north.

Which Is The Best Roof Style For Solar Panels?

As you may already know, there are many roofing styles available for different homes. Similarly, many different pitches and angles complement your roof in various ways for solar panel installation. The most commonly used roofs which aid solar panel installation include wood, slate, copper, rubber, metal, wood, tile, and asphalt. If you’re looking for that ballasted mounting on the roof, then it is necessary for you to give due consideration to the age of your roof.

Where to Install Solar Panels: 2026 Guide

Where you install solar panels significantly affects performance — rooftop, ground-mount, and carport options each have distinct advantages depending on your property, roof condition, and available space. Rooftop installation remains most common for homes, while ground mounts and carports offer alternatives when roof space or condition isn’t ideal.

Comparing Installation Locations

Location	Pros	Considerations
Roof-mounted	No extra land use, most common/cost-effective	Limited by roof orientation, shading, condition
Ground-mounted	Optimal orientation/tilt, easier maintenance access	Requires available land, higher cost per watt
Carport/pergola	Dual-purpose (shade + power), works around roof limits	Higher installation cost, engineering requirements
Pole-mounted	Flexible positioning, good for small arrays	Limited capacity, higher cost per panel

Roof-Mounted: The Standard Choice

Roof mounting remains the most common and cost-effective option since it uses existing structure without consuming additional land — ideal when your roof has good orientation, minimal shading, and sufficient remaining lifespan to support the array long-term.

Ground-Mounted: Optimal Orientation

Ground mounts allow installers to choose the ideal tilt and orientation independent of roof constraints, and they’re easier to access for cleaning and maintenance — but they use valuable land and typically cost more per watt than roof mounting due to additional racking and foundation work.

Solar panels installed on a residential rooftop

Carports and Pergolas: Dual-Purpose Installation

Solar carports provide shade for vehicles while generating power, making them popular for homes and businesses with parking areas but limited or unsuitable roof space — they require more structural engineering than simple ground mounts, adding to installation cost.

Orientation and Shading Still Matter

Regardless of location, proper orientation (south-facing ideal in the Northern Hemisphere) and minimal shading remain the most important factors for maximizing output — location choice should always prioritize these factors over convenience alone.

Not sure which installation type is right for you? Get a free quote: (855) 427-0058

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can solar panels be installed?

Common locations include rooftops, ground mounts, carports/pergolas, and pole mounts.

Is roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar better?

Roof mounting is more cost-effective and common; ground mounts offer optimal orientation but cost more and use land.

What is a solar carport?

A structure providing vehicle shade while generating solar power, useful when roof space is limited.

Does installation location affect solar output?

Yes — orientation and shading matter more than location type, though ground mounts allow more flexibility to optimize these factors.

Are ground-mounted systems more expensive than roof-mounted?

Generally yes, due to additional racking and foundation work required.

When should I consider a ground mount instead of roof mounting?

When your roof has poor orientation, heavy shading, or insufficient remaining lifespan, and you have available land.

What is a pole-mounted solar system?

A smaller array mounted on a pole, offering flexible positioning for limited-capacity applications.

Summing Up

Choosing the right installation location depends on your roof, land, and specific property constraints. To find the best option for your home, call (855) 427-0058 or visit us.solarpanelsnetwork.com.

Updated September 2026