When property owners think of installing a solar energy system, rooftop solar is probably the first thing to come to mind. What many property owners don’t realize is that installing ground mount solar panels is just as easy and will pencil out financially. In many cases, ground-mounted solar panels can be your best option if your property has significant energy consumption, limited roof space, and vacant land to install on.

Generally, ground mount solar panels cost a bit more than rooftop solar on a per-watt basis because of additional materials (steel), labor, and permits that may be required for the installation. That being said, if your property isn’t ideal for rooftop solar, installing a ground-mounted system can actually save you more money in the long run. Rooftop solar arrays are restricted by the characteristics of the roof on which they are installed.  If your roof isn’t at the right angle, doesn’t face south, or has obstructions like HVAC equipment or skylights, then your solar array will be less productive. On the other hand, ground-mounted solar panels can be located wherever the conditions are best.

Not all ground-mounted solar panel systems are created equal. There are two basic types of ground-mounted solar panel systems. Standard ground-mounts use metal framing driven into the ground to hold your solar panels up at a fixed angle. Some standard ground-mounted solar panel systems can be manually adjusted a few times a year to account for seasonal shifts of the sun.

Pole-mounted solar systems support multiple solar panels on a single pole and elevate panels higher off the ground than a standard ground mount. Pole-mounted solar often incorporates tracking systems, which automatically tilt the solar panels to capture the optimal amount of sunshine.

Tracking systems can increase the production of your solar panels by 25 percent or more. If you decide to add a tracking system to your ground-mounted solar array, you have the option of either a single-axis or a dual-axis system. Single-axis tracking systems move your solar panels over the course of the day to follow the sun as it moves through the sky. Dual-axis tracking

systems can also adjust based on seasonal variations in the sun’s position. Ground-mounted solar panel systems offer benefits for all property owners.  Even if you are a good candidate for a rooftop solar energy system, there are many benefits to choosing a ground-mounted solar panel system.

• First, ground-mounted solar panel systems are very easy to place, because they can be located on open land. They don’t require drilling into your roof, and the bracings used in standard ground-mount systems are lightweight and easy to remove. (If you opt for a pole-mount, they will usually be installed more securely.)
• Second, a ground-mount solar panel system can be more productive per panel than a rooftop solar array. Because they’re not dependent on your roof, ground-mounted solar panels are set at the perfect angle to optimize energy production. This means you can generate more electricity than a comparably sized rooftop system, and save more money in the long run.
• Finally, ground-mounted solar panels are very easy to access for cleaning and maintenance. If you live in an area that receives a lot of snow in the winter, being able to easily sweep the snow off of your solar panels is a major convenience.

This solar ground-mounted system contains a tracking system that follows the sun to maximize production!

Our installation partners offer ground-mounted system options, and the cost of standard ground-mounted solar is comparable with a rooftop solar energy system installation. If you decide to include a tracking system in your installation, you will pay an additional upfront cost, but the resulting increase in electricity production can make tracking systems cost-effective for many property owners.

Contact Us!

Get your turnkey ground-mounted solar system and battery proposal with financing options by e-mailing us your last 12-month electric bills, a picture of the facilities’ switchgear, and a picture of your vacant land today: info@beachcitiessolarconsulting.com