As energy costs continue to rise and carbon reduction targets tighten, more businesses are turning to solar PV to take control of their energy future. But before you can start generating your own electricity, there’s a key question to consider:

Should your solar system go on your roof or on the ground?

Both options can deliver excellent returns — but the right choice depends on your site, your energy use, and your long-term goals. Here’s how to weigh up the options.

1. Available Space

✅ Roof-Mounted:

  • Ideal if you have a large, unused roof area (warehouses, factories, logistics hubs, distribution centres, business parks).
  • Makes use of ‘dead space’ with no need to alter your site footprint.
  • Works especially well if your peak energy demand aligns with daytime roof exposure.

✅ Ground-Mounted:

  • Best for businesses with land they perhaps aren’t using productively (e.g. field margins, yards, car parks).
  • Offers more flexibility in orientation and panel tilt to maximise solar yield.
  • Easier to scale up for very large systems or future expansion.

2. Structural Considerations

Roof-Mounted:

  • Roof condition and structure must be assessed (age, load-bearing capacity, waterproofing).
  • May be limited by skylights, vents, or shading from nearby buildings.
  • Flat roofs may require ballasted systems to avoid roof penetration creating additional cost.

Ground-Mounted:

  • Requires groundwork and potentially planning permission, especially on greenfield sites.
  • Easier maintenance access but may need fencing and additional protection.

3. Planning & Permissions

  • Roof-mounted systems typically fall under permitted development for commercial buildings, meaning fewer planning delays.
  • Ground-mounted systems may require a formal planning application, depending on the size, location, and environmental impact.

Seed Renewables can guide you through this process and the necessary grid applications required to ensure compliance.

4. System Size & Energy Output

  • If your roof limits panel space, ground-mounted systems offer more design freedom to meet high energy demands.
  • For businesses with major energy usage (like manufacturing or industrial), combining both roof and ground arrays can provide maximum impact.

5. Budget & ROI

  • Roof-mounted systems generally have lower installation costs due to less groundwork.
  • Ground-mounted systems may cost more upfront but offer higher efficiency per panel due to better placement and cooling airflow.

Both can offer strong ROI — the key is matching the system size to your usage profile and taking advantage of any available tax relief or financing options.

Which One Is Right for You?

Factor

Roof-Mounted

Ground-Mounted

Roof Space Available

✅ Best Fit

❌ Not Needed

Unused Land Available

❌ Not Required

✅ Best Fit

Planning Complexity

✅ Minimal

⚠️ May Need Permission

Budget Conscious

✅ Lower Cost

⚠️ Slightly Higher

Maximise Scale

⚠️ Limited by Roof

✅ Easier to Expand

At Seed Renewables, we know that there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution for energy reduction, which is why we treat every project or customer on a case by case basis.

Every site is different — and so is every energy challenge. Our team will carry out a full site assessment, looking at your roof, land, energy bills, and future needs before recommending the best solution for your business.

Let’s Find the Right Fit for Your Site

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation — and we’ll help you unlock the full potential of renewable energy, whether it’s on the roof, on the ground, or a mix of both.

Ready to energise your business?

Get in touch for all your solar PV solutions that fit your site, usage and budget.

Contact Seed Renewables