Ground-mount vs Rooftop Solar Panels: Which is For You?

One of the most important considerations that some businesses are faced with when considering solar is whether to have the system installed on the ground or on the roof. Knowing which option best suits your setup may make all the difference in terms of maximising savings, cutting expenses, and future-proofing your operations. Each choice has advantages and disadvantages.

We have assisted companies just like yours in engineering the ideal solar solution, whether they are operating a busy warehouse, overseeing a commercial property, or cultivating land in remote Australia. With our expertise, we'll help you make decisions so your system suits your budget and long-term objectives.

Why Placement Matters for Your Solar Investment

Where you place your solar array is more than just a technical detail, it determines how much energy your system will generate and can consequently make or break the value of your investment. In Australia, north-facing panels angled close to your latitude capture the most sunlight year-round (Solar Calculator, 2025). Proper placement also considers factors like shading from nearby trees or buildings, roof pitch, and available land, all of which can influence performance and long-term savings. For businesses, this means bigger savings on electricity bills and a stronger sustainability profile. 

At Smart Commercial Solar, we know every property is different. A rooftop system makes smart use of space you already have and keeps your day-to-day operations running smoothly, while ground-mounted systems give you more flexibility if you have the land, allowing for easy access, cheaper cleaning, simpler future expansion and tailored solutions to meet your energy goals. 

Rooftop Solar Panels: Fast, Cost-Effective & Space-Saving 

Installing solar arrays on rooftops is our go-to solution for most commercial clients in urban and suburban settings. Solar arrays are fixed securely to your existing roof structure, utilising specialised racking systems designed to maximise durability and energy output.

Why Rooftop Solar Works for Businesses: 

• Lower upfront costs compared to ground-mounted options
• Quicker installation means less disruption to your daily operations
• No use of valuable land or yard space
• Shorter electrical cabling runs reduce energy loss
• Ideal for properties with suitable roof orientation and minimal shading
  
  
  

Ground-Mounted Solar: Flexible and Scalable Solutions

For businesses with large properties or challenging roof configurations, ground-mounted solar systems offer a powerful alternative. Mounted on frames anchored in the ground, these systems can be optimised for ideal tilt and orientation, resulting in potentially higher energy generation.

• Optimal positioning for maximum sunlight capture
• Easy access for maintenance and future expansion
• Great for rural businesses, farms, or industrial sites with ample land

However, Ground-mounted systems include steps like site preparation, foundations, and extra electrical work. They can also involve council approvals and careful landscaping to make sure the installation blends seamlessly with the property

Real Success: Smart Commercial Solar Case Studies

Agright's Meriki Poultry Farm - Ground-Mounted Excellence
Near Griffith in New South Wales, Agright’s Meriki poultry farm is leading the way with Australia’s largest off-grid poultry solar system. With almost 4 MW of ground-mounted panels paired with a 4.4 MWh battery, this powerhouse setup keeps 40 barns, staff homes, and other facilities running on 92% self-generated energy (completely diesel-free). It’s a standout example of how ground-mounted solar can drive large-scale agricultural sustainability and real energy independence.

IKEA Marsden Park Distribution Centre - Rooftop Powerhouse
In Western Sydney, IKEA’s Marsden Park Distribution Centre features a 951 kW rooftop solar system paired with a 1.1 MWh battery. Supplying 70% of the facility’s energy needs, the system saves around $265,000 annually and cuts 35 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. It powers warehouse operations and electric delivery vehicles, setting a strong example for industrial rooftop solar.

What Costs Should You Expect? 

In 2025, installing a rooftop solar system in New South Wales typically costs around $1.00 per watt (Solar Calculator, 2025). Ground-mounted systems can be 20–30% more expensive due to extra site preparation, foundations, and trenching. Actual costs vary depending on system size, panel quality, inverter type, and installation complexity. Both rooftop and ground-mounted options use the latest panel efficiency, inverters, and monitoring technology, while rooftop systems often benefit from lower maintenance costs thanks to reduced exposure to potential damage.

Which Solar Panel Installation is Best for your Business?  

The size of your company, your energy objectives, and the site's characteristics will all influence your decision between rooftop and ground-mounted solar. In order to provide the optimum match, Smart Commercial Solar provides both alternatives and does comprehensive evaluations that take into account factors like load capacity, shading, and roof orientation.

 By maximising efficiency and savings via the use of cutting-edge technology, both systems assist Australian companies in lowering energy expenses, carbon emissions, and achieving customised, sustainable solar solutions.