Free-standing solar panels are erected on the ground rather than on roofs, giving them an adaptable choice for individuals with limited or insufficient roof space. By putting these panels in open spaces, users can get the most energy out of them while also avoiding problems with shade. This article will tell you everything you need to know about free-standing solar panels, including their pros and cons, how to put them, and the best brands on the market.
What Are Free-Standing Solar Panels?
Most of the time, free-standing solar panels, including motorhome solar panels, are attached to a frame that holds them off the ground. Unlike rooftop systems that depend on the construction of the building’s roof, these panels can be put up outside where they will get the most sunlight. They work best on sites with a lot of space and few trees or buildings blocking the sun..
Types Of Free-Standing Solar Panels
- Ground mounts that are standard use metal bars that are anchored into the ground to hold solar panels at a set angle.
- Pole mounts use a single pole that is put into the ground to hold up several panels above ground level. Some of these are tracking tools that follow the direction of the sun.
- Tracking Systems are more advanced setups that tilt the solar panels automatically to get the most sunshine at different times of the day.
Advantages Of Free-Standing Solar Panels
There are several good things about solar panels that stand alone:
- Ideal Sun Exposure: Systems that are mounted on the ground can be placed to get the most sunlight, while setups on roofs are limited by how the roof is orientated.
- More Energy Is Made: Because these systems can be placed better and possibly track objects, they often make more power than their rooftop peers.
- Installation Flexibility: Homeowners can pick spots that won’t get shaded by trees or buildings, which lets them install bigger systems if they need to.
- Maintenance is easier because systems that are mounted on the ground are easier to clean and fix than systems that are mounted on the roof.
Disadvantages of Free-Standing Solar Panels
Free-standing solar panels have many benefits, but they also have some problems:
- More Expensive To Install: Most of the time, they cost more to install than rooftop systems because they need more structure support and installation labor.
- Thoughts On Land Use: Need enough land, which some people might not have access to.
- Concerns About Looks: Some homes might think that ground-mounted systems look less nice than combined rooftop setups.
Installation Methods For Free-Standing Solar Panels
There are several steps to installing solar panels that stand alone:
- Site Assessment: Look at the site to see how much space is available, how much sunlight it gets, and if there are any trees or buildings that might get in the way.
- Picking Out A Mounting System: Choose between normal ground mounts and pole mounts based on what you need and how the spot is set up.
- Getting The Site Ready: Remove any trash or plants from the installation area to make sure the panels can be put in the best way possible.
- Setting Up the Structure: For normal mounts, metal frames are rooted into the ground. For pole mounts, a large hole is dug to hold the pole in place.
- Putting The Panels Together: Securely connect the solar panels to the device you picked.
- Putting Together Electrical parts: Run wires from the device to an inverter and then to your power grid or battery storage.
- Final Inspection: Make sure everything works right before finishing the installation.
Best Free-Standing Solar Panels
There are a few types of free-standing solar panels that stand out because of how well they work, how efficiently they use energy, and how reliable they are:
- SunPower (Maxeon): Known for lasting a long time and being very efficient (up to 22%). The power output of their M-Series is great, but it costs more.
- Qcells: Has good performance and focuses on items made in the United States. Homeowners like their Q.PEAK line because it is reliable and works well.
- REC Group: Known for providing top-notch services at reasonable costs. Their Alpha line has strong protection and high efficiency (up to 21%).
- Panasonic: Has high-quality units that are reliable over time and have efficiency scores of about 22%. The EverVolt line from them is highly respected for use in homes.
- Jinko Solar: Offers options that are both cheap and efficient (about 20%). People like their Tiger series because it strikes a good mix between price and function.
Cost Considerations
The price of installing solar panels on their own depends on a number of things, such as:
- How Big The System Is: Most of the time, bigger systems cost more, but they can produce more energy.
- When It Comes To Price: pole mounts that can move are usually more expensive than regular mounts.
- Costs Of Local Labor: Labour rates in different areas can have a big effect on how much it costs to install something.
Ground-mounted systems may cost 10% to 20% more than rooftop setups on average. This is because they need more structural support and more work to be done to make sure the base is stable.
Effects On The Environment
Due to their use of green energy sources, free-standing solar cells are good for the earth. They help cut down on carbon gas pollution and our use of fossil fuels. More than that, users can lower their carbon footprint over time by making clean energy on-site.
Conclusion
Freestanding solar panels are a great option for people who want to use solar energy but don’t want to put them on their roofs. Because they can be placed in a variety of ways to get the most sunlight, they can be a good investment for homes with enough land. Even though they may cost more to install than regular rooftop systems, the money saved on energy costs over time usually makes up for it.
If you’re thinking about switching to solar energy with a stand-alone system, you should make sure that your home is a good fit and get help from a professional contractor. Get a quote today that will give you more information about how free-standing solar panels can help you.