Ground Mounted Solar Panels

Ground-mounted solar panels

Homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint can choose from a range of technologies to provide hot water and heat for their homes. One of the most popular and cost-effective solutions is to install solar panels on the roof. But many homeowners are put-off taking this route because of the impact it has on the appearance of their home.

Also, some roofs are not suitable for solar panel installation. Either because they are not strong enough to support the weight or don’t have enough surface area to provide enough energy. Some homes may also be restricted by planning regulations, with solar panel installations restricted in conservation areas and on listed buildings.

In such cases, homeowners are forced to look at alternative technologies such as ground source heat pumps. But these are not suitable for every property and the cost of installation is prohibitive for some. But there is another solution – ground-mounted solar panels.

What are ground-mounted solar panels?

Ground-mounted solar panels are conventional solar panels installed on frames or poles fixed to the ground. Typically, they are installed in the garden, but one of the main advantages of this type of system is the flexible mounting options they provide.

Ground-mounted solar systems can be used to support both photovoltaic PV panels (for electricity generation) and solar thermal panels (to heat water). Both types of solar thermal panels are also supported giving homeowners the choice between flat plate and evacuated tube systems.

Types of ground-mounted solar panels

One of the best things about ground-mounted solar panels is the flexible mounting options they provide. With roof-mounted systems, you are limited by the roofs pitch and the direction it faces, both of which impact efficiency. But ground-mounted solar panels can be installed using several methods to maximise exposure to the sun’s rays.

Frame mounts

With a frame-mounted system, the panels are mounted on a fixed frame. The frame should be mounted in a position where it is exposed to the most sunlight throughout the day. The angle of the panels can also be adjusted to maximise exposure and increase efficiency.

Frames are available in many sizes and can be used to mount up to four solar panels. Several frames can also be connected in an array, assuming you have space. The disadvantage of this type of installation is the frame requires a large flat surface for mounting and the panels are difficult to adjust once installed.

Pole mounts

Fixed pole-mounted systems are an attractive alternative to frame-mounted systems. With this type of mounting up to four panels are attached to a single pole. The main advantage of this system is that it doesn’t require a large flat surface for installation, allowing multiple poles to be mounted on a sloping site to create a large array.

The panels themselves can also be mounted higher which allows them to be positioned to overcome shadows cast from buildings or trees. It is also easier to adjust pole-mounted systems so the panels can be positioned more accurately to collect sunlight making them more efficient.

Tracking systems

With tracking systems, the panels are mounted on motorised frames which automatically follow the sun throughout the day. This ensures the panels are exposed to the maximum level of sunlight which greatly improves the efficiency of the system compared to fixed systems.

Tracking systems are available in two types, single-axis and dual-axis. Single-axis systems follow the sun in a linear path from east to west. While dual-axis systems follow the sun in a more accurate circular path which increases exposure and improves efficiency.

In theory, this type of system should be more efficient than a fixed system. But in practice, the impact of buildings and trees can greatly impact performance. To get the best out of this type of installation the panels should be mounted in an expansive open area which is not affected by shadows from buildings or trees at any time of the day.

Canopies

Solar panels mounted on canopies are a great way of overcoming limited ground space. With this type of installation, the panels are installed on a frame which forms part of a structure. Solar canopies are a great way of providing energy for electric vehicle charging stations. Such structures don’t take up much space and the electricity generated is completely free from carbon emissions.

Advantages

• Ground-mounted solar panels have greater flexibility on placement which allows them to be positioned to maximise their exposure to the sun. This makes them more efficient than roof-mounted panels of the same size.
• More aesthetically pleasing than traditional roof-mounted panels.
• Easy access means lower maintenance costs.
• Snow, leaves and debris can be removed easily allowing them to keep producing electricity efficiently throughout the year.

Disadvantages

• Debris is more likely to accumulate on ground-mounted solar panels. (Although it is easier to clean off).
• If the panel is tilted less than 15º it will not be cleaned by rainfall. This will mean extra cleaning has to be carried out to maintain efficiency.
• Shadows cast by trees and buildings may affect performance at certain times of the day.
• Costs more to install than roof-mounted solar panels (increased installation costs are often recouped by improved efficiency).
• Takes up usable space in the garden.

Conclusion

Ground-mounted solar panels provide a great alternative to roof-mounted panels. While they cost more to install than traditional roof-mounted panels the extra energy they provide means they are often more cost-effective in the long run. Such systems also limit the aesthetic impact on your home, which is a major consideration for some.

The greater flexibility of installing such systems also means they can be used in more creative ways. This is great if you don’t have the room or don’t want to dedicate space in the garden to a solar array. Instead, you can use ground-mounted solar panels to create an architectural feature such as a carport or brise soleil for a patio.