A Guide to Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

When most people think of solar panels, they envision them installed on rooftops. However, ground-mounted solar panels are an equally effective option that many homeowners ignore. As the name hints at, ground-mounted solar panels are positioned on the ground rather than on a rooftop. This alternate solar installation method has its own set of advantages, as well as certain points to consider. This in-depth guide aims to explain all you need to know about ground-mounted solar panels. We’ll discuss what they are, the various types, their advantages and disadvantages, the installation process, and much more. 

What Are Ground-Mounted Solar Panels?

As the name implies, ground-mounted solar panels are solar panels that are put on the ground rather than on rooftops. These panels are installed on ground-anchored racking systems, giving them additional flexibility in terms of orientation and tilt angle. It’s similar to having an adjustable lawn chair that you can rotate and tilt to capture the greatest sun rays. Ground-mounted solar panels are a powerful challenger in the solar arena due to their versatility, which frequently translates into greater energy production.

Types of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

There are two types of ground-mounted solar panels:

The standard ground mount relies on a series of small anchors to support a table-like framework on which the solar panels sit. The type of anchor utilized (concrete piers, driven piers, helical piles, or concrete ballasts) will be determined by the characteristics of your property. These systems typically maintain the solar array in a fixed position, while some models allow for manual adjustment. As the simplest and most cost-effective ground-mounted option, standard ground mounts are often favored by many households.

Pole mount solar systems, on the other hand, utilize a large pole fixed into a substantial hole as the supportive structure for the solar panels. This arrangement provides higher clearance from the ground, a necessary feature in areas with significant ground barriers or dense vegetation. A distinct advantage of pole mounts is their compatibility with single-axis or dual-axis tracking systems. These tracking systems enable the solar panels to trail the sun’s movement, enhancing their energy production. However, the additional cost per watt associated with tracking systems means pole mounts may not always be the most cost-effective solution.

How Many Ground-Mounted Solar Panels Will I Need?

According to Energy Sage, a typical home generally requires around 17 to 21 solar panels to fulfill its electricity needs. However, this can fluctuate based on individual circumstances. Determining the number of ground-mounted solar panels needed for your home relies on various factors like annual electricity usage, panel wattage, and solar system’s expected efficiency. 

Factors Influencing the Number of Solar Panels Needed

When determining how many ground-mounted solar panels you require, consider several vital factors:

• Energy Consumption: Begin by assessing your household’s yearly energy usage. Your monthly power bills will often display your energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Multiply this by 12 to estimate your annual usage. If unknown, consider the average American household’s usage—10,632 kilowatt-hours. But remember, any changes in your lifestyle such as the purchase of an electric vehicle or the addition of a new family member could substantially alter your energy needs.
• Location and Sun Exposure: The geographical location of your home impacts the number of panels needed. Cities like Phoenix, which are sunny 85% of the year, require fewer panels compared to less sunny areas, like Pittsburgh that only experiences sunshine 45% of the year.
• Panel Size and Efficiency: Solar panels can differ in size and wattage ratings, influencing the overall size of the system. More efficient, smaller panels with higher watt ratings might be a better choice over larger, less efficient ones. For context, standard solar panels measure about 65 by 39 inches, nearly 17.5 square feet.
• Budget and Local Utility Policies: Budget considerations will naturally influence the scale of your solar project. Nonetheless, local utility policies, such as net metering—where you get credits for excess energy fed back into the grid—can affect your budgeting decisions.

Ground-Mount Solar Power System Requirements

Before installing a ground-mount solar power system, there are certain prerequisites to consider.

1. Adequate Space: A ground-mounted system requires substantial space not only for the panels and their hardware but also for trenching for the wiring. To ensure maximum sunlight exposure, it’s advisable to maintain at least a 50-foot distance between the panels and any nearby structures. Additionally, you need to consider local regulations regarding how close you can install to your property boundaries. Keeping an eye on neighboring structures or flora that could potentially obstruct sunlight is also essential.
2. Suitable Soil: The stability of your solar power system heavily depends on the soil type. It must provide a robust foundation, resist settling and alignment problems, withstand harsh weather, and keep the system above the groundwater level. Therefore, getting your soil assessed by a geologist or a similar expert is crucial. They can ascertain if the soil can bear the weight of the solar panel system and its base, and they can detect any large rocks that might interfere with drilling the foundations.
3. Financing Possibilities: Ground-mounted solar panels typically have higher upfront costs compared to rooftop panels, making financing a crucial consideration. While many homeowners choose to secure a solar loan via their bank or other financial institutions, some loan programs might be exclusive to rooftop solar installations. Therefore, it’s recommended to discuss your financial options with a local solar company or your bank to get a comprehensive understanding of your potential investment.

Advantages of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

• Greater Solar Energy Capture: Ground-mounted solar panels have the ability to capture more solar energy than rooftop panels, which is one of its most significant advantages. You are not confined to regions of your roof with southern exposure, as you are with rooftop panels, because you may position them wherever you choose. This flexibility in location allows you to maximize sun exposure in the same way that a sunflower turns to face the sun.
• Less Risk to Home Structure: Ground-mounted solar panels also keep any installation concerns off your roof. If solar panels are installed incorrectly on your roof, there is a risk of water damage. However, with ground-mounted panels, your roof remains intact, just as your living room would if you choose to barbeque outside rather than inside.
• Expandability: Ground-mounted solar panels allow for more expansion. You can add more panels over time if you have the space and no obstacles such as trees. Starting with a modest herb garden and gradually developing it into a full-fledged veggie patch is similar.
• Versatility: The adaptability of ground-mounted solar panels is one of its major advantages. Ground-mounted panels, as opposed to rooftop panels, which are limited by the size, angle, and orientation of your roof, can be placed anywhere on your land where there is enough sunshine. This enables more strategic placement to maximize sun exposure, similar to how you would arrange your sun lounger on the beach to capture the most rays.
• Maintenance is less difficult: Ground-mounted solar panels are often easier to maintain because they do not need climbing onto the roof. When your panels are within reach, inspecting components and performing repairs becomes much easier.

The Drawbacks of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

But life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as for everything, there are a few cons with these kind of solar panels.

• Space Prerequisites: For ground-mounted solar panels, space is an important factor. To power a full house, 17 to 21 panels are normally required, with a common arrangement taking up approximately 300 to 370 square feet. This may not be the best option if you have a small yard or if your property is highly shaded.
• Permitting: Permitting for solar installation can be difficult, with local municipalities or utility providers potentially delaying the process. The permitting process for ground installations is more complicated as they are treated as standalone construction projects. This involves dealing with foundations, structural designs, and other regulations, adding complexity and cost.
• Aesthetics: Ground-mounted solar panels may not be appealing to everyone. While some people may not mind the appearance of panels in their yard, others may find it unappealing.
• Higher Costs: Finally, due to additional needs such as concrete foundations, mounting gear, and permits, ground-mounted solar panels are usually more expensive than rooftop installations. Ground-mounted systems require the construction of a separate supportive framework. The necessity of this structure escalates labor requirements, thus increasing the cost of the installation process.

Are Ground-Mounted Solar Panels Right for Your House?

If your roof is unsuitable for solar panel installation due to its condition or shading, ground-mounted panels offer a valuable alternative. However, they do require substantial clear, unshaded land, making them ideal for homeowners with ample outdoor space. But having the necessary space and resources is not enough. You must also consider shade, soil type, and local building codes. If your yard is excessively shaded or the soil is unsuitable for installing a ground-mounted system, you should think twice. 

Ground-mounted systems are also beneficial if your high energy demands exceed what your limited roof space can accommodate with panels. However, bear in mind that these installations can be more costly than rooftop ones due to extra labor and materials involved. Lastly, personal aesthetics play a role. Some prefer the look and placement flexibility of ground-mounted panels, while others might find them visually intrusive. Considering your roof’s suitability, available land, energy needs, budget, and personal aesthetics will help determine if ground-mounted solar panels are right for your home. Consult a solar professional for personalized advice.

Choosing Between Ground-Mounted and Rooftop Solar Panels

The decision between ground-mounted and rooftop solar panels often depends on a variety of factors, including your property’s specifics and your personal preferences. Both types of installations offer unique advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered carefully before making a choice.

Ground-mounted solar panels present certain benefits. For instance, they are safer and easier to install, particularly for those interested in a DIY project, due to the absence of high-altitude rooftop work. Additionally, ground-level panels facilitate simpler maintenance and repair tasks because of their accessibility. Moreover, these panels are conveniently removable and relocatable if you decide to repurpose your yard area in the future.

In terms of aesthetics, if you’re not keen on the look of rooftop panels, a ground-mounted system can allow you to harness renewable energy without disrupting your home’s exterior appearance. Plus, ground-mounted panels can often generate more electricity due to their optimal positioning relative to sunlight conditions, thereby boosting your energy bill savings. For those with farms, the land beneath the ground-mounted panels can be used for low-light plants or as shaded areas for livestock.

However, ground-mounted solar panels tend to be more costly due to the need for a supporting structure, which rooftop systems do not require. Also, restrictions from local homeowner associations might pose a challenge to ground-mounted installations. Furthermore, securing permissions for ground installations can be more complex than for rooftop systems. Ground-mounted panels also occupy valuable yard space and are more exposed to potential damage from wildlife, vandalism, and other disturbances. Lastly, their exposure to sunlight can be obstructed over time by new constructions or tree growth, impacting their efficiency.

On the other hand, rooftop solar panels can be an attractive option for many homeowners. Their installation doesn’t require any additional yard space and is often less expensive as there’s no need for a supporting structure. Plus, many solar manufacturers, including Tesla, prioritize sleek designs that can blend seamlessly with your rooftop. Additionally, rooftop systems are generally less susceptible to shading from new constructions or growing trees.

It’s essential to carefully evaluate your property conditions if you’re considering ground-mounted panels. You’d need a sizable, unshaded area, considering that one solar panel covers about 18 square feet; a 20-panel system would demand approximately 360 square feet of sunlit space.

While rooftop installations are common, ground-mounted panels can sometimes yield better returns on investment, especially for large properties with extensive, shadow-free areas. Ground-mounted systems can maximize electricity production without needing additional panels, particularly when paired with a tracking system, making them an attractive solar solution for some homeowners. Nevertheless, each homeowner’s situation is unique, and it’s crucial to consider all aspects and perhaps consult with a solar professional to determine the best option for your needs.

The Installation of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

Installing ground-mounted solar panels is similar to constructing a playground structure. It necessitates careful preparation, a thorough grasp of the equipment, and some physical labor.

Site Assessment: The first step is to evaluate your property to find the ideal location for the panels. This includes taking into account things like sun exposure, ground conditions, and local legislation.

Design and Planning: After the location is chosen, the system design is completed. This includes deciding on the quantity and type of panels, the system configuration, and the type of mounting framework.

Location Preparation: The location is then readied for installation. Grading the site, erecting the mounting structure, and installing the electrical connections are all possible.

Panel Installation: The solar panels are then mounted to the mounting framework and linked to the electrical system.

System Testing and Commissioning: Finally, the system is tested to guarantee proper operation, and it is formally commissioned and ready to generate solar energy.

While you can install a ground-mounted solar system on your own, we recommend hiring a professional to install it. Here are some of the best solar panel installation companies in the US.

DIY Ground-Mounted Solar Systems

Considering a DIY approach for your solar panel installation can be an exciting endeavor. Ground-mounted solar panels, in particular, are often the preferred choice for such projects, primarily due to the safety and accessibility of their installation process.

Solar panels are hefty equipment, with each one usually weighing around 40 pounds. The weight quickly accumulates when you’re installing multiple panels, as is common in solar setups. In rooftop installations, this means having to maneuver these weighty panels high above the ground, a task that could pose significant risks without the right tools, proper training, and a supportive crew.

In contrast, installing panels at ground level presents fewer hazards. With no ladders to climb or rooftops to navigate, the risk of accidents significantly reduces. Ground-mounted installations offer homeowners a safer pathway to attempt a DIY solar project, making the task more accessible to the do-it-yourself community.

That said, when it comes to procuring the right equipment, you have two options. You can either purchase a specialized ground-mount solar kit or have a standard rooftop kit modified to suit ground installation by swapping out the mounting and racking gear.

However, despite being comparatively safer, a ground-mounted solar installation is not without challenges. This approach often requires working with concrete and possibly even an excavator to anchor the array, tasks that might be more daunting than conventional rooftop installations.

Therefore, while ground-mounted systems offer a more feasible project for DIY enthusiasts, the undertaking’s complexity should not be downplayed. It is still a significant project that requires careful planning, preparation, and a fair bit of hard work.

Wrapping Up

Embracing solar energy as a renewable power source is a step in the right direction for both the environment and your energy bills. While rooftop solar panels may be the more conventional choice, ground-mounted solar panels present an equally viable and often more flexible option, offering distinct advantages in terms of placement, maintenance, and solar energy capture. Your choice between a rooftop or ground-mounted solar system should be guided by your property’s characteristics, energy requirements, budget, and personal preferences. Understanding the prerequisites, benefits, and challenges of both types of installations is crucial to making an informed decision. The factors you should take into consideration include your location’s sun exposure, soil type, availability of space, local regulations, and aesthetic sensibilities, among others.

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