There are many ways of installing solar power in your home. The most common way is a roof-mounted solar panel system. Most people would just install this. However, there’s another way to power your home, and that is by installing a ground-mount solar panel system. This article will review the advantages and disadvantages of ground-mounted solar panel systems.
Ground-Mount Solar Panel System
In this system, free-standing solar panels are placed near ground level, either attached to a pole or rested on a metal frame, to generate electricity. They vary from rooftop panels in features like:
- Maintenance.
- Alignment.
- Location.
- Installation.
Ground-mount solar panels can be installed in two ways:
Standard Ground-Mount Solar Power:
A racking system or a metal frame holds your panels to the ground at a certain angle. They need extra space around them so they can get around the shades from tall objects. They’re primarily used in residential settings and installed in areas with higher peak sun hours. They’re a great fixed, roof-mounted option that optimises the amount of sunlight received.
Pole-Mount Solar Power:
A metal frame is attached to the top of a pole on which solar panels are attached. These solar panels are elevated and higher off the ground, making them perfect for additional customisation. A tracking system can also be added, which tracks the Sun and moves the solar panels throughout the day.
Requirements for a Ground-Mount Solar Power System
You should consider these factors when you consider installing a ground-mount solar power system:
Financing Options:
Ground-mount solar panels are less cost-effective and sit at a higher upfront cost than rooftop solar panels.
Physical Space:
You’ll need a lot of space when installing a ground-mounted solar power system for trenching the wiring, including the panels, and installing the hardware. You should have at least fifty feet of open space between the solar panels and other objects or structures so that the panels get adequate sunlight.
Keep the setback requirements in mind (if you have them) for your town or city where there is a limit to how close you can build to the edge of your property line. You will have to be careful of the proximity to your neighbours, especially if they have something that can obstruct the sunlight on your roof.
Soil Type:
You need to have a solid and deep foundation to avoid alignment and settling problems so that your solar panel remains secure to the surface during harsh weather while keeping a safe distance from groundwater. Hire a geologist to examine your soil. They will tell you if the ground can support the weight of a ground-mounted solar panel system or not.
The Advantages
Maintenance:
Since your solar panels will be on the ground, maintaining and cleaning them will be easy. All you need is a soft brush, some soap, and water. On the other hand, cleaning or maintaining roof-mounted solar panels is a job for solar specialists.
Solar Production:
In a few cases, ground-mount solar panels can be more productive than rooftop solar arrays since they aren’t limited by the angle and size of the roof. They can easily be placed at the ideal angle to optimise energy production.
A ground-mounted system has more flexibility in terms of tilting too. Some can even be programmed to rotate and tilt throughout the day so that they track the direction of the sun,
Placement:
With ground-mounted solar panels, you get easy placement since you can choose from various panel designs. You can even decide how many panels you want. All of these factors increase your total power output.
Installation:
You can easily remove and install the racks and braces of a standard ground-mount solar system. They are lightweight, and the installation is safer on the ground than on the roof.
The Disadvantages
Permits:
Since they are a new use of your property, ground-mount solar power systems may need additional solar permitting in some areas. The planning, zoning, and environmental authorities may need to review your system before and after installation. This can be a hassle since it uses a lot of time and adds cost to your overall system.
Shading:
Efficiency can drop if nearby trees or structures provide shade to a ground-mount solar power system. However, you can prune back overhanging trees to address that problem. Rather than convincing your Homeowners Association or a judge that your neighbours should change their home so that you have adequate sunlight, it is advisable not to install your solar power system near your neighbours’ property.
Safety Risk:
Since they are on the ground, these panels can put expensive electrical equipment within reach of children and pets. Even if you fence them properly, the damage is unavoidable due to their proximity to the ground. There can be exposed wires due to weather conditions or a system malfunction.
Installation Cost:
Ground-mounted solar power systems cost more due to the additional structures, time, and materials invested in their installation. A perfect example is that of a sturdy foundation. It needs to be anchored somewhere so it can hold everything in place.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Considering the pros and cons of ground-mounted solar panels and rooftop solar before any purchase is advisable. These can be in efficiency, safety, or cost. This helps you make the right decision for your family and yourself.
You should select the option which gives you the best choice for maximising the solar energy savings of your home. Choose the one which will provide you with the most sunlight. Since solar panels last 25-30 years, you should weigh in on everything.