Discover the many advantages that solar panel ground mounts can offer to your solar power system.
Investing in solar panels for your home, cottage or business is a smart choice, offering benefits like reduced reliance on grid-based energy, environmental sustainability, and lower energy bills. There are many considerations to make when selecting the different components of a solar power system to ensure optimum functionality and efficiency.
Solar panel ground mount systems provide a practical and efficient solution for installing and aligning the solar panels at the optimum orientation, especially for those locations where there is ample space available on the property. In this article, we’ll explore the process of selecting a ground mount system to help you decide if installing solar panels using a ground mount is the best choice for your specific application.
What Is a Ground Mount Solar Panel System?
When it comes to harnessing solar energy, there are many different routes you can go. Rooftop solar panels are a very popular option. Installing the panels directly onto the roof of a home or building makes efficient use of available space. Rooftop solar panels are common for residential properties for this very reason. However, not every roof is positioned in the exact orientation and location for optimum solar energy production.
Solar panel ground mount systems offer a great alternative to rooftop installations, especially for properties with ample land available. These systems involve mounting solar panels on the ground using either a pole or metal frame. Frame-style ground mount systems provide a straightforward installation option that positions solar panels securely on the ground without the need for working at heights or navigating complex roof structures. They offer excellent flexibility in terms of orientation and location, allowing you to customize the positioning of the panels to maximize sunlight exposure and energy production.
Pole-mounted systems offer a different approach to ground mounting. Instead of having the panels anchored directly onto a frame on the ground, these systems utilize tall poles for support. Pole-mounted systems still offer the same great benefits of frame ground mounts, such as flexibility in positioning, easy installation, and greater energy production, however, they typically require a more involved installation process. These systems are often used in locations where ground conditions may not be suitable for a frame-style mount or when there are obstructions in the area such as trees or bushes. Overall, the choice between pole-mounted and frame ground mount systems depends on factors like site conditions, installation preferences, and desired positioning.
Benefits of Ground Mounted Solar Panel Systems
- Greater Flexibility in Location
Ground mount solar panel systems can be installed almost anywhere if you have adequate land space. This grants you greater flexibility regarding where the panels are installed and how many panels you can install. Ground mount systems can be configured to use a variety of different base styles, thereby allowing you to select the appropriate base type for the terrain, including surfaces ranging from soft earth to solid rock.
- Greater Solar Production
Ground-mounted solar panel systems offer the advantage of manual angle adjustability, allowing you to optimize their positioning to absorb sunlight most effectively. Unlike costly tracking systems, which have become less practical due to their high expense and complexity, manual adjustment provides a cost-effective alternative. With manual angle adjustment, you have the flexibility to tailor the tilt based on the sun’s rays and the season, ensuring maximum solar absorption. This manual approach empowers you to take full control of your solar production, offering a practical and efficient solution for harnessing solar energy.
Ground-mounted systems are well suited to the use of bifacial solar panels, which collect energy on both the front surface and the back surfaces of the panels. This design allows bifacial solar panels to produce up to 30% more energy per panel than traditional monofacial solar panels.
- Easier Maintenance
Unlike rooftop panels, ground panels are more easily accessible, making them much simpler to clean or perform regular maintenance on. Another bonus of ground-mounted solar power panels is that the angle can be adjusted up to 60 degrees in the winter months. This angle allows the snow to just slide off, preventing snow build-up from blocking the sun’s rays.
Important Considerations for Ground Mount Solar Panel Systems
- Upfront Costs Can Be Higher
Ground mount systems for solar panels may add to the total cost of the solution when compared to rooftop mounting due to factors such as site preparation, structural engineering, permitting and regulations, and installation equipment costs. Not all sites will require all of these additional steps, so costs will vary based on the unique needs of your location.
Freight and shipping costs of some solar power ground mounts can be an unexpected concern. Certain styles of ground mounts are made of very long, heavy beams and rails, making shipping complicated and costly. In some cases, flatbed trailers and special off-loading equipment may be required. To eliminate this as a potential concern for our customers, Solar Power Store has developed a unique shipping-friendly modular ground mount system design. Our top-quality solar power ground mount systems help keep costs down by making shipping much more affordable.
- Additional Safety Steps Are Required
As mentioned, ground mount solar panels are naturally much closer to the ground than roof mounted systems and are therefore more easily accessible. You must take proper safety precautions to prevent wildlife, livestock, or people unaware of the potential risks of interfering with electrical equipment from coming into contact with the system. Such precautions include adequate fencing and proper cable management. The Canadian Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) requires that all ground mount solar power systems have wire protection for this reason.
- Engineering Stamps May Be Required
While not required in all locations across Canada, there are certain provinces and municipalities that may require ground mounts for solar panels to come with engineering stamps before they can be installed. Fortunately, to make the process easy and simple, our selection of Maple Leaf and Kinetic ground mounts are already stamped and therefore approved for use across Canada. To find out what is required in your location, simply reach out to our team today and we’ll be glad to answer any questions for you.
- Trimming of Surrounding Trees & Vegetation
Most solar panels will provide a good 25-30 years of power production. In that time, trees and shrubs that were once small might grow to become large and obstructive. Therefore, you’ll need to stay on top of pruning nearby vegetation that may block portions of the sun from your solar panels to maintain maximum energy efficiency. It’s worth noting that some pole-mounted systems can be 14 feet tall or more and are likely to easily clear tree lines on properties with tall vegetation.
How To Get Ready for Installation
Selecting the Right Location on Your Property
Before embarking on the installation process, it’s important that proper planning is done to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your ground mounted solar panel system.
Location is extremely important. Where does your property get the most sun for the longest amount of time? That’s the best place to start. Any partial shading can significantly reduce the system’s efficiency. The right location should not have any trees or buildings that could cause shade to fall on to the panels.
Ground-mounted solar panel systems require sufficient land space. We recommend ensuring adequate space between your solar panels and any obstructions, such as buildings or trees. Additionally, some municipalities can have setback requirements that state how close to your property line you can build. You must check what your local requirements are before you begin your solar panel journey.
It's also crucial that you thoroughly assess your property and its terrain. You will want to determine any flood zones that run through your property. The last thing you want to do is install your solar panels in an area that frequently floods or collects water during spring thaws or heavy rain (although this can be addressed during the installation if there aren’t any other suitable locations).
Not sure how to proceed? The Solar Power Store provides personalized design services!
Our team will evaluate the optimal location on your property with a comprehensive analysis. Contact us today!
Determining the Right Foundation
Once you’ve decided where you want your solar panels installed, you’ll need to select the foundation type for your ground-mounted solar panel system. Several factors will influence this decision, including soil composition, local climate conditions, and the size of the system.
Common foundation types include concrete footings, ground screws, ballasted mounts, and pole mounts.
- Concrete footings – the more versatile option, concrete can be used no matter how level the terrain or rock may be.
- Ground screws – ideal for locations without rocks. The terrain does not need to be even as each leg can be adjusted to a different height.
- Ballasted mounts – ideal for locations that have strict land use regulations or restrictions, including soil disturbances.
- Post mounts – these panels are elevated above ground level, allowing for easy maintenance and enhanced airflow.
A strong foundation is important to avoid damage to your property or injury to people. The sturdiness of your foundation will depend greatly on your soil type. It’s always a good idea to get an expert to test your soil to determine if it can support the weight of a ground mounted solar panel. They will also be able to determine if any large rocks may cause complications when digging begins.
Ground Mount Options for Solar Panels
The supporting structure, also known as the racking system, plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and longevity of your ground-mounted solar panel system. There are various options available, ranging from fixed-tilt racks to tracking systems that follow the sun’s path throughout the day. One factor to consider is that some newer styles of solar power panels can be as long as 8 feet, meaning that not all ground mounts are specifically designed to support panels this big. It is very important to check that your selected mount can fit the solar panels you purchase. Luckily, the Maple Leaf line of solar power ground mounts offers flexible sizing to support both newer and older styles of solar panels.
Styles of Solar Panel Ground Mounts
Frame-Type Ground Mounts
These are the most common styles of ground mounts for solar panels that you will see. The solar panels are attached to a metal framework for support, and that framework is attached to an anchored support system embedded deep into the ground or mounted to concrete footings. Take a closer look at our Maple Leaf 16-panel solar ground mount!
Pole-Mount Systems
Pole-mounted solar panel systems are elevated on a tall metal pole, typically reaching up to around 14ft or more. The poles are typically connected to a concrete anchor embedded in the ground in order to provide the necessary structural stability for the solar panels. Check out the Maple Leaf North Pole solar panel ground mount system!
Solar Panel Carport Mounts
Another interesting option to consider is a solar carport. These are essentially a variation of a standard ground mount. The panels are stationary and do not move throughout the year, however, instead of being installed at ground level, they are installed high enough to park vehicles under them. Since they need to be installed higher off the ground, the initial installation costs are higher than standard mounts. However, this is a great option for large parking lots or driveways.
Choosing the Right Solar Panels for Mounting
Bifacial solar panels utilize an advanced design that absorbs sunlight not only from the front of the panel, but also from the back. The design enables the panels to capture sunlight from direct exposure as well as reflected light coming off surrounding surfaces.
Bifacial solar panels can produce up to 30% more solar energy per panel when compared to monofacial solar panels of the same size. This makes bifacial panels the ideal choice for ground-mounted solar power systems. Unsurprisingly, bifacial solar panels are the most popular choice for those looking for maximum efficiency. Bifacial solar panels are often more expensive than monofacial solar panels upfront but provide greater energy savings in the long run.
Choosing a Reputable Company for Your Solar Power Needs
A good solar power solution and ground mount system should provide reliable, efficient power generation for decades. That’s why the long-term benefits vastly outweigh the upfront costs. However, the overall performance and longevity of the solution you install will depend on the quality of the equipment as well as the experience of the installers. That’s why it’s so important to choose a reputable and dependable solar solution provider. Look for a trusted supplier who will offer technical support and help with choosing the right equipment, filling out permits, and designing a proper solar system layout. Here at Solar Power Store, our helpful and knowledgeable team will make all the difference.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your utility bills, or a business owner seeking to lower operating costs, investing in a ground-mounted solar panel system is a step in the right direction toward a cleaner, greener future.
Solar Power Store is here to provide you with the knowledge, equipment, and expertise to embark on this renewable energy journey with confidence. We are a proud Canadian-owned and operated business, with comprehensive end-to-end sales, installation, and service for all types of solar power systems. We ship all products, including our ground mount systems, from our office and warehouse in Ontario, Canada using standardized packaging sizes to save you time and money.
Get in touch with the experts here at Solar Power Store before embarking on your solar energy adventure, and together, we can contribute to a more sustainable world. Contact us today & get your custom quote for a complete solar power solution!