Ground-mounted solar panels
Ground-mounted solar panels
Rooftop solar is the most well-known option for homeowners when it comes to installing solar systems on their homes. Most homeowners are not aware that ground-mount solar panels can be just as cost-effective and easy to install.
What are ground-mount solar panels?
Ground-mounted solar panels are solar panels that are installed at the ground level. They function in the same method as rooftop solar systems. The panels are exposed to light, which is then converted to electricity by solar cells. This can be utilized to power a single building, or communities when using solar farms.
These are the top three facts about ground-mounted solar panels.
Ground-mounted solar systems are often the best choice.
Solar panels that are mounted on roofs have become the most sought-after option for homeowners. However, ground-mounted solar panels are also an alternative.
Ground mount solar panels are generally more expensive than rooftop solar panels due to the additional labor and permits that may be required. Ground-mounted solar panels can save you money in the long run if your house isn’t suitable for solar installation.
Solar arrays from Rooftops have only a small range of performance due to the roof they’re placed on. Your solar array will not generate as much energy if it isn’t installed at the right angle that faces south or has obstructions such as skylights or chimneys. Ground-mounted solar panels, on contrary, can be installed wherever optimal conditions are present.
It could also be that your roof isn’t sufficient to support an array of solar panels that can meet the requirements of your electric consumption. Ground-mounted solar panels, on the other hand are able to be scaled to meet your power needs without the restrictions of a rooftop system.
All ground-mounted solar panels systems are not created equal
There are two types of solar panels that are mounted on the ground. systems:
Ground-mounts are constructed of metal frames that are installed into the ground. This keeps your panels at an angle fixed. While standard ground-mounted solar panels can be adjusted manually to accommodate seasonal variations.
Pole-mounted solar systems are able to support multiple panels on one pole and increase the height of panels over traditional ground mounts. A lot of pole-mounted solar systems have system for tracking that will automatically adjust panels so that they can are able to capture the most sunlight.
All homeowners can benefit from ground-mounted solar panels systems
Even if your home is ideal for rooftop solar, ground-mounted solar panels have many advantages.
Ground-mounted solar panels are easy to install since they can be put anywhere on the land. Ground-mount solar panels don’t need to be installed on the roof.
Additionally, the bracings in standard ground-mount systems can be removed with ease and are light. They will be more secure if you choose{ a|| the} pole-mount.
A solar panel system that is mounted on the ground is more efficient per panel than a rooftop array. Ground-mounted solar panels don’t need to be connected to the roof, and they can be set at the perfect angle to maximize energy production.
You will generate more power than a comparable-sized rooftop system and save money in the long run.
Ground-mounted solar panels can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is very convenient to be able to sweep snow off of your panels if you reside in an area with a lot of snow.
Ground-mount solar systems are available through Shneyder Solar installers. The cost of a conventional ground-mounted solar system is similar to the price of a rooftop system. If you choose to include a tracking system you’ll need to pay an initial cost but this is offset by higher power generation, making the tracking system more affordable for homeowners.
What is a suitable area for a ground-mounted solar system?
You want a space that’s ideal for you.
- To the south, flat or gently slopes (up about 5°).
- A floodplain that is more than 100 years old isn’t likely
- Shade from nearby trees is not required
- It is simple to find the electrical infrastructure that is in place without the need for trenching or cabling.
- The large installations (above 100kW) are not apparent from homes nearby.
- A suitable ground (not too soft for concrete foundations to be required However, it should not be too difficult that pre-drilling is needed)
A geotechnical study is required prior to a solar installation proceed. This will ensure that the proper solar mounting structure can be installed, as well as the warranty.
Different Ground Mounted Solar Panel Racking Systems
Traditional - Steel pillars are the most economical way to put in ground mount systems. Steel pillars are suitable for driving in if the ground has been considered acceptable by the geotechnical evaluation.
Concrete - Sometimes, a concrete footing is needed to place the panels. This gives greater stability and resistance to wind.
Ground Screw – Although they’re more costly to install, they offer a stable solution. It is possible to drill the screws using special tools.
Ballasted – It is feasible to not penetrate the ground entirely in the event that it is needed. Concrete blocks can be used to install solar panels. They can be placed on the ground and support the solar system in place.
Single Axis Tracking{ -||} Tracking systems use motors to move panels during the day so they’re exactly at an angle to the sun. Single-axis trackers follow the sun’s course from East to West.
Dual Axis Tracking - Dual trackers come with different motors that permit them to be moved in a more circular manner, thus maximizing the output.
Ground-Mounted Solar: Drawbacks
Ground-mounted solar systems come with their disadvantages, but it all depends on how your situation is.
The requirement for land is that it must be cultivated.
Ground-mounted systems come with the obvious disadvantage of having to be installed on the land. This makes them better for suburban or rural settings than urban ones. Ground-mounted solar systems capable producing enough power to meet an American family’s daily requirements will require around 1,000 square feet of uninterrupted sunlight.
Potential Environmental Impact
The United States has more than 8 billion square metres of roofs that could be used for the installation of solar panels. They are capable of double the nation’s electricity production capacity. There is no need to make additional space available. Rooftop solar has minimal effect on our environment in terms of the land used.
A typical solar array that is mounted on the ground requires land to be cleared of vegetation and then graded prior to it being able to be covered with gravel. The sacrifice of land with a significant environmental value can be costly. It can lead to lost time in obtaining permits and public approvals as well as potential litigation.
Ground-mounted solar systems can be installed on marginal land such as brownfields and other contaminated or disturbed land to limit their environmental impact. You can also mount solar panels high enough for Agrivoltaics. This combines solar panels and agriculture. The panels can be used to help with the growth of crops or shade for livestock. The United States is introducing more renewable energy sitting tools to help with the environmentally-friendly development of ground-mounted solar plants.
Home Resale Value
A Zillow study found that homes with solar panels sell for 4.1 percentage less than similar houses without solar panels. However, a ground mounted system may turn off prospective buyers looking to use the property for another purpose.
Extra Permitting
In some cities, rooftop solar installations may be classified as “permitted expansion”. However, because this is a new usage for property, ground-mounted systems may require approval from local zoning officials or environmental authorities. This depends on system size and height, as and local rules.
Extra Wiring
Ground-mounted systems require longer wiring to connect to the house. To prevent the wires against being eaten by squirrels and others, it could be necessary to put them in a secluded area.
What is the cost of ground-mounted solar panels?
A solar system costs about $2.77 per Watt on an average. That means that a 10- Kilowatt system will run $27,000.8 Ground-mounted systems are more expensive in initial expenses. The price includes additional mounting hardware and labor as well as additional permits.
Solar systems are an investment for the long term. It is therefore crucial to know ROI (ROI) not only the upfront costs. The ROI of a solar panel is determined by numerous factors, including the cost and efficiency, the cost of financing, labor costs, incentives from the states and federal governments and the cost for electricity in your region. It takes 7 to 12 years for the cost to be fully completed.
Its efficiency is the primary aspect that determines if a ground-mounted array is more affordable over a solar rooftop system. It could be more efficient when it can produce more electricity using fewer panels. This allows it to get a higher return on investment.
Is Ground-Mounted Solar cheaper than Roof-Mounted Systems?
Ground-mounted systems may be more costly than roof-mounted systems although it may seem counterintuitive. Although it might seem like it’s a hassle to transport panels onto roofs, and having them installed in difficult places is costly, having an existing roof to build on could help lower costs.
Roof-mounted solar panels require a base for the installation of the racking. It is possible to build a foundation of cement or other substances. But, this is more than just installing solar panel mounts and calling it a day.
Ground-mount panels cost more than roof-mount panels, but it’s not too much. You might need additional permits depending on the size of your solar array as well as the foundation. This can take time and costs.
Ground-mounts can be manually adjusted all year long to ensure they can make the most of the sun’s radiations. Although they might not provide the same flexibility as a pole-mount system however, they can be adjusted more than roof-mount systems. This increases energy production and decreases the price gap.
It’s important to note that, even though installation will cost more, the ground-mount panels will last longer. They don’t need to be adjusted to the direction or orientation of your roof. They can be placed where they will get the best sun exposure. This means that you’ll generate more power and could save you money throughout the lifetime of your solar system.
Ground-mounted solar panels: What are the pros and cons?
It is important to be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of a system that is mounted on the ground if you’re considering it over a roof system. The requirements you have and the guidelines which you and your contractor can decide on will ultimately impact your choice.
Pros
Freestanding solar panels offer the benefit of maximising the amount of sunlight that is absorbed. Even though your rooftop may not be perfectly oriented (e.g. it’s in the south and slopes 30-40 degrees) it is possible to choose the best way to install your solar system on the ground to maximize the energy output. Systems that have been mounted to the ground are much more effective since they have more air circulation underneath the panels. This helps them stay cool. Ground-mounted systems are also easier to access to perform maintenance. This could reduce the cost of labor.
Cons
Ground-mounted systems aren’t the best fit for everyone. Rooftop systems can be placed on your roof and occupy an area that is valuable on your property. Ground-mounted systems could require you to use valuable space. This can be a problem for homeowners who use the space to garden, recreational or farming. In certain situations you might be able to combine ground-mounted and farming systems with Agrivoltatics. Ground-mounted solar panels are more susceptible to being damaged by animals and those trying to alter the equipment. Ground mount solar panels are more costly, as long as you don’t need extensive roof repairs in order to install a rooftop solar panel (which is likely to be required to do eventually).
Shneyder Solar is the best place to start your solar journey.
You can request up to seven quotes from local installers through the Shneyder Solar Marketplace. This will allow you to pick the one that best meets your requirements and at the right cost. Register your property today for a consultation to one of our Energy Advisors, who will answer all your questions during your entire registration process.
GET YOUR FREE PROPOSAL IN A FEW EASY STEPS
Fill out the form and our sales consultant will contact you! Once you’ve had your initial consultation, you’ll begin your solar journey.
First name is required
Last name is required
Last name is required
Email is required
Email is required
Phone is required
Please enter a valid property address
Property address is required
Schedule Your Appointment
ATTACH YOUR UTILITY BILL (optional)
Some information is missing or is incorrect, please fix the issues above and resubmit.
