Can mobile homes have solar panels? The short answer is yes. People who live in manufactured housing absolutely can go solar. However, PV panel installation for mobile homes is not the same as for most site-built homes.
Rooftop solar panels aren’t usually an option for manufactured homes.
Unlike site-built homes, mobile homes aren’t structurally designed to handle a PV panel installation. This type of housing has smaller roof joists, which aren’t strong enough to safely hold the weight of the photovoltaic array. Plus, manufactured homes don’t have permanent concrete foundations for added integrity.
Additionally, local building codes may not allow the installation of rooftop solar power panels on a structure that isn’t permanently embedded in the ground.
So if you can’t install rooftop PV panels on your mobile home, how can you go solar?
You could choose another structure for your rooftop PV panel installation. An enclosed patio, garage or storage shed might have the structural integrity for a photovoltaic array.
If you don’t have another suitable building, you could adopt solar power using a ground-mounted PV installation. In most cases, a ground-mounted photovoltaic system is the smartest option for a manufactured home. And since it can be placed in the most advantageous position, you can expect maximum energy production.
Manufactured homes are often incredibly inefficient, wasting a great amount of energy. Make a few upgrades, and you can lower your energy consumption, a cost-effective strategy for anyone looking to adopt solar power.
According to a study from the U.S. Department of Energy, the most worthwhile mobile home efficiency measures include:
Many other upgrades, such as replacing old lightbulbs, adding energy-efficient window coverings and installing a smart thermostat, can also make a difference in your electricity consumption. With an online or professional home energy audit, you can easily discover additional strategies for boosting your solar efficiency.
Are you ready to start saving money with photovoltaic power? The professional contractors at Intermountain Wind & Solar, the region’s largest and most experienced PV panel installers, work with homeowners throughout Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado and Wyoming. Whether you live in a site-built home or a mobile home, we can help you find the most affordable and efficient way to adopt solar power. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
Yes. Mobile and manufactured home owners can adopt solar power, but rooftop installation is usually not recommended due to structural limitations. Most mobile homes do not have roof joists or foundations strong enough to support the weight of a solar array.
Manufactured homes typically have lighter roof framing and no permanent concrete foundation. These factors make rooftop solar unsafe or non-compliant with local building codes.
A ground-mounted solar system is usually the most efficient and reliable choice. It allows optimal placement for sunlight and avoids the structural issues of a mobile home roof.
Learn more about ground-mounted solar systems for homes.
Yes. If you have another building, such as a detached garage, enclosed patio, or sturdy shed, it may support a rooftop solar array if the structure passes inspection for load capacity and local code requirements.
Ground-mounted systems can cost slightly more due to posts, frames, and trenching, but they often produce more energy because they can be angled and positioned for maximum sunlight.
Adding solar to a mobile home depends on system size, roof or ground-mount setup, and battery storage needs.
Here’s a simple how-to:
Determine your energy needs. Look at your past 12 months of electricity usage in kWh.
Choose your system type. Ground-mounted systems are usually recommended for mobile homes.
Get quotes from installers. Include options for panels, inverters, and backup batteries.
Calculate incentives. Check federal and state solar tax credits, rebates, and utility programs.
Estimate total cost vs. savings. Most mobile home solar systems cost less than $25,000 before incentives and can pay for themselves in 5-10 years depending on energy use.
Tip: Use a free consultation from a regional installer like Intermountain Wind & Solar to get exact pricing and feasibility for your specific property.
Improving energy efficiency reduces the size and cost of your solar system. Effective upgrades include:
Sealing furnace ducts and air leaks
Adding insulation under the home
Improving attic insulation
Installing interior storm windows
Scheduling furnace tune-ups
Switching to efficient lighting, window coverings, and smart thermostats
Yes. Local building codes often restrict rooftop solar on structures without permanent foundations. Ground-mounted systems or solar on secondary buildings generally pass permitting more easily.
Yes. You can add a home backup battery (such as a Tesla Powerwall or similar system) to a mobile home, but it typically cannot be mounted on the mobile home structure. Backup batteries are usually installed on a garage wall, shed, or ground-mounted pedestal because mobile home walls may not meet manufacturer anchoring requirements. As long as the battery is installed on a code-approved structure and paired with a ground-mount or alternate-structure solar system, mobile home owners can use battery storage for backup power and energy savings.
Intermountain Wind & Solar specializes in both ground-mount and alternative-structure solar installations throughout the region and can help mobile home owners choose the safest and most affordable setup.
"All of the photos on this website are of real projects that Intermountain Wind & Solar has designed and installed.
We are proud to show off and stand behind our work."
