Will Rooftop Installations Overtake Ground-Mounted Systems in the Future Solar Market?

Introduction

As the world races toward carbon neutrality, the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to anchor global renewable energy transformation. According to Credence Research, the Fixed Solar PV Mounting Systems Market, valued at USD 32 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 44.1 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period. At the core of this growth lies a strategic question: will rooftop solar installations surpass ground-mounted systems in shaping the future of solar energy?

Fixed solar mounting systems  both rooftop and ground-mounted provide the essential framework that supports PV modules, ensuring optimal orientation, stability, and energy capture. As global governments, corporations, and households embrace decarbonization, both systems play a pivotal role in achieving renewable energy targets. However, shifts in urbanization, technological advancement, and energy policy are gradually redefining market dominance.

This article explores in depth the competitive dynamics between rooftop and ground-mounted fixed solar systems, examining market drivers, technological advancements, regional adoption patterns, and the evolving role of key industry players such as Aerocompact, Arctech, Schletter Group, and UNIRAC.

Source: Fixed Solar PV Mounting Systems Market Size, Share and Forecast 2032

1.      The Evolution of Fixed Solar PV Mounting Systems

Figure 2: A two-part infographic titled "The Evolution of Fixed Solar PV Mounting Systems." The top section, "1.1 Understanding Fixed Solar Mounting Systems," displays two images: a utility-scale ground-mounted solar farm in a desert and rooftop solar panels on a modern building. The bottom section, "1.2 From Utility Dominance to Distributed Solar Generation," illustrates a large ground-mounted solar array transitioning into smaller rooftop installations, with text highlighting "Falling Costs, Improved Technology, Net Metering" as drivers for distributed solar.

1.1 Understanding Fixed Solar Mounting Systems

Fixed solar PV mounting systems are structural frameworks designed to secure solar panels in a fixed position typically at a set tilt and orientation. Unlike solar tracking systems, which adjust panel angles to follow the sun’s path, fixed systems remain stationary. Their simplicity, reliability, and cost-efficiency make them highly attractive for both utility-scale and rooftop installations.

These systems are generally classified into:

• Ground-mounted systems – Installed on open land areas, ideal for large-scale solar farms.
• Rooftop systems – Installed on commercial, industrial, or residential buildings, optimizing unused roof space.

1.2 From Utility Dominance to Distributed Solar Generation

Historically, ground-mounted solar farms dominated installations due to economies of scale and higher energy yield per project. However, as urban populations grow and rooftops become valuable renewable assets, distributed solar generation has emerged as a major driver of energy decentralization.

The rapid drop in solar module costs, improved mounting technologies, and the rise of net metering have made rooftop solar economically viable for households and businesses, creating competition with traditional ground-mounted setups.

2. Market Overview: Global Growth Outlook

2.1 Market Valuation and Forecast

The Fixed Solar PV Mounting Systems Market has expanded from USD 32 billion in 2024 to a projected USD 44.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.1%. This steady rise reflects accelerating renewable energy adoption, supportive policy frameworks, and innovation in mounting technologies that enhance installation flexibility and durability.

2.2 Key Market Drivers

1. Global Renewable Energy Targets – Nations are aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming, driving massive solar expansion.
2. Government Incentives and Subsidies – Tax rebates, feed-in tariffs, and renewable purchase obligations promote installation of both rooftop and ground-mounted systems.
3. Falling Module and Balance-of-System Costs – Reduced manufacturing and installation costs make solar energy accessible for both large-scale and distributed users.
4. Technological Advancements – Innovations in lightweight materials, corrosion resistance, and modular pre-assembled designs simplify installation and reduce maintenance.

3. Ground-Mounted Systems: The Traditional Backbone

3.1 The Scale Advantage

Ground-mounted PV systems have long dominated the solar landscape, particularly for utility-scale power generation. Their advantages include:

• High energy yield due to optimal tilt and orientation flexibility.
• Easier scalability for multi-megawatt projects.
• Simplified maintenance and cleaning access.

Countries like the U.S., China, and India have invested heavily in vast ground-mounted solar farms to meet national renewable energy targets. For instance, India’s Bhadla Solar Park — one of the world’s largest — exemplifies how ground-mounted systems anchor utility-scale generation.

3.2 Cost Efficiency and Land Utilization

Fixed ground systems offer lower per-watt installation costs, making them favorable for investors. However, they require significant land, often in rural or desert regions, which can present challenges related to land acquisition, environmental impact, and transmission distance.

3.3 Material and Design Advancements

Manufacturers are developing steel and aluminum-based mounting structures that ensure corrosion resistance and longevity under extreme weather conditions. Innovations such as pre-galvanized steel frames and modular foundations allow faster deployment and longer life cycles, supporting cost-effective expansion.

4. Rooftop Systems: The Rising Contender

4.1 Distributed Solar Revolution

Rooftop PV systems have transitioned from niche residential applications to mainstream adoption across commercial, industrial, and urban infrastructures. They enable localized energy generation, reducing dependency on centralized grids and lowering transmission losses.

4.2 Economic and Environmental Benefits

• Optimal space utilization: Rooftops convert idle urban surfaces into productive energy assets.
• Reduced transmission loss: On-site generation ensures efficient energy use.
• Carbon footprint reduction: Supports corporate and residential sustainability goals.
• Energy independence: Particularly valuable for industries seeking to cut operational costs.

With declining solar costs and increasing electricity tariffs, rooftop PV has become an attractive long-term investment, offering payback periods of 4–6 years in several countries.

4.3 Supportive Policies and Incentives

Government-driven initiatives such as net metering, rooftop solar subsidies, and feed-in tariffs are accelerating adoption:

• India’s Rooftop Solar Program Phase II targets 40 GW of rooftop installations.
• Germany’s EEG Act supports decentralized solar with favorable grid connection incentives.
• U.S. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides up to 30% deductions on solar investments.

5. Comparing Rooftop and Ground-Mounted Systems

While ground-mounted systems remain dominant in capacity, rooftop systems are gaining momentum due to urbanization, decentralization, and supportive regulation.

6. Material Innovation: Strengthening Both Segments

6.1 Aluminum and Steel Lead the Market

• Steel: Favored for strength and cost-effectiveness in ground-mounted systems.
• Aluminum: Preferred in rooftop systems for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant nature.

6.2 Emerging Alternatives

Concrete and polymer-based materials are being explored for specific climates and small-scale applications. Companies like Aerocompact and Schletter Group are innovating with hybrid materials that balance strength with flexibility.

6.3 Corrosion Resistance and Modularity

Advanced anodized coatings, galvanization techniques, and pre-assembled modular designs reduce installation time and enhance system life. These features are critical for both large-scale farms and urban rooftops exposed to variable weather.

7. Regional Market Dynamics

Figure 3: Infographic detailing "Regional Market Dynamics" for solar power, divided into four sections: North America (utility-driven leadership), Europe (climate goals fueling rooftop growth), Asia-Pacific (fastest-growing market with China and India), and Lati n America & Middle East & Africa (steady growth). A central arrow indicates "Solar Market Growth."

7.1 North America: Utility-Driven Leadership

North America dominates the fixed solar PV mounting market due to:

• Widespread utility-scale adoption supported by federal and state tax credits.
• Strong participation from players such as UNIRAC and Aerocompact.
• Robust infrastructure for both rooftop and ground installations.

Rooftop installations are gaining traction in the U.S. and Canada, particularly in commercial and industrial sectors looking to achieve sustainability goals and energy cost control.

7.2 Europe: Climate Goals Fuel Rooftop Growth

Europe’s market expansion is fueled by stringent climate policies and renewable energy targets.
Countries like Germany, Spain, and France are pioneers in rooftop installations under initiatives like:

• Germany’s Solar Roofs Program
• France’s Energy Transition Law
• Spain’s revised self-consumption regulations

The continent’s dense urbanization favors rooftop adoption over land-intensive ground systems.

7.3 Asia-Pacific: The Fastest-Growing Market

Asia-Pacific shows explosive growth driven by:

• Massive solar programs in China and India.
• Expanding electrification in Southeast Asia.
• Rapid industrialization and urban rooftop adoption.

China leads in both utility and rooftop segments, while India’s Smart Cities Mission integrates solar rooftops into new urban infrastructure. Japan’s space-constrained environment also favors rooftop dominance.

7.4 Latin America and Middle East & Africa

These regions are experiencing steady growth through rural electrification and utility-scale investments:

• Brazil and Chile invest heavily in hybrid ground-mounted farms.
• UAE and Saudi Arabia pursue solar diversification under Vision 2030 initiatives.
  Rooftop systems are also gaining appeal for commercial buildings and off-grid applications in Africa.

8. Key Market Players and Competitive Landscape

8.1 Leading Companies

• Aerocompact – Specializes in lightweight and modular mounting systems suitable for both rooftop and ground installations.
• Arctech – Offers corrosion-resistant, pre-assembled mounting structures optimized for large-scale solar projects.
• Schletter Group – Focuses on high-durability aluminum frameworks for rooftop applications.
• UNIRAC – A North American leader known for innovative rooftop racking systems and integrated design software.

8.2 Strategic Approaches

• Product diversification: Balancing portfolios between rooftop and ground systems.
• R&D investment: Development of high-tensile, corrosion-resistant materials.
• Geographic expansion: Targeting Asia-Pacific and Latin America for growth opportunities.
• Partnerships: Collaborations with EPC contractors and local governments for project execution.

8.3 Competitive Differentiation

The competition increasingly revolves around:

• Ease of installation
• System lifespan
• Load-bearing capacity
• Sustainability of materials

As rooftop demand rises, companies are innovating to create pre-engineered, lightweight, and low-maintenance systems compatible with various roof types and inclinations.

9. Market Challenges

Despite positive momentum, both segments face notable challenges:

1. Land and Space Constraints:

• Ground-mounted systems face land acquisition barriers, especially in densely populated areas.
• Rooftop systems depend on roof structural integrity and orientation.

• High wind loads, snow, and corrosion impact long-term performance.

• Varying building codes and permit requirements can slow rooftop adoption.

• High initial investment and limited financing options can hinder small-scale projects.

• Trackers offer higher energy yields, posing challenges for fixed mounting systems in certain climates.

10. Future Outlook: Will Rooftop Installations Overtake Ground-Mounted Systems?

10.1 The Urban Energy Shift

As cities expand and demand for decentralized energy grows, rooftop systems are positioned for rapid acceleration. With urbanization projected to rise to 68% of the global population by 2050, rooftops will become a primary solar asset for power generation.

10.2 Technological Enablers

• Lightweight materials and modular installation kits are reducing barriers for urban solar adoption.
• AI-driven energy management systems optimize rooftop energy storage and grid interaction.
• Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) represent the next evolution, embedding solar directly into construction materials.

10.3 Policy Momentum

Governments are increasingly prioritizing distributed renewable systems over large-scale centralized models. Rooftop incentives, net metering, and sustainability certifications will likely accelerate the shift.

10.4 Ground Systems Still Critical

However, ground-mounted systems will continue to dominate utility-scale and rural electrification projects, especially in regions with abundant land and sunlight. Thus, the future solar market is expected to maintain a balanced coexistence:

• Rooftop systems dominate urban and commercial applications.
• Ground-mounted systems lead utility-scale deployment.

10.5 The Hybrid Future

The next decade may see hybrid solar models combining rooftop, floating, and ground-mounted systems  to ensure grid stability, scalability, and 24/7 renewable energy supply.

Conclusion

The competition between rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV systems is reshaping the global renewable energy landscape. While ground-mounted systems remain essential for large-scale power generation, rooftop installations are rapidly gaining ground, fueled by urbanization, cost declines, and decentralized energy trends.

The Fixed Solar PV Mounting Systems Market, projected to reach USD 44.1 billion by 2032, reflects a future where both systems coexist  each addressing distinct geographic, economic, and energy needs. As material innovations advance and sustainability goals tighten, rooftop solar is expected to claim a growing share of global capacity, particularly across cities and commercial hubs.

The question, therefore, is not whether rooftop systems will replace ground-mounted ones entirely, but how effectively the two will integrate to power the world’s clean energy transition.

Source: Fixed Solar PV Mounting Systems Market Size, Share and Forecast 2032