Solar panels are most commonly found on residential rooftops, but they are also installed in 6 other common settings: commercial buildings, ground-mounted systems, parking canopies, solar farms, building facades and community solar projects. The best location has strong sunlight, limited shade, adequate structural support and a practical connection to the electrical system.
Common Places Where Solar Panels Are Installed
| Location | Common use | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| House rooftops | Residential electricity generation | A sound roof with adequate sunlight |
| Commercial rooftops | Power for offices, warehouses and stores | Large usable roof area |
| Ground-mounted systems | Homes, farms and businesses with available land | Open, unshaded ground |
| Solar carports | Parking areas and vehicle charging | A suitable parking structure |
| Solar farms | Utility-scale electricity generation | Large areas connected to the grid |
| Building walls and facades | Architectural solar installations | Suitable design and solar exposure |
| Community solar arrays | Shared access for renters and properties that cannot host panels | A local subscription program |
Solar Panels on Residential Rooftops
For most homeowners, the main roof is the first place to consider. Rooftop panels are attached to sloped or flat roofs with a racking system.
A roof may not be suitable if it is:
- Heavily shaded by trees or nearby buildings
- Structurally damaged or near the end of its useful life
- Too small for the required number of panels
- Poorly oriented for the available sunlight
- Difficult to connect to the home's electrical system
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends checking the roof's age, shade, sunlight exposure and usable space before installing solar panels. A local installer can use satellite imagery and site measurements to estimate the roof's solar potential.
Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
Ground-mounted solar panels are installed on metal frames or poles in a yard, field or commercial property. They are useful when a roof is shaded, too small, structurally unsuitable or facing an unfavorable direction.
Ground-mounted systems give installers more control over the panel angle and position because the array does not have to follow the building's roof. Larger systems may also use tracking equipment that follows the sun during the day.
A ground-mounted system usually needs:
- Enough open land
- Minimal shading
- Stable soil or an approved foundation
- Underground wiring to the building or grid connection
- Local planning approval or permits
Solar Panels on Parking Lots and Carports
Solar carports and parking canopies place panels above parking spaces. They produce electricity while providing shade and weather protection for vehicles.
These systems are commonly used at:
- Commercial parking lots
- Apartment complexes
- Schools and universities
- Office campuses
- Electric vehicle charging stations
The U.S. Department of Energy lists carports, building facades, roofs and ground-mounted systems as established locations for photovoltaic installations.
Solar Panels on Commercial and Industrial Buildings
Warehouses, factories, shopping centers and office buildings often have enough roof space for large solar arrays. Commercial rooftop systems can help reduce the amount of electricity a building buys from the grid.
Other possible locations include:
- Agricultural buildings
- Distribution centers
- Retail stores
- Public buildings
- Manufacturing facilities
- Schools and hospitals
Flat commercial roofs typically use racking that tilts the panels toward the sun. The panels do not need to follow the roof's angle.
Solar Farms and Utility-Scale Projects
Solar farms contain large numbers of ground-mounted panels connected to the electricity grid. Developers may build them on open land, former industrial sites, brownfields, closed landfills and other properties that can support large arrays.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies landfills and brownfield sites as potential locations for solar development. These sites may offer open space near roads, transmission infrastructure and energy demand.
A utility-scale solar project supplies electricity to utilities, businesses or multiple customers. A home solar system usually serves one building.
Community Solar Panels
Community solar panels are installed at an off-site array rather than on the subscriber's property. Customers subscribe to part of the project's electricity production and usually receive a credit on their utility bill.
Community solar may suit:
- Renters
- People living in apartments
- Homeowners with shaded roofs
- Properties with unsuitable roofs
- Customers who do not want to install or maintain a private system
The array may be several miles from the subscriber's home. The financial credit is applied through the local electricity provider. Availability depends on the utility, state and local program rules.
Where Can You Buy Solar Panels?
You can buy solar panels from local installers, solar equipment distributors, home improvement stores, online retailers, community solar providers and utilities.
- Local solar installers: Suitable for a complete grid-connected home or business system, including design, permits, installation and inspections.
- Solar equipment distributors: Commonly used by contractors and experienced DIY buyers.
- Home improvement stores and online retailers: More suitable for portable panels, small off-grid systems and replacement equipment.
- Community solar providers and utilities: Useful when you want solar benefits without installing panels on your property.
For a grid-connected system, panels are only one part of the installation. You may also need inverters, racking, wiring, safety equipment, utility approval and local permits. The Department of Energy recommends using a qualified professional for residential solar installation.
Which Location Is Best?
The best location depends on the property, available sunlight, structural condition, land and access to the electrical system.
- Choose a roof if it is structurally sound, receives strong sunlight and has enough usable space.
- Choose a ground mount if the roof is shaded, unsuitable or too small and you have open land.
- Choose a carport if you have a suitable parking area and want electricity generation plus shade.
- Choose community solar if you rent, live in an apartment or cannot install panels at your property.
- Choose a solar farm or shared array when the system is intended to supply electricity to many customers.
For most homeowners, a roof assessment is the best starting point. If the roof cannot support an efficient system, a ground-mounted array or community solar subscription may be more suitable.