The ground-mount solar system is nothing different from rooftops except it gets installed on the pole or standard mount on the ground. In the backyard, or a free space beside the home, you can install ground-mounted solar anywhere.
However, some people may think rooftop solar is better than ground mount which is not always right.
Therefore, in this article, we will explain everything you need to know about ground-mount solar panels and why they can be the right choice for you.
Understanding Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
A ground mount solar is the same as the one companies install on the rooftop, the only difference is they are right there on the ground. Also, these panels are either installed using a standard installation or a pole mount installation.
Also, some ground mount solar panels can move with sunlight to capture as much light as possible. The pole mount system uses the single or dual-axis system to follow the movement of the sun and this is something that attracts homeowners.
Moreover, there is a racking system to support the panel on the ground which can vary in height. You can get the racking system that is a few inches off the ground or the one that stands tall at several feet. Both these systems must have a concrete foundation to be securely attached in one place.
Further, if you decide to install a standard ground mount solar system, it will be like the rooftop solar panel attached to a frame which can be tilted at the best angle to capture the light.
It is also very necessary to understand how pole mounts work. This system relies on a pole that is planted in the ground with a concrete foundation and the solar panel is either attached to the sides of the pole or at the top.
Pole mounts can support different numbers of solar panels and some can hold up to 24 panels. The side-mount solar panel pole systems are only good for small projects and can hold two to three panels. These can also not track the sun’s movement. So, keep your requirements in mind before opting for any solar system.
Advantages of Ground Mount Solar
Ground mount solar installation can be very advantageous in some conditions depending on where they are installed and how much solar energy they get. factors such as how they are installed and how much space your home has also count.
More Space, More Sunlight
Backyard ground mount solar sees more sunlight than rooftops because the roof is often restricted in space but there is always more ground to cover. Therefore, you can always install more solar panels on the ground than on the rooftop. The roof is also restricted in direction because your solar panels are oriented toward the south to get the most sunlight.
If your home does not have enough southern exposure, you will end up having less solar energy. While the ground is spared from these limitations you can always add more solar panels facing south and the solar tracking adds to the possibility of better output.
Also, if the landscaping around solar panels has trees that can shade your roof, installing solar panels in the front yard is an option.
Spare Roof From Damage
Roofs are expensive and once damaged they can cost a lot of money to repair. Anyone who lives in a region with frequent hail storms can confirm that hail damage often needs replacement. Solar panels are made to withstand these extreme weather but if they get improperly installed, there are chances of severe damage to not only the costly panel but also the roof.
Reduce The Risk of Improper Installation
Wiring is one of the major concerns for roof solar panels which is very much reduced with the ground mount solar system. Faulty wiring can lead to fire and they often need inspection, therefore, ground mount panels not only save frequent inspection money but also provide a sense of safety.
Easy to Maintain and Expand
Ground-mount solar systems are really easy to expand if you feel like you need more energy production. Roof solar panels are always restricted by area therefore if you have a backyard ground mount solar, you can produce more energy.
Knowing how many solar panels you need can also help you save space and money.
Moreover, solar panels with solar trackers produce 10% to 45% more electricity than fixed panels.
Additionally, ground mount panels are too easy to maintain and risk-free. You do not have to climb every time you want to clean the panel. Also, checking invert or other components of the system is very easy with ground mount panels.
Less heat Friction
Solar panels that are installed on the ground remain cooler than rooftop solar. As they are lower in the ground, it takes time to get heat friction. Therefore, they provide better efficiency even in hot weather than rooftop systems.
Disadvantages of Ground Mounted Solar
No matter how perfect a system seems to be, there is always something that is lacking. Similarly, ground mount solar also comes with some disadvantages which you must go through before having one installed.
Environmental Impact
There are some concerns about ground mount solar systems from agricultural and environmental points of view. As reasonable ground is required for ground-mount solar installation there is a need to remove any vegetation or overhanging trees. The removal of crops to go solar is a step back from going organic. However, a pole mount system can provide height so the system does not interfere with agricultural land.
Compromise Aesthetics
Aesthetics are very important for some people and if your home is at a location where having a ground solar system can affect the yard space and the overall appeal of your home, this is not a good option for you. However, similar cases are also seen with roof panels where owners were concerned about the aesthetics of the home.
Easier to Damage
While ground-mount solar is easy to maintain and inspect some elements make them prone to damage. If your ground solar system is closer to the ground there are chances of more dust and debris and wandering animals are often at the door to damage property. Therefore it is wise to install it at a good height.
More Expensive
A ground solar system requires additional components to install and support the panel. The concrete foundation and solar tracking systems add extra dollars to the bills.
Similarly, the solar racking system and permits can also increase the total cost.
The support must be efficient enough to carry the weight of the panels so cheap ground mount solar racking systems must be avoided.
How Much Ground Mount Solar Can Cost
As mentioned previously ground mount system can be a little more expensive than roof panels and a complete installation can end up being around $25000 without any solar incentives or rebates.
However, a 22% federal tax credit is available for solar installation which can help you go green with a decent money-saving opportunity. There are multiple rebates or incentives offered by states to motivate people for installation.
Offers like net metering or buyback plans are really helpful in further reducing the energy cost especially if you are in more sunny states like Texas or Colorado.
Final Analysis
Ground mount or roof mount no matter which system you use there are always going to be pros and cons. Therefore, always consult a solar provider and know your priorities before going for any system.
The ground mount may seem a bit expensive but it does have more efficiency because of the tracking system. Therefore, we prefer ground over roof. If you are worried about wandering animal damage your provider can make sure the safest system possible.
FAQs
1- Can install ground-mount solar panels myself?
Yes, it is possible to install ground mounted solar panels on your own as it is easier to install than roof solar. However, a professional installation is preferred to make sure there is no improper wiring or faulty racking.
2- Can I get incentives for ground-mounted solar panels?
Yes, the Federal Tax Credit is applicable for ground solars. Homeowners used to get 26% ITC in 2022 but it was reduced to 22% in 2023 in some states. You can also take advantage of net metering or buyback plans to send extra energy to the grid in exchange for bill credit or cash.
Are ground mounted solar panels cheap?
Ground panels cost more than roof panels because they need additional components to install such as a concrete foundation, racking system, and solar tracking. These systems need extra labor and material. However, with incentives in place, the total cost often rounds up the same as roof panels.
What is the advantage of the ground mount solar system?
Ground solar panels usually have more efficiency than roof-mounted ones because they can track the solar energy and get more exposure tha roof ones. Also, they tend to be cooler than roof panels so there are fewer chances of heat coeffceint causing decreased production.
5- How much space should be between ground mount solar panels?
For a small ground solar system, the inter-row separation should be 2.5 times the height of the row or the latitude minus 10 degrees is a reasonable title angle in a fixed ground mount system which is fixed and tilted.
