A solar array is the complete collection of solar panels installed on your property that work together as a unified electricity-generating system. While a single solar panel produces a limited amount of power, connecting multiple panels into an array allows homeowners to generate enough electricity to meet most or all of their household energy needs.
A typical residential solar array consists of 15 to 25 panels arranged on a rooftop or ground-mounted racking system. The panels are connected in electrical configurations called "strings" — groups of panels wired in series to achieve the optimal voltage for the system's inverter. Some arrays use a single string, while larger systems may have multiple strings.
The layout and size of your solar array depend on several factors. Available roof space is the most obvious constraint — south-facing roofs with minimal shading provide the best conditions. Installers use specialized software to design array layouts that maximize energy production while accounting for roof vents, chimneys, setback requirements, and local building codes.
Ground-mounted arrays are an excellent alternative for homeowners with limited roof space or suboptimal roof orientation. These systems can be angled and oriented for maximum sun exposure and are often easier to maintain and clean.
Whether roof-mounted or ground-mounted, a well-designed solar array transforms your property into a personal power plant, generating clean electricity for decades while reducing your dependence on the utility grid and protecting you from rising energy costs.