Most solar panels in Nigeria sit on roofs. But some compounds have open land. Which is better?
Side by side
| Roof mount | Ground mount | |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Uses the roof | Needs open land |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (frame, concrete) |
| Theft risk | Lower | Higher |
| Cleaning | Harder | Easy |
| Best angle | Limited by roof | Free to choose |
| Floods | Safe | Must be raised |
| Roof leaks | Risk if badly done | None |
Choose the roof if…
- Your roof gets sun most of the day.
- The roof is strong.
- You want lower cost and less theft risk.
Read aluminium vs zinc roofs for solar.
Choose the ground if…
- Your roof is shaded by trees or tall buildings.
- Your roof is old or weak, like some older houses in Sapele or Old GRA.
- You have secure open land, like many schools, churches and farms.
Ground-mount must-haves
- Strong galvanised or aluminium frame
- Concrete footings
- Fence and anti-theft bolts. See panel theft prevention.
- In flood areas, panels high above the water line
