Ground-Mounted Solar Mounting Systems vs Rooftop-Mounted

dakunling
Aug 11, 2025
2 min read

Structural Design and Application in Large-Scale Solar Farms

Ground-mounted solar mounting systems are widely used in utility-scale PV projects due to their scalability, structural simplicity, and ease of maintenance. These systems often feature:

Fixed Tilt Structures: Suitable for open land, especially in Brazil's semi-arid zones. They offer low O&M cost and predictable energy output.
Single-Axis Trackers: Popular in North America and emerging in Europe, these follow the sun and can increase energy yield by up to 25%.
Heavy-Duty Galvanized Steel Frames: Designed to endure high wind zones (tested per EN 1991-1-4 / NBR 6123) and seismic zones (NBR 15421 compliant).
Deep Ground Screw or Concrete Pile Foundations: Depending on soil condition reports (geo survey required).

Supply Chain Optimization and Preassembly Support

We help EPCs and contractors minimize field labor by providing:

Preassembled kits with clear QR-coded packaging
Bulk pallet loading optimized for 40HQ containers
Local lingual installation manuals
On-site technical training and engineering drawings support

Rooftop Solar Mounting Systems

Product Design for Residential and Commercial Rooftops

Such as Brazil's booming distributed PV market—driven by net metering policies (ANEEL Resolution 482/687)—requires rooftop solar mounting systems that are lightweight, modular, and installation-friendly.

Key design features:

Tile Roof Hook Systems: Stainless steel brackets compatible with ceramic, flat tile, and trapezoidal roofs
Non-Penetrative Mounting Options: Ideal for metal sheet roofs to avoid water leakage risks
Lightweight Aluminum Rails: 6063-T5 anodized aluminum, corrosion-resistant and easy to handle
Flexible Rail Layouts: Accommodate PV module sizes from 166mm to 210mm wide

Our rooftop systems are compliant with MCS 012:2025 (UK) and IEC 61730-2 (global safety) for rooftop integrity and wind uplift tests. We offer design load calculation services tailored to your project’s wind zone (up to 4.8 kPa).

Installation Efficiency and Local Regulation Compliance

We help installers cut installation time by:

Providing click-fit clamps, pre-cut rails, and adjustable mid/end clamps
Offering site-specific installation plans and component lists

Comparing Ground-Mounted vs Rooftop Mounting Systems: Key Metrics

CAPEX and ROI Differences

Ground-mounted systems benefit from economies of scale, reducing per-watt cost in large MW-scale projects.
Rooftop systems enjoy favorable grid feed-in tariffs and reduced transmission loss but face space and orientation limitations.

Example: A 1.2MW ground-mounted system in Bahia saved 8% on module costs via optimized racking layout but incurred 12% higher installation labor due to terrain leveling.

Installation Labor and Logistics

Rooftop projects require precise coordination of small-batch shipments, varied roof types, and urban logistics.
Ground-mount projects allow centralized staging, mechanical lifting equipment, and standard rail lengths.

Safety and Insurance Considerations

Rooftop installs must mitigate leakage risk, fall protection, and fire rating concerns (UL 2703 compliance required).
Ground-mounted sites face heavier equipment risks and environmental impact permits (especially in Europe).