Ground vs Roof Solar

Is ground-mounted solar better than roof?

Ground-mounted vs roof-mounted solar comparison: ROOF-MOUNTED: Cost: £5,500-£9,000 (4kW). Planning: permitted development (most homes). Tilt: fixed at roof pitch (typically 30-45°). Output: 3,500-4,200 kWh/yr. Aesthetics: visible but normal. Maintenance: harder to access. GROUND-MOUNTED: Cost: £7,000-£12,000 (4kW, 20-30% more). Planning: needs planning if >9m², not forward of principal elevation. Tilt: adjustable (optimal 30-35°). Output: 3,700-4,400 kWh/yr (5-10% more due to perfect orientation). Aesthetics: visible in garden. Maintenance: easy access. SPACE: Ground 4kW needs 25-35m² of garden. BEST FOR GROUND: properties with unsuitable roofs (flat, north-facing, asbestos, listed), farms, large gardens. BEST FOR ROOF: most homes — uses otherwise wasted space. Sources: MCS, planning regulations (GPDO Part 14), PVGIS.