When we picture solar panels on a home, we usually imagine sleek black panels sitting neatly on the roof — understandable, because that’s what you’ll find in most solar homes. But that’s not the only way to tap into solar power.
Ground-mounted solar panels are an excellent alternative to rooftop systems, especially if your roof can’t hold enough panels or isn’t suitable for solar at all.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ground-mounted solar panels — what they are, how they compare to rooftop systems, and whether they’re the right fit for your home.
What Are Ground-Mounted Solar Panels?
Ground-mounted solar panels are solar panel systems installed directly on the ground rather than being attached to your home’s roof. These panels are secured on a sturdy metal framework that keeps them elevated at an optimal angle to capture sunlight.
You can think of them as a smaller version of those sprawling solar farms you may have spotted along highways. Same concept, but just scaled down for residential use.
That said, ground-mounted solar panels often make the most sense when you’re facing certain limitations like:
- Limited or shaded roof space
- A roof that’s difficult to modify or maintain
- Strict HOA restrictions on roof-mounted panels
We’ll look into each one later on as we discuss the pros of such a panel system.
Ground-mounted solar panels come in two main types:
- Standard Ground Mounts
These are fixed panels installed on metal frames anchored to the ground, best suited for flat/level areas. - Pole-Mounted Systems
These panels are mounted on tall poles, making them well-suited for uneven terrain like hillsides or rocky ground. That said, they’re used only for very specific or specialized residential situations.
Advantages of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
Optimal Sun Exposure
Probably the biggest pro of ground-mounted solar panels is that they aren’t restricted by your roof’s angle or direction. Instead, they can be set at a fixed position optimized to absorb maximum sun exposure year-round.
But what’s even better than a standard fixed-tilt system is one that’s built with sun tracking capabilities. This type of system moves throughout the day to follow the sun’s path, which can boost energy production by anywhere from 10% to 60% compared to roof-mounted panels.
Tracking systems, with their improved production, are particularly effective at balancing out lower energy production on cloudy days by generating extra power during clear, sunny weather.
Bypass Roof Limitations
Earlier, we talked about how ground-mounted solar panels overcome the limitation of roof angles and directions. But there are still two more important limitations they address.
First are rooftop obstructions, such as tricky layouts, multi-level designs, or objects like chimneys and dormers. These obstacles not only reduce available roof space but can also create awkward gaps where panels won’t fit properly.
Since ground-mounted panels sit on open land, you’d no longer have to think about such placement issues.
Secondly, because they aren’t attached to your roof, ground-mounted systems don’t add extra weight or require drilling that could weaken your roof’s structure.
And that’s good news, especially if your roof is showing major signs of wear and tear. You won’t have to worry about replacing your entire roof just to install solar.
Easier Maintenance and Cleaning
With rooftop systems, one has to climb onto the roof to do cleaning and maintenance, and that obviously comes with risks. Ground-mounted panels are far more accessible and, thus, much easier to inspect.
Better Cooling and Efficiency
Solar panels perform best when they stay cool, and ground-mounted systems have a natural advantage in this regard.
Because they’re elevated above the ground, they allow better airflow underneath the panels, which helps release trapped heat more effectively than rooftop panels. This improved ventilation is especially helpful during hotter months.
Ideal for Large Systems
If you have plenty of open land to work with, ground-mounted setups can accommodate larger solar installations. That means you can generate more energy and have a better chance of fully covering your household’s power consumption.
Disadvantages of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
Higher Installation Costs
Ground-mounted solar setups generally cost more upfront. The added costs come from extra materials like mounting racks and longer cable runs, as well as additional labor for tasks such as excavation and trenching to prepare the land.
On top of that, there’s also solar tracking technology to consider. While it can boost energy production, it comes with an added cost that varies depending on the type of system (e.g. single-axis or dual-axis trackers).
Space Requirements
Unlike rooftop panels, ground-mounted systems require yard space. And if you have limited land, you may struggle to find suitable installation spots.
How much space do you need exactly? It depends on how big your solar system is, but to be on the conservative side, we recommend allocating 100 square feet per kilowatt of solar capacity.
That means a 6 kW system may require roughly 600 square feet of yard space to install properly. A certified solar installer can give you a much more accurate estimate based on your location and specific site conditions.
Aesthetic and Land Use Concerns
Ground-mounted panels may alter your property’s appearance, and that could be a big deal if your landscaping is important to you. Some homeowners mitigate this by planting shrubs, trees, or decorative fencing to conceal their solar array without compromising performance.
But beyond personal taste, aesthetics is often a standard strictly enforced by HOAs.
In many cases, they may require systems to be installed in areas not visible from the street or impose restrictions on height and size to keep the neighborhood looking neat and uniform.
Easier Access, Higher Risk of Damage
Yes, being closer to the ground makes maintenance easier, but it also makes your system more vulnerable to tampering or vandalism.
Let’s say your property is well-guarded against these possibilities. Other hazards still exist. For example, pets, wildlife, or stray balls during outdoor games may accidentally damage the panels or wiring.
Ground-Mounted Solar vs. Roof Solar Panels
Bringing together the pros and cons earlier, here’s a quick comparison of how ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar panels differ:
Aspect | Ground-Mounted Solar Panels | Roof-Mounted Solar Panels |
Installation Cost | Higher upfront cost due to added materials and labor | Generally lower cost since roof acts as the support structure |
Sun Exposure | Can be optimized for maximum sunlight year-round | Limited by your roof’s angle and direction |
Maintenance | Easier to access for cleaning and repairs | Requires climbing onto the roof for cleaning and repairs |
Cooling Efficiency | Better airflow underneath helps keep panels cool | Less airflow may reduce efficiency in extreme heat |
Space Requirements | Requires sufficient yard space for installation | Uses existing roof space. No extra land required |
Risk of Damage | More accessible, making it prone to tampering, animals, or yard activities | Less accessible, reducing exposure to such risks |
Roof Impact | Doesn’t affect your roof’s structure or lifespan | May require roof drilling, adding weight, or limiting roof repairs |
Hopefully, the table above gives you a clearer idea of which system suits your situation best.
Just to make sure we don’t forget the basics: Despite the differences, the core technology of both systems remains the same: PV cells convert sunlight into DC electricity, which flows into an inverter, which converts it into AC that your home uses.
How Many Ground-Mounted Solar Panels Do I Need?
This will depend on your goals — are you aiming to partially offset your energy use or achieve full energy coverage?It also depends on your panel’s capacity.
For a rough estimate, let’s do a very quick calculation. Let’s assume the following:
- Your homeconsumes 900 kWh per month (the U.S. average)
- Each panel produces 400W
- You get 5 peak sunlight hours per day.
Doing the math:
- 400W x 5 hours = 2 kWh per day (per panel)
- 2 kWh x 30 days = 60 kWh per month (per panel)
To fully offset 900 kWh of monthly usage: 900 kWh ÷ 60 kWh = 15 panels
This is just a rough guide. Your solar installer can provide a much better estimate based on your location, panel efficiency, and energy goals.
Are Ground-Mounted Solar Panels Covered by Home Insurance?
Yes, ground-mounted solar panels are generally covered by home insurance. But the protection is a bit different from roof-mounted systems.
Since ground-mounted panels aren’t attached to your home, they may be classified as ‘other structures’ under your policy, similar to fences or sheds. This means they could be subject to different coverage limits than your home’s main structure.
We’ve explained this in more detail in a previous article: Are Solar Panels Covered by Home Insurance?
Can I Use a Combination of Ground-Mounted and Roof Solar?
Yes, combining ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar panels is possible and can be a practical workaround when your roof doesn’t have enough space for all the panels you need.
That said, this hybrid system can be a bit more complex than a standard setup. You’ll need to consider inverter compatibility, local codes, and other technical details. But of course, this is something a certified solar installer can easily help you with.
Considering Ground-Mounted Solar for Your Home?
Ground-mounted solar panels are a great way to get more out of your solar setup, especially if your roof can’t fit enough panels to meet your energy needs. But making it all work starts with a certified installer who knows how to plan and install your system the right way.
At Quote for Solar, we connect you with trusted solar professionals near you to take care of your solar needs.
Just request a quote, and we’ll send you three solar estimates from companies we’ve personally vetted — so you can feel confident about your decision and get started quickly.
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