Ground-mounted Solar Panels: Here’s Everything You Should Know

Homeowners planning to go solar need to find an optimal surface to install their solar panels on. Rooftop installation is the most popular option thanks to its convenience and stability. But in a lot of cases, your roof may not be adequate to install a solar array to power your house. In cases like these, ground-mounted solar panels work the best.

In this article, we’ll discuss ground-mounted solar panels, how they can benefit homeowners, and things you must remember.

What are
ground-mounted solar panels?

Ground-mounted solar panels are the panels that are installed on the ground, as opposed to the rooftop. It can be your backyard, lawn, or any space big enough in your property to install the solar array.

What are the types of ground-mounted solar panels?

Residential ground-mounted solar panels are of two types: standard ground mount and pole mount.

Standard ground mount solar panels

The standard ground mount solar panels are installed over a metal frame that’s driven deep into the ground. The racking system tilts on one side, creating a nice shade of canopy below it. The angle of the solar system can be adjusted according to the sun’s optimal position.

Pole mount solar panels

In the case of pole mount, a large pole is driven into the ground to elevate the panels. The structure is similar to wind turbines but at a height that reflects residential usage. It discourages foliage from creeping up the panels.

With a tracking system, pole mount solar panels can horizontally move to face the sun throughout the day.

What are the benefits of ground-mounted solar panels?

Ground-mounted solar panels are not just an afterthought when rooftop installation doesn’t work, they have a few advantages of their own.

  1. Ground-mounted solar panels are easier to install since you’re entirely avoiding the hassle of climbing up and making holes in your roof structure.
  2. Pole mount solar panels with tracking systems are game-changing innovation. Single-axis tracking systems can horizontally follow the sun’s position. On top of performing the same tasks as a single-axis tracking system, a dual-axis system can tilt up and down and adapt to the sun’s seasonal variations. This means more efficient use of sunlight and more electricity for your house. With a tracking system, you can get 25%-50% more energy than a traditional array.
  3. Ground-mounted solar panels are very easy to clean and maintain over the years. Since you don’t have to climb to the roof to check up on the system, you’d be saving a lot of energy and time, especially during the snow season.

4. Rooftop solar panels are fixed over the existing structure so they can’t be moved.  Ground-mounted solar panels give you a lot of flexibility if you plan to move houses.

Rooftop solar panels
vs ground-mounted solar panels: which one is right for you?

There’s no objectively right answer to this question. Your mileage will vary depending on the condition of your roof and open spaces on the ground.

If your roof is not big enough to meet your house’s energy demands or has shown signs of age, you might not want to cover it up with solar panels for the next 25 years. Similarly, if your roof doesn’t face the sun for the better part of the day, installing a solar array can be a bad idea. For these reasons, ground mount solar panels work the best.

Similarly, if you don’t have enough space in the backyard to keep the solar panels away from the shadows of the house and other structures, you should think of installing them on the roof. Ground-mounted solar panels can also become an issue with property aesthetics and that’s why a lot of homeowners prefer rooftop installation.

Ground-mounted solar
panels: things to remember

Ground-mounted solar panels have their perks but you should keep a few things in mind before installing them.

  1. Depending on the soil conditions and wind speed, the concrete structure of the ground panels may need additional reinforcement.
  2. Ground-mounted solar panels require a bit more investment upfront and the installation cost rises further if you add tracking systems. The tracking systems, however, prove to be a great decision in the long run.
  3. Depending on where you live, you might need to go through a lengthy process to obtain permission for ground-mounted solar panels.

Be it rooftop installation or ground-mounted installation, solar energy is ideal for a green and sustainable future. Contact Avvio Solar to know how much you can save by going solar.

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