Last Updated on September, 2024
Are you in a dilemma about whether to get a ground-mounted or rooftop solar panel for your home?
As of March 2024, ground-mounted solar systems constitute 49% of the UK’s solar energy, and this renewable energy source is becoming increasingly popular. Hence, is it a good idea to get one?
Let’s explore. After reading this article, you’ll know all the ins and outs of ground-mounted solar panels and the requirements for installation, so you’ll be able to make the right choice effortlessly.
Let’s get started.
Quick Summary
- Ground-mounted solar systems are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with 49% of the country’s solar energy coming from this renewable source as of March 2024.
- There are two main types of ground-mounted solar systems: standard mount and pole mount. The former is more common and cost-effective, while the latter is more efficient, but also more expensive due to the installation of tracking systems.
- Factors to consider when deciding between ground-mounted and rooftop solar panels include the amount of space available, energy consumption, and maintenance requirements, among others. Professional solar installers can provide guidance in making the right choice.
What are Ground-Mounted Solar Panels?
Ground-mounted solar panels are similar to rooftop solar panels, except they are installed a few feet above the ground rather than on the roof.
Typically, a racking system is used to install the solar panel, and the system is tilted to an angle to receive maximum sunlight. Some ground-mounted systems move with the sun to capture maximum light.
Ground-mounted solar panels work in the same way as rooftop panels, but they are more efficient.
Why? A ground-mounted system contains solar photovoltaic panels attached to a metal frame or pole. This type of installation allows the panels to be tilted and rotated to get maximum sunlight, which improves efficiency.
Types of Ground-Mounted Solar Systems
Depending on the installation method, there are typically two types of ground-mounted solar panels. Let’s discuss the two types in detail.
Standard Ground Mount Systems
The standard ground mount system is the most popular and cost-effective way to install ground-mounted panels.
Here, metal poles are drilled deep into the ground with a post-pounder, anchoring the system securely to the pole. Metal framing is erected on the top, where the solar panels are installed.
The solar panels are installed at a certain angle. This degree of tilt and direction is crucial as it decides the amount of electricity the panel generates. Typically, south-facing panels receive more sunlight than north-facing panels.
Standard ground mounts stay at a fixed angle throughout the day and in different seasons. However, operators can adjust the angle of some standard ground-mount solar systems to maximise sun exposure during different seasons.
Pole-Mounted Solar Systems
Pole-mounted systems, also known as solar trackers, have a single pole drilled into the ground. Several solar panels are fixed to the pole mount.
Additionally, a tracking system is installed, which rotates the mounted solar panels according to the sun’s direction to gain maximum sunlight and produce more electricity. So, this system is much more efficient than a standard ground-mounted solar system.
There are two types of solar trackers: The single-axis system and the dual-axis system. Single-axis tracking systems can either change the direction of the panel or tilt the axis, but not both. Double-axis systems can adjust the tilting and the direction of the solar panels.
However, there are some downsides. The pole-mounted solar system’s tracking unit has many moving parts, making the installation process more complex and expensive.
Additionally, there’s a higher chance of the moving parts getting damaged or displaced, and it’s difficult to maintain.
Requirements for Installing Ground-Mounted Panels
To install a ground-mounted solar system, you must meet some general requirements. What are they?
Space
Unlike rooftop solar systems, ground-mounted systems require an area where a concrete foundation and racking system can be installed. This area must receive plenty of sunlight and not be used for recreation, farming, or gardening-like activities.
However, you can opt for agrivoltaics, where you grow plants under the ground-mounted system combining agriculture and solar panels. Before installing solar panels, ensure they don’t infringe on your neighbours’ property.
Contact your municipal authority and inquire if there are any setback laws regarding ground-mounted solar panel installation in your area. Some cities require you to install them within a certain distance from the road or property lines.
Geological factors
Not all roofs are suitable for installing rooftop solar panels, and not all lands are suitable for ground-mounting solar panels.
If your land is not sturdy and contains large rocks and wet soil, it’s difficult to install the foundation for a ground-mounted solar system. Contact a structural or soil engineer and survey the land to find out if it’s suitable.
Budget
The cost of installing a ground-mounted system is higher than that of rooftop panels due to the mounting equipment and the complex installation process. Consider loan and incentive options available and decide whether this suits your financial plans.
Other useful guides:
Benefits of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
What are the advantages of installing ground-mounted solar panels? Let’s discuss.
- Higher efficiency: Ground-mounted solar panels produce more energy than rooftop panels as they can be installed and adjusted to capture more sunlight.
- Protect your roof: Improper installations and damage to rooftop solar panels can cause water leaks and other problems.
You’ll need to spend a lot of money to repair or install new roofs. You don’t have to face this issue with ground-mounted panels.
- Easy to expand: If you need more solar power, you can install more solar panels. The only condition is that you must have additional land without any obstructions to sunlight, like trees.
- Ease of maintenance: Your ground-mounted solar panel is easier to clean and maintain, as you don’t have to climb onto roofs.
Disadvantages of Ground-Mounted System
Below are some downsides of installing ground-mounted solar panels:
- You need a large area of open space to install ground mounts.
- You can install the ground mounts a few to several feet away from the ground. The lower the solar panels, the higher the risk of damage. Dust and debris can accumulate, animals can damage the structure, and wiring could be damaged.
- Ground-mount systems can be an eyesore, depending on the yard space. If you care more about aesthetics than green energy, then this might not be for you.
- Unlike rooftop installations, the ground-mounted system may require a permit from local authorities. Additionally, some power companies may take years to connect your solar system to the electrical grid.
- To install a ground-mount solar power system, you may have to cut down trees, which could affect the environment. However, pole mounts can reach higher even if there are trees.
- The equipment and installation require higher upfront costs than a rooftop solar system.
Cost of Installing Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
Ground-mounted systems cost between £7,500-£16,000.
The cost of installing a ground-mounted solar array depends on many factors, such as the number of solar panels used, support structure, length of the wiring required, etc.
For example, a ground-mounted solar system is 11% more expensive than rooftop solar panels, while a solar carport costs 18% more than rooftop panels. This is because the solar carport is extra high.
Pole-mounted solar systems are more expensive than standard ground-mounted systems due to the tracking systems installed.
How to Determine the Number of Solar Panels Required for Your Home?
The number of solar panels required for your home depends on the following factors:
- Your electricity consumption.
- Size of your home.
- Number of sunlight hours in your location.
- Efficiency of the solar panels.
To determine the number of solar panels needed, you have to consider all the above factors. Many solar panel calculators are available on the web. Use one of them or contact an installer.
An installer might be able to tell you the ideal number of solar panels you need, where to install them, and which type is well-suited to your location.
How to Maintain Ground-Mounted Solar Panels?
You must maintain ground-mounted solar panels regularly for maximum efficiency and optimum lifespan. Below are some tips:
- Clean the solar panels and keep them free from dust, dirt, and debris. Remember that dust and dirt can reduce the efficiency of solar panels.
- Conduct routine visual inspections to check for any physical damages, wear and tear, wire loosages, etc, and address these issues promptly.
- Call a professional service for complicated maintenance tasks.
Most high-quality solar panels come with a 25-30 year warranty. Hence, they need little maintenance except regular cleaning.
The solar batteries and inverters have to be replaced every 10-12 years. Overall, you can maintain ground-mounted solar panels easily and at a low cost.
However, installing tracking systems can increase maintenance costs. For maximum performance, you must inspect and oil the tracking system’s moving parts regularly.
Difference Between Ground-Mounted Solar Panels and Rooftop Solar Panels
Below is a comparison between a ground-mounted and a rooftop system.
| Ground-mounted solar system | Rooftop solar system |
| More efficient. | Less efficient. |
| The pole mount system can be adjusted to capture the most sunlight. | Cannot be adjusted to capture maximum sunlight. It will be in a fixed position. |
| Easy to maintain, as the solar panels are close to the ground. | Difficult to clean and maintain as you have to climb up onto the roof. |
| Prone to damage easily. | Not prone to damage easily. |
| No need for any roof work, but requires a large open space. | Requires roof work, but doesn’t need any extra space. |
| Expensive. | Less expensive than a ground-mounted system. |
How to Determine if Ground-Mounted Solar Panels are the Right Choice?
To decide whether a ground-mounted or a rooftop solar system is best for your home, you must consider your home’s energy consumption, the amount of lawn space you have, and the size of your roof.
If you have high energy usage, have a large open space on your lawn, and can fit more solar panels on your lawn than on your roof, then you must opt for a ground-mounted solar system.
If you have a very small space, then it’s better to go with rooftop solar panels. When you install a ground-mount solar system in a small space, you won’t have enough space on your lawn for other activities like recreation and gardening.
Additionally, you’ll be able to install only a few solar panels, and the energy production will be low. Discuss with a professional installer to ensure you get the best choice.
The Final Verdict
Ground-mounted solar systems are installed several feet above the ground using supporting structures. There are two types of ground-mount installations: standard mount and pole mount.
Standard ground mounting is fixed, but pole mounts can rotate in the direction of the sun to produce more electricity.
If you have high energy consumption and a large area of land where more solar panels can be installed than on your roof, then a ground-mounted solar system is a good option. Contact a professional installer to choose the best type of solar system for your home.
