Roof Mount Solar PV are the most common type of installation in urban areas. These systems utilize the existing roof structure of your home or business, meaning that the mounting systems are typically more cost effective. They also utilize the usable surface space of your roof, so they don’t need to occupy any valuable yard space, and will be kept safely out of reach of the public, and above vegetation and shading.

For sloped rooves, these systems are typically installed flush to the slope of your roof. These “Flush Mount” systems are ideal for south facing, and even some east and west facing rooves. For flat rooves, “Ballast Mount” systems are typically used, meaning that they are held down by “ballasts” or weights, with no need for penetrations into your roofing system, and are able to be tilted towards the sun in the south.

Ground Mount Solar PV are common in rural and remote areas, and where a roof isn’t ideal for a roof mount system. These systems require a little more structural support, labor, and permitting to install. The support system of a Solar PV System only makes up a small percentage of the total cost, and these installations are typically a little more expensive than a roof mount system. However, that being said, these systems can actually save you more money in the long run because they can be installed at the ideal tilt and south-facing orientation, which will actually increase your energy production.

There are two main types of supports for these installations – Ground Mount, which are a complete assembly fastened down with 4 points of contact; and Pole Mount, which are raised up a few meters on a single pole support. Ground mount systems are better for open areas with flat ground. Pole mount systems are often better for areas with rough terrain, or where it is important to raise the array up out of reach and above any vegetation or shading.

Solar Net Metering is a type of grid-tied solar installation that is connected directly to the homeowner’s electrical panel. When the homeowner’s solar panels produce electricity, it can be used directly. But in the case where more electricity is being produced than it is being consumed simultaneously, the extra electricity will be sent back to the grid, earning the homeowner credits in exchange. The Net Metering system is easy and inexpensive. You get real value for the energy produced, without having to install a second meter or a battery storage system. It allows homeowners and businesses to produce energy, which takes some of the pressure off the grid, especially during periods of peak consumption.

It encourages consumers to play an active role in alternative energy production, which both protects the environment and helps preserve natural energy resources. Homes that use net metering tend to be more aware of, and therefore more conscientious about their energy consumption. With rising electricity costs, Net Metering is becoming an attractive option for more homeowners. This is because the more the price of electricity increases, the more they can benefit from having a Net Metering system. Plus there is the added convenience of being connected to the grid. If the produced power doesn’t meet demand, extra electricity can always be drawn from the grid.