Tesla Powerwall 3 Expansion is Now CEC-Approved & Available
Posted 17 Dec
Depending on where you are in Australia, you may be curious to know if a Rooftop or Ground Mount solar system is a better option for your property. Whether you’re a business or a homeowner, both systems have their respective benefits which provide pros and cons for a variety of properties.
We don’t need to talk about what rooftop solar systems are as they’re all around us, but ground mount solar systems are a little less common, at least in NSW where we are.
Ground mounted solar systems are typically solar arrays that are fitted on metal structures that are mounted by poles which are secured into the ground with concrete. These ground mounts can be adjusted in height, tilt, and rotation to best suit the environment and the sun’s direction for optimal exposure.
Similar to a common rooftop solar system, the solar panels are also secured with rails and brackets that hold the panels in place, however, the structure that it is attached to, is not the roof.
As mentioned before, both types of solar systems will have their time to shine in certain circumstances. Here are a few pros and cons
for both Rooftop Solar vs. Ground Mounted solar systems.
|
PROS |
CONS |
|
| Ground Mounted Solar |
|
|
| Rooftop Solar |
|
|
Considering the pros and cons of ground mount solar systems, there are realistic situations where ground mount systems just make more sense to install compared to solar on your roof.
If you own a remote property with limited or no access to grid electricity, you’re likely going to need an off-grid system. Not every rooftop will have enough room to fully produce the power you require.
By installing a ground mount system, you can power your home with an expandable system that can also be scaled to your energy requirements, allowing your property to have adequate solar production.
Imagine you maxed out your roof with solar panels, and you love your self-generation so much that you want more. How do you expand your system?
By adding a ground mounted solar system to your property, you can expand your system to what your consumption habits and
energy goals require. Think of it like a mini solar farm for your backyard.
Agrivoltaics is the combination of agriculture and photovoltaics. It’s the coexistence of solar and agricultural farming on the same land to maximise production and benefit each other.
By using ground mounted solar systems on paddocks or large open areas, it not only provides shade for cattle and other animals but can also generate renewable energy to power machines and other consuming devices that contribute to the farms operations. It also minimises water evaporation from the soil which reduces the need for water irrigation.
For example, we visited a chicken farm which uses a high amount of electricity for fans and other equipment for the uptake of the chicken’s wellbeing. This could be further offset with ground mount solar systems and can also add shading for free range chickens.
There are situations where homeowners can’t get solar for on their roof for a few reasons making ground mount the better option.
Your home’s roof structure may not be strong enough to support the weight of a solar system. Some older homes may have certain deterioration or damage that disallows such a heavy installation.
Your house may be surrounded by trees or other tall buildings which would cover the panels and greatly reduce your production. A ground mount could be a good way to get extended solar exposure.
If your roof faces are facing the wrong way, it may reduce your home’s generation potential. Depending on designs, it may make more financial sense to get a ground mount solar system installed.
With rooftop solar contributing to 11.3% to Australia’s entire electricity generation in the first half of 2024, it is definitely a popular way to start harnessing free energy from the sun.
Here are a few reasons why you should get a rooftop solar system instead of a ground mount system.
Not all solar installers provide ground mounted solar solutions in-house.
By looking into rooftop solar, you instantly gain access to a larger range of installers compared to if you were just looking for solar installers that also do ground mount. (There’s not many of us!)
Because your roof, is well, already there, adding a solar system doesn’t require much in addition to the system itself in terms of the installation. You’re just taking advantage of roof space that would otherwise just sit in the sun and do absolutely nothing.
Most suburban homes don’t have much room for a ground mount system in their backyard. Whilst it is accessible for some, the majority of homes will only need the amount of solar that their roof can fit, if not, less. If you want to add a ground mount system to your backyard, we definitely recommend getting the wife’s approval first!
Considering that both systems use panels and racking, ground mount solar is more expensive due to the additional mounting needed and the corresponding trenching and other works. This extended labour will cost more to install.
If you’re willing to spend that bit more, a ground mounted system will allow you to generate even more solar. They can both also be paired with diesel generators and battery storage.
Depending on your consumption, ground mount solar can definitely be worth it if you have the vacant space to accommodate it.
We have installed a number of ground mount systems, in which most of them were off-grid. Because these properties are completely disconnected from the grid, they need appropriate electricity generation which in this case is solar. By having a large solar system, they can produce more than enough electricity to store in their batteries for later use.
Not every house will have the roof space for a solar system, so having an option to put solar on its own structure is useful!
Overall, we recommend both systems to various homes and businesses who are wanting to find the optimal electricity generation possible. By investing in solar on either your roof or on the ground, you still offset your daily energy usage, and when compared with a battery, completely offset your overall energy consumption with complete renewables.
Explore why the delays in vehicle-to-grid and bidirectional chargers are happening, and how V2G faces regulatory and legislative development in Australia.
Over 56,000 solar batteries were sold in Q2, 2025, thanks to the Australian battery subsidy. Explore solar & battery uptake, growth trends, and what's next.
Discover how to choose the right solar battery size for your home. Compare 10kWh, 16kWh, and 20kWh options to maximise savings, and solar in NSW.
Explore what Virtual Power Plants (VPP) are, if joining is worth it, and how NSW solar battery owners can earn rewards, FiTs & rebates in Australia.
Explore what solar hotspots are, how they can affect your panel performance & efficiency, & how bypass diodes can affect your cells & strings in Australia.
Explore the process of installing rooftop solar and battery storage systems in a step-by-step guide of 9 easy steps on how solar is installed in Australia.
Just got or getting an electric vehicle? Find the best EV charger for your home for single & three phase properties, solar, plug types, and costs in Australia.
Is your roof suitable for solar in Newcastle? Learn how terracotta vs. tin roofs, tilt, orientation, condition, and shading can affect home solar generation.
Differences between power vs. energy and kW vs. kWh electricity with examples on how power refers to the rate and energy to the amount over time.
Explore upcoming & available bidirectional V2G-capable chargers in Australia from V2Grid, RedEarth, Sigenergy, Enphase, Tesla, and Fronius EV charging.
Compare the difference between Sungrow's SBH and SBR battery storage vs. BYD Battery-Box and find what battery is better for homes or businesses in NSW.
The NSW Government have announced that the NSW Battery Rebate (PDRS) will be suspended on June 30th, 2025, and will no longer be available.
Avoid the 9.7% NSW electricity bill increase with expert tips on reducing energy costs, optimising solar usage, and finding better energy plans in 2025.
Explore how you can use your EV battery via vehicle-to-load (V2L) as a backup energy source during blackouts to power your home appliances in Australia.
Explore Australia's Federal Government solar battery rebate subsidy like eligibility, approved batteries, requirements, and more about the upcoming incentive.
Partnering with Elite Power Group, Maitland City Council have invested in more electric vehicle chargers in the Maitland area, supporting the uptake of EVs.
Does installing solar & batteries affect home insurance? Explore how solar & energy storage changes home insurance premiums in Australia, NSW in 2025.
Should solar owners get a home battery (ESS) or wait for vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology to use electric vehicle battery power to be available in Australia?
Discover how you can save on your solar panel system installation through available rebates, incentives, financing in the Newcastle and Maitland region 2025.
Explore the differences between AC-coupled and DC-coupled solar battery storage systems with examples and comparisons for homes in Australia.
Explore if fleet or public electric vehicle charging is better for charging workplace and employee EVs for your business in Newcastle & the Hunter, NSW.
With homes, Australian standards, and energy networks being ready for bidirectional charging, why the wait? Let's explore grid, EV, & charger developments.
Discover the differences between Tesla Powerwall 3 and Sungrow SBH battery storage and which one is better suited for homes across Australia, NSW in 2025.
Explore the differences and if hot water solar or solar PV systems are better, along with heat pumps and electric water heaters for home savings in Australia.
Working closely with the Newcastle City Council, we helped the development of Gregson Park Playspace with electrical infrastructure, lighting, and facilities.
A very strong storm passed through the Hunter, leaving over 100,000 homes without power. Here's how you can protect your home's energy with independence.
As 2025 comes to light, homes and businesses in NSW have access to a range of rebates and subsidies that allow for discounted installations of solar and battery solutions.
Completing a commercial solar and electric vehicle charger installation, our Thornton neighbours can take full advantage of renewable electricity and charging.
Elite Power Group installed a 2MW commercial solar installation for National Ceramic Industries Australia, totaling 4000 solar panels in Rutherford.
Explore various ways where homes and businesses can reduce electricity bills and maximise solar generation in Newcastle and the Hunter, NSW for 2025.
Explore whether rooftop or ground mounted solar systems are better for homes, farms, and remote properties needing solar PV power in Australia.
The journey of bidirectional charging in Australia has hit a milestone with the recent approval of the new standard for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging for 2025.
Explore how daylight savings and seasonal changes during winter and summer can affect your solar panels performance and solar generation in NSW, Australia.
For cabins, homes, and sheds with limited or no access to grid energy, getting an off grid solar and battery storage system may be worth it in NSW in 2025.
Everyone has seen a solar installation a normal roof like tin or tiled roofs, but have you ever seen a solar installation a roof made of Brass? Well we did one...
With the release of the new Clean Energy Council (CEC) H1 2024 report on solar and battery storage, it gives an idea of the upward path of Australia’s renewable energy adoption.
Amber & ARENA have started trials for Vehicle-to-grid technology in NSW, Australia to help develop standards and framework in V2G and Bidirectional charging.
Explore the differences between Tesla Powerwall 2 vs. Tesla Powerwall 3 solar battery storage specs, pricing, and features in Australia for homes.
Explore solar battery fire risks, hazards, and statistics, and if solar batteries are safe to install for homes in NSW, Australia. (Spoiler alert.. they are!)
Investing in your solar system has many opportunities, but should you replace your panels, upgrade with more solar, or add battery storage to your home?
Though bidirectional charging isn't available, vehicle-to-grid is already turning heads in Australia with its potential to change energy consumption and distribution.
Explore how Australia's energy is evolving with t like Microgrids, DER's, Virtual Power Plants, & Demand Response, for solar and battery systems.
What are the differences between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) with real life examples on electrical flow, voltage, and power in Australia.
Discover how commercial solar battery storage can benefits businesses in NSW, with benefits like maximising solar, reducing operational costs, and more!
In the new 2024 CEC report, they found that renewable contribution in the overall supply of energy in Australia, produced 40% of Australia’s total electrical supply.
Renewable News Articles
Not only are we specialists in solar power, but we pride ourselves in being leading installers in battery
storage, as well as EV charging for homes and businesses. For solar and battery systems, we offer both on and off-grid solutions for a
range of applications.
Newcastle's leading solar installers, providing long-lasting residential and commercial rooftop solar systems.
Experts in both residential and commercial electric vehicle charging station installations from 7kW - 360kW+.
Specialists in off-grid solar and battery, helping properties never have to pay another electricity bill again.
With decades of electrical and industry experience, our fully-qualified & licensed electricians are here to help.
Maximise your solar generation with battery storage from reputable brands to accelerate return-on-investment.
Leave a Comment