Ground Mount Solar Panels: All You Need To Know

Since fossil fuels cannot be relied on in this era, solar energy is the most widely used renewable energy source. In this blog, we will explore ground-mount solar panels, typically installed in yards rather than on roofs. 

We will also compare rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels so that you can decide which type of solar power system is suitable for your application, both in terms of pocket size and efficiency in terms of power.

Ground-Mount Solar Panels: Definitions And Basics

Similar to rooftop solar panels, ground-mount solar panels derive their name from the location of their installation. These are simply solar panels in yards that cost a little more than the rooftop panels and are comparatively more convenient and efficient in energy production. 

Suppose the roof has issues, such as improper inclination, fewer average peak sun hours per day, or inappropriate material composition. In that case, ground-based solar panels can be a lifesaver. If you have a big open yard, ground-mount solar panels can help you get the maximum exposure to the sun. Proper installation of this eco-friendly energy generation method can help produce a high amount of renewable energy in a shorter period and cover the additional expenses compared to the rooftop version.

Ground-Mount Solar: Classes And Categories

We can categorize solar panels into different segments based on the mounting style. The three basic categories are rooftop, ground-mounted, and floating types of solar panels. We will now discuss ground-mounted solar panels, further subdividing them into the following categories:

1. PV-Based Ground-Mount Solar Panels

Pile or PV-based systems can be either single or double-piled. 

Construct a single pile of support, typically composed of concrete or steel, to support single-piled PV-based solar panels. Given their inability to support large structures and ease of construction in relatively smaller spaces, we commonly refer to this type as residential ground-mounted solar panels.

On the other hand, double PV-based solar panels use two pivots or axes to support the solar power system’s structure. Usually, we position the two piles apart to enhance stability. Therefore, people use these solar panels in areas with high wind speeds or trembling ground because they provide stability, albeit at a slightly higher cost.

2. Trackers-Based Ground-Mount Solar Panels

These types of ground-mounted solar panels track the sun’s direction and change their direction according to the sunlight. 

There are two tracker-based panels, which can either be single-axis tracker solar panels or have only single-axis movement, usually between the east and west directions. This movement of solar panels on one axis helps to gain 20–25% more sun hours daily.

On the other hand, tracker-based dual-axis panels can move in any direction and gather up to 40% more sun hours daily, as their movement can very precisely help trace down the sun’s path.

Ground-Mount Solar Panels: Advantages And Disadvantages

The renewable energy sector has experienced significant expansion in recent years, with solar power emerging as a popular choice. Ground-mount solar panels and rooftop installations are among the primary types of solar energy systems available. 

Here, we will focus on the specific pros and cons of ground-mount solar panels.

Efficiency

Due to their placement in open areas and increased access to sunlight throughout the day, ground-mount solar panels typically exhibit higher efficiency. You can mount these backyard solar panels regardless of the inclination angle, a feature that rooftop solar panels often lack. 

Cost

These panels require high initial installation costs as compared to traditional rooftop panels. They also require more land to install, which adds significantly to the cost of installing this type of solar panel. However, they offer a higher percentage efficiency of 20–25% than rooftop panels, which helps recover the initial cost. 

Installation Ease

Compared to traditional rooftop panels, these panels are very easy to install because the angle of inclination or the material of the roof does not cause any issues.

In most cases, a pivot of steel or concrete is used to mount the whole solar power system.

Maintenance and After-Use

Maintenance would be comparatively easier, as you do not need to climb rooftops to clean them. Because they are easily accessible, servicing or amending them requires minimal or no complexity. They can also be easily adjusted and set up.

Ground-Mount Solar Panels: Cost Associated

Multiple factors can influence the price of a ground-mounted solar panel. Considering these factors is critical to obtaining an accurate estimate of the expenses required for installing a ground-mount solar panel system.

The factors may include:

• Size of System to Setup: You must precisely calculate the system’s size to ensure it can power your entire space without becoming an unnecessary expense during installation.

• Type of panels: There are multiple categories of ground-mount solar panels that differ greatly in terms of installation cost and efficiency. You just need to decide which type is best suited to your needs.

• Brands and Installation: Different brands do have different costs for similar products, but they can also be massively different in terms of quality, life, and other prominent aspects. Also, some brands offer installation services at a meager cost with excellent service.

How Many Ground-Mount Solar Panels Will I Need?

Whether you wish to set up a rooftop solar panel system or a ground-mounted one, the calculation you need to make to get the number of solar panels you need is very similar.

Step 1: Determine your monthly electric power usage (this information can be easily found on your previous electricity bill).

Step 2: Divide it by the number of days in that month to have your average daily power usage in watts or kilowatts.

Step 3: Check the rating of the single panel you want to install for your solar power system.

Step 4: Convert all the data into similar units (usually SI). 

Step 5: Divide your daily average electric power consumption by the rating of a single panel. You get exactly the number of panels required to power your house.

Example: Suppose you had an electricity bill of 900 units in April.

Thus, your daily average usage is 900/30 = 30 kilowatt hours per day.

Required solar panel output (Watts) = Average Daily Energy Consumption (kWh) / Average Daily Sunlight Exposure (hours)

For the U.S., let’s take 5 hours on average. 

So, Required solar panel output = 30 kWh/ 5 = 6 kW

Multiply the required solar panel output by a factor of 1.2 to 1.5 to account for efficiency losses and climate variations.

Required solar panel output  with Buffer (Watts) = 6 kW * 1.20 = 7.2 kW

The average solar panel output efficiency in the U.S. is rated between 200 and 400 watts. For this example, we’ll use a rating of 400 watts (0.4 kW). 

Divide the daily energy production needed by the power output of a solar panel. The number of solar panels required = 7.2 kW / 0.4 kW per panel, which equals 18 panels.

What Are The Best Ground-Mount Solar Panels?

You can set up solar panels on roofs and yards or float them on water. There are several types of ground-mount solar panels, and different categories of these panels are best suited for other uses. 

1. PV-Based Ground-Mount Solar Panels

Single-piled PV-based ground-mount solar panels are best for small houses or farms. They are only 10-15% costlier than traditional rooftop panels but offer an efficiency of about 20–25% more than those. These are small, mounted on a single pile of concrete or steel, and usually suitable for small domestic setups.

On the other hand, double-piled PV-based ground-mount solar panels are best for regions with daily wind or hail, as their double-piled foundation makes them more robust against any natural calamities than the single-piled version.

2. Trackers-Based Ground-Mount Solar Panels

Single tracker-based ground-mount solar panels excel in open areas where they can easily track the sun, resulting in a comparatively higher efficiency of 30–35% compared to traditional rooftop panels.

Dual-tracker-based ground-mount solar panels can track the sun throughout the day for maximum output and are best suited to open-ground regions. These panels can fetch up to 40–45% more efficiency than otherwise used rooftop panels.

Ground-Mount Solar Panels: Installation

The installation of ground-mount solar panels can sometimes be a tedious process. You first need to know what type of solar panels would best suit your region and the output you want to generate. The basic installation process includes:

Step 1: Calculate your daily power requirements and determine the system size you want to set up based on your needs.

Step 2: Research the best type of solar panels that functionally and economically fulfill your needs. 

Step 3: Determine the appropriate area for installation, taking into consideration factors such as ease of cleaning and maintenance.

Step 4: Look for a reputed solar installer to install the solar power system. They would ensure your system captures the maximum peak sun hours daily.

Step 5: Let your chosen installation partner do the installation at the designated place. Let your chosen installation partner do the installation at the designated place.

Step 6: If you need power during an outage, opt for battery storage as well. 

Step 7: Your solar power system is ready to use. 

Are Ground-Mount Solar Panels Right For My Home?

These days, both rooftop and ground solar mounting systems are quite popular, but there are some factors to keep in mind before selecting the type of system you wish to install.

Residential spaces frequently use ground-mount solar panels, and they could be the ideal choice for you if you have

• Ample land for ground-mount solar panel installation.
• Higher average peak sun hours per day and less shady regions to place the plant in.
• Investment of 10–15% more than the rooftop system.

If you have an appropriate answer to the above questions, ground-mount solar panels are the right choice for your house.

Ground-Mounted Solar Panels vs. Rooftop Panels: Which Is Right For You?

There has been a debate on whether to install a rooftop or a ground-mount solar panel system to power their space efficiently. We’re going to compare both of them based on certain aspects. 

The initial installation cost for ground-mounted solar panels is higher than for the rooftop version, but they offer a higher 20–25% efficiency than the usual panels.

Although it requires more area or land for installation, on the ground, the inclination angle of the panels or the material of the roof can otherwise hinder the installation process of rooftop panels.

Cleaning, servicing, and maintenance are convenient because they are easily accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Mount Solar Panels

1. Are ground-mount solar panels better than rooftop solar panels?

Ans. Yes, ground-mounted solar panels can be considered a better option. Although the initial cost might be comparatively higher than that of rooftop panels, they offer higher efficiency and can generate more energy in a shorter amount of time.

2. What are ground-mounted solar panels?

Ans. People install these solar panels in open yards or on plain land grounds to collect solar energy and convert it into electrical power.

3. How many ground-mount solar panels do I need to power my house?

Ans. The number of panels you need depends on the power rating of the panel and your usage, not on the type of panel. To get the exact number of panels you need to power your house, you must correctly estimate your daily electricity needs in kilowatts and follow the step-by-step process above.

4. What type of ground-mount solar panels are good?

Ans. Usually, tracker-based ground-mount solar panels are considered a better choice, as they offer 30–40% more efficiency than traditional rooftop panels. This is because they can track the sun throughout the day and hence capture the maximum sun energy.

5. What are the disadvantages of ground-mount solar panels?

Ans. The initial cost of these systems is higher than that of rooftop panels. You must obtain additional permits and pay a higher labor cost to set up ground-mounted solar panels. Also, they require large amounts of land for setup and installation.

6. What is the required space for ground-mounted solar panels?

Ans. The area requirement can vary depending on the size of the system you want to set up for use. To efficiently set up the smallest ground-mount solar panels, you need a minimum area of 350 square feet.

Conclusion

The user chooses whether to install rooftop or ground-mount solar panels. Both have pros and cons, but you must consider your use and budget to customize the system. Discover both types of panels and choose the best one for your home at https://understandsolar.com/. Our site will provide good reasons to go solar and help you select a solar system, budget, incentives, and more.
Learn the answers to all the above questions at https://understandsolar.com/, or submit your inquiry to our specialists for specialized advice tailored to your location and budget.