Ground-mounted solar panels
Ground-mounted solar panels
Rooftop solar panels are the most sought-after choice for homeowners to installing solar systems at their residences. Most homeowners are not aware that solar panels mounted on the ground can be equally cost-effective and simple to set up.
What are ground-mount solar panels?
Ground-mounted solar panels are solar panels that are mounted on the ground. They function in a similar way as rooftop solar systems. The panels are exposed to light, which is transformed into electricity through solar cells. This can be utilized to power a single building, or communities in the case with 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 choice for homeowners. However, solar panels that are mounted on the ground are also an option.
Ground-mounted solar panels are typically more expensive over rooftop panels due to the extra labour and permits that might be required. Solar systems that are mounted on the ground could reduce your costs in the end if your house isn’t suitable for solar installation.
Rooftop solar panels have a limited range of performance because of the roof they’re mounted on. The solar array won’t produce as much power if it’s not placed at the correct angle, faces south or has obstructions such as skylights or chimneys. Ground-mounted solar panels, on the other hand, can be placed wherever the best conditions exist.
There is a chance that your roof isn’t large enough to accommodate an array of solar panels which can provide the demands of your electricity. Ground-mounted solar panels, in contrast, can be scaled to accommodate your energy needs without the restrictions of a rooftop system.
All ground-mounted solar panels systems are not created equal
There are two kinds of solar panels that are mounted on the ground. systems:
Ground-mounts are made of steel framing that is placed in the ground and keeps your panels at a set angle. The standard solar panels mounted on the ground can be adjusted manually to accommodate seasonal variations.
Pole-mounted solar systems can support multiple panels on one pole , and raise panels higher than standard ground mounts. A lot of pole-mounted solar systems have tracking systems that automatically tilt 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 residence is ideal for rooftop solar energy the ground-mounted solar panels come with many advantages.
Ground-mounted solar panels are easy to set up because they can be put on any level of land. Ground-mount solar panels don’t need to be put into the roof.
In addition, the bracings of conventional ground-mount systems can be removed without difficulty and are very light. They will be more secure if you opt for{ a|| the} pole-mount.
It can generate more power than a comparable-sized rooftop system and also save money over the long term.
Ground-mounted solar panels can be easily cleaned and maintained. It’s very practical to be able to clean snow off your panels if you live in an area with a lot of snow.
Ground-mount systems are offered by Shneyder Solar installers. The cost of a conventional ground-mounted solar panel is comparable to the cost of a rooftop system. If you choose to include a tracking system, you will have to pay an upfront price, but this can be paid back by a higher level of electricity production, making the tracking system more affordable for homeowners.
What is a suitable area for a ground-mounted solar system?
You’re looking for a space that’s perfect for you.
- The south is the terrain is flat or sloped (up about 5°).
- A floodplain that is more than 100 years old is not possible
- Shade from nearby trees not required
- It is easy to identify the electrical infrastructure that is in place which will save you the expense of trenching and cabling.
- Large constructions (above 100kW) aren’t visible from nearby homes.
- A suitable surface (not too soft so that concrete foundations are needed, but not too hard that pre-drilling is necessary)
A geotechnical study is required before solar installations can be completed. This will confirm that the correct solar mounting structure can be installed, as well as the warranty.
Different Ground Mounted Solar Panel Racking Systems
Traditional pillars made of steel are the most affordable method to install the ground-mount systems. Steel pillars are ideal to drive into if the ground has been declared acceptable by the geotechnical evaluation.
Concrete Sometimes, a concrete footing is required to place the panels. This will give you more stability and resistance to wind.
Ground Screw – Although they’re more costly to set up, they provide a reliable solution. The screws can be drilled using specialized equipment.
Ballasted – It is feasible to not penetrate the ground completely in the event that it is needed. Concrete blocks can be used to construct solar panels. They sit on the ground and hold the system in position.
Single Axis Tracking{ -||} Tracking systems employ motors to move panels during the day to ensure they’re at the right angle to the sun. Single-axis trackers trace the path of the sun from East to west.
Dual Axis Tracking Dual trackers have different motors that permit them to be moved more in a circular manner, thus maximizing the power output.
Ground-Mounted Solar: Drawbacks
Ground-mounted solar systems do have drawbacks, but it all depends on the situation is.
Land is needed
Ground-mounted systems suffer from the obvious disadvantage of having to be placed on terrain. This makes them better for suburban or rural settings than urban ones. Ground-mounted solar systems capable of producing enough electricity to power an American household’s average daily needs would require approximately 11,000 square feet uninterrupted sunlight.
Potential Environmental Impact
The United States has more than 8 billion square metres of rooftops that can be used for the installation of solar panels. The panels can double the nation’s electricity production capacity. There is no need to make more space available. Rooftop solar is low environmental impact, in terms of the use of land.
A typical ground-mounted solar array requires land to be cleared of vegetation and then graded before it can be covered in gravel. Sacrificing land with significant environmental value can be costly. It can result in loss of time in obtaining permits and public approvals, as well in the event of lawsuits.
Ground-mounted solar panels can be installed on land that is marginal, like brownfields, as well as other disturbed or contaminated land to reduce their impact on the environment. It is also possible to mount solar panels at a height that is sufficient for Agrivoltaics. This combines solar panels and agriculture. The panels can be used to support crop-growing or provide 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 are sold at 4.1 percentage less than similar houses without them. However, a ground-mounted system may turn off potential buyers who want to utilize the property for a different reason.
Extra Permitting
In certain cities, rooftop solar installations may be classified as “permitted construction”. But, since it is a brand new application for a property, systems mounted on the ground might require permission from local zoning or environmental authorities. The size of the system and height as well as local regulations.
Extra Wiring
Ground-mounted systems require more wiring to connect to the house. To protect the wires against being eaten by squirrels or others, it might be necessary to bury them.
What is the cost of ground-mounted solar panels?
A solar system is priced at $2.77 per Watt on average. That means a 10 Kilowatt system could run $27,000.8 Ground-mounted systems have higher initial cost. We include extra mounting equipment and labor, and permits.
Solar systems are an investment that will last for a long time. Therefore, it is important to know your return-on-investment (ROI) not only the initial cost. The ROI of a solar system is determined by many aspects, such as the cost and efficiency of the system, expenses for financing, labor charges, incentives from the government of the state and federal levels, and the price for electricity in your region. It takes 7 to 12 years for the system’s costs to be paid off.
The efficiency of the system is the most important factor that will determine whether the ground-mounted array is more cost-competitive than a rooftop solar panel. It might be more efficient if it can produce more electricity using fewer panels. This allows it to have a faster rate of return.
Is Ground-Mounted Solar cheaper than Roof-Mounted Systems?
Ground-mounted systems can be more costly than roof-mounted systems, even though it may appear counterintuitive. Although it might seem like it’s a hassle to transport panels onto roofs, and installing them in difficult places would be costly, using a roof to start building on can reduce the cost.
Roof-mounted solar panels require a base to set up the racking. You may need to lay a foundation using cement or other material. This is more than just mounting the solar panel mounts and calling it a day.
Ground-mount panels are more costly than roof-mount panels, but they aren’t too much. You might need additional permits depending what size your solar panel and foundation. This will add time and expense.
Ground-mounts can be manually adjusted all through the year to ensure they get the most benefit from the sun’s radiations. Although they may not offer the same range of flexibility as pole-mount systems but they are able to be adjusted more frequently than roof-mount systems. This permits for greater power production and also reduces the cost gap.
It’s worth noting that although the installation will cost more, the ground-mount panels will be more efficient. They don’t require being adjusted to match the orientation or direction the roof. This lets them be placed in a way that gives the maximum sun exposure. This means that you can generate more power that could reduce your costs throughout the lifetime of your solar system.
Ground-mounted solar panels: What are the pros and cons?
It is essential to know the pros and cons of a ground-mounted system when you’re thinking about one over a roof system. Your requirements and the constraints that you and your provider are able to decide on will ultimately impact your choice.
Pros
Freestanding solar panels offer the advantage of increasing the exposure to sunlight. Although your rooftop might not be perfectly oriented (e.g. it’s in the south and has a slope of 30-40 degrees) You can decide the best way to install your solar system on the ground to maximize the energy output. Ground-mounted systems are more efficient because they have more air circulation under the panels. This allows them to remain cool. They are easy to access to perform maintenance. This could reduce the cost of labor.
Cons
Ground-mounted systems might not be the ideal choice for all. Rooftop systems may sit on top of your roof and take up the space of your property. Ground-mounted systems could require you to utilize valuable land. This can be a problem for homeowners who use the area to garden, recreational or farming. In certain situations it is possible to integrate farming and ground-mounted systems with Agrivoltatics. Ground-mounted solar panels are more vulnerable to damage by wildlife and people trying to modify the equipment. Ground mount solar systems are more expensive, as long as they don’t require extensive repairs to your roof in order to set up a solar panel on your roof (which is likely to be required to do eventually).
Shneyder Solar is the best place to start your solar journey.
You can receive up to seven quotes from local installers through the Shneyder Solar Marketplace. This lets you pick the one that best meets your requirements and at the right cost. Make sure to register your property today to speak to one of our Energy Advisors, who will answer all your questions throughout the entire process.
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