cave creek ground mount solarEverything You Should Know Before Installing Backyard Solar Panels

Want to install residential solar panels but hate how they look on a roof? It’s not your only option! If you have enough space, you can install solar panels in your backyard and generate just as much, if not more, power than you would with rooftop solar panels. 

But backyard solar panels are not for everyone. You need adequate space to install them, for one thing, and they are usually more expensive than rooftop solar panels. 

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about backyard solar panels so you can decide whether they’re the right fit for your home. 

What Are Backyard Solar Panels? 

Backyard solar panels is just another way to say ground mounted solar panels. The term is usually used when the ground mounts are installed in the backyard of a residential home. These solar panels are installed on racking systems that are mounted on the ground, instead of on a roof. They give you more flexibility, since you aren’t restricted by the size and direction of your roof. 

Pros & Cons of Installing Backyard Solar Panels 

Pros of Backyard Solar Panels 

Installing solar panels in your backyard has many benefits, especially if you have a lot of open space and your roof is not suitable for solar panels. 

  • Generate More Electricity – Backyard solar systems can produce more power than a rooftop system, for a few reasons. First, you can usually install more panels since you aren’t limited by the size of your roof. We can also position your panels optimally to maximize sunlight access and increase output. With rooftop panels, you have fewer options. 
  • Bypass Roof Concerns – If your roof is small, has a complex design, faces north, is heavily shaded, or is otherwise unsuitable for solar panels, you can bypass the issue with a backyard solar panel system. 
  • Maintain Your Home’s Aesthetic – Modern solar panels are sleek and can blend right into your roof (especially if we install them—SouthFace Solar & Electric specializes in aesthetic solar installations). But you might just prefer your roof without them, and that’s okay. If you have enough space, backyard panels allow you to go solar without putting anything on your roof. We can even camouflage them with landscaping to keep them further out of sight. 

Cons of Backyard Solar Panels 

There are a lot of good reasons to install backyard solar panels, but they also have their downsides. 

  • Higher Installation Costs – Backyard solar panels are more expensive than rooftop systems. If you can meet your energy needs with rooftop solar panels, they’re likely the better option. 
  • Space Requirements – Backyard solar installations aren’t small. You need adequate space to install them, and you also have to be willing to sacrifice any previous uses of that space. 

Incentives for Backyard Solar Panel Installation

Nearly all residential solar panels are eligible for incentives, whether you install them on your roof or in your backyard. 

Federal Solar Tax Credit 

You’ll get 30% of your total costs back in the form of a federal tax credit when you install backyard solar panels for your home. The tax credit makes backyard solar panels significantly more attractive since it mitigates one of the biggest obstacles to installing them—cost. 

Sales & Property Tax Exemption 

In Arizona, residential solar panels are exempt from sales tax and they’re not included in property tax assessments, either. That means you’ll save at least 5.6% (more if you live in an area with additional sales tax) on solar panels and you won’t have to worry about them increasing your property taxes even though they will likely increase your home’s value. 

Do Backyard Solar Panels Make Sense for Your Home? 

So, are backyard solar panels right for your home? If your roof and yard are both viable options, it will ultimately come down to preference. But if you can’t get the power generating capacity you need from rooftop solar and you have enough space and budget, backyard panels are the best alternative. 

SouthFace Solar & Electric can help you decide. We install custom solar energy systems in Arizona and can map out your options so you can make an informed decision. We’re passionate about solar energy and are committed to finding a solution that works for you, whether that’s on the ground, on your roof, or even on a carport! 

Interested in backyard solar panels? Call 480-405-6105 or contact us for a free consultation and estimate. 

FAQS About Backyard Solar Panels 

Can you put solar panels in your backyard? 

Yes! You can install ground mounted solar panels in your backyard. 

Is it cheaper to install solar panels on the ground? 

No. Ground mounted solar panels are generally more expensive than rooftop solar panels. 

Is it possible to install DIY ground mounted solar panels in my backyard? 

It’s possible, but we don’t recommend it. A professional solar design and installation ensures the optimal generating capacity and payback period. Plus, installing solar panels involves a lot of electrical work and can be dangerous without an electrician.