Ground Mounted Solar Panels

A solar panel system is a long-term investment that needs important calculations like the costs you will incur in installation and the return you will receive. The decision on installing solar panels on the ground or on the rooftop is completely dependent on the suitability of the area.

Ground-mounted solar panels are one way of installing solar energy for your property. There are several factors that decide if the project is right for you or not.

Key Takeaways

• Ground-mounted solar panels are installed at ground level and require sufficient open space with good sunlight for efficient energy production.
• Ground-mounted panels offer more efficiency and safety due to isolation from the house, expandability, and the ability to use dual-axis tracking systems for maximum energy capture.
• While they can be more costly to install than rooftop panels, ground-mounted systems often provide higher energy output due to solar tracking systems. They can be suitable for properties with limited rooftop space or unsupportive rooftops.

What are Ground-Mounted Solar Panels?

Ground-mounted solar panels are one way of energy production that are installed at the ground level. These are easy to install, cost-effective, and efficient. You need sufficient open space with good sunlight to harness more energy production.

These solar panels can be ground-mounted anywhere from a few inches or feet from the ground. It depends on how the tracking system is set up for the panels to get sunlight and power the inverter. These panels are also called backyard solar panels or free-standing solar panels.

How Do Ground-Mounted Solar Panels Work?

A ground-mounted solar panel uses the same kind of solar panels as the rooftop systems. The difference can be seen in the way it is installed. While installing rooftop solar panels, the racking system is created for an existing structure. For a ground-mounted solar panel system, the support mount needs to be construed as well.

Ground-mounted solar panels need more wiring and electrical connection to avoid any kind of shadow falling on it. 60-cell solar panels are used for homes, and using 72-cell panels is selected for solar farms.

By adjusting the tilt and angle of the ground-mount solar panels capturing sunlight is maximised.

You can increase energy production through tracking systems that allow the panel to face the sun throughout the day. These features are not available for rooftop solar panels as the tilt is limited with the roof’s fixed angle.

Why Installing a Ground Mount Solar System a Good Idea?

Rooftop panels are the most commonly installed solar systems, but there are multiple reasons why a ground-mounted solar array can be the best option for your home. The cost of solar panels for both kinds is the same when it comes to the price per watt.

Installing a ground-mounted system is best when you have a property that isn’t suitable for installing a rooftop solar array due to less space or non-supportive rooftops. It is the most cost-effective to install solar panels in situations when you need more electricity.

Types of Ground-Mounted Solar Systems

There are two kinds of ground-mounted systems that can be used if you are in need of using more electricity.

Standard ground mount systems

Traditional or standard ground mounts make use of ground anchors which hold the racking table that give support to the solar panels on the rails. The placement of the anchor depends on the ground condition. Usually, concrete piers are chosen, but helical piles, driven piers, and concrete ballasts make good alternatives too.
The standard ground mount system holds the solar array in a fixed place with minimal manual adjustments. It is gaining popularity for being the most cost-efficient solution for using renewable energy.

Pole mounts

For installing a pole mount solar system, one big hole is dug into the ground instead of digging several small holes as with the standard ground mount. After digging the hole, a large pole is placed on the ground, which you can connect with rails and mount solar panels.

The pole mount system offers you great clearance from the ground. It is useful for avoiding foliage or other ground obstacles. Another benefit of pole mounts is that they can easily accommodate single-axis or dual-axis tracking systems, which enables the panels to follow the sun through the day and produce more energy.

Benefits of Ground-Mounted Solar System

After your space requirement is determined, you can start your process of installing the type of solar system suitable for you. Here are a few benefits of ground-mounted solar panels if you decide to install them.

Spacious rooftop

If your roof is not having enough structural capability to support solar panels, ground-mounted panels are the best option. You need to contact a professional inspector who can decide the suitability.

Rooftop solar panels need replacement after every 10 to 15 years of use. If you need to let your roof have free space without having any system put, then it is better to go for ground-mounted solar panels. Your rooftop system would be more complicated if you had a small space.

More Efficiency

Roof-mounted panels can generate electricity but can have obstacles like trees, chimneys, or other structures that can restrict direct sunlight. Ground-mounted solar panels are easier than rooftop installations and come with a solar tracking system for more potential efficiency. It can have around 10 % to 45 % more efficiency than the rooftop solar system.
The taller poles of ground-mounted panels are suited for bifacial panels that have solar cells on their back to capture the light which is reflected off the ground or hard surface.

Safe

Faulty wiring can result in the risk of fire. By using solar power from a ground-mounted system, the risk is reduced as it’s isolated from your house instead of the rooftop. Instead of being bonded to your home, these panels have independent electrical holds for safe use.

Easily Expandable

You can be in need of extra energy for which expansion of the solar system is needed. This expansion could be for the use of a heat pump or electric vehicle. For such needs, a system of a ground-mounted array of great help. It’s easier to expand, unlike rooftop panels which don’t necessarily have extra space.

Dual-axis system

The pole-mounted systems come with panels that can extract sunlight from both sides and can be tracked through dual-axis systems. This way, you can store the maximum of solar energy. The sun’s position doesn’t have to be always taken into consideration with a dual-sided panel in-ground mounting.

DIY installation

Certain DIY installation kits are available in the market that is easy and safe for use. You can install it on a single pole for basic energy use. You should remember to obtain requirement permits, follow the local rules and take help from a professional electrician in case you are new or unaware of the ways to install solar panels.

Is Ground-Mounted Solar Cheaper to Install?

Even though ground-mounted solar panels are safer to install due to no work on the roof, the cost of the project can be higher. A few of the reasons are:

• A structure has to build to support the PV panels in a ground-mounted solar panel. A rooftop solar system already is supported by the roof itself.
• Constructing this support structure requires some labour for its instalments.
• The permitting process is complex for the pole-mounted systems as it involves a structural and foundation design which is treated as independent construction
• Even though installing these ground-mounted systems seem costlier, they are more productive as they come with solar tracking systems, which can help in achieving a higher energy output

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

You must have a lot of questions before installing a ground or pole-mounted system. Some of the most frequently asked questions are answered below to help you understand your choice better.

Is it safe to install solar panels on the ground?

Installing solar panels on the ground depends on the open land and space, which has proper conditions. It includes having enough ground space and approval from neighbours. It’s a safe way to use solar energy as the connection is far from home.

Are there single-axis systems for tracking solar panels?

There are two kinds of tracking systems available, and you can choose either of them for your solar panels. The choice depends on the use, energy requirement, and tracking needs. A tilted PV panel mount is used in a single-axis tracking system to get the appropriate trajectory for sunlight.

Are there financing options for installing ground-mounted solar panels?

As the cost of installing such panels is higher, you should consider financing options with a company that helps you. You will find financing options where you can take a loan with different instalment options. There are certain installations that have rebates and incentives, so check the instructions carefully before investing.

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Final Word

There are different ways to install multiple solar panels, and it all depends on how much space they will need. You might get good deals with ground-mounted solar panels as they are the best way to get solar energy for homeowners. The maintenance costs are lower, and you won’t need to be worried about the safety and position of the sun as there is a tracking system installed.

The solar system is the best renewable energy resource which has immense potential of generating power. It’s a greenway to fulfil your power supply needs. A ground-mounted system can be installed on open land and saves you through rooftop installations.