Many residential PV systems are ground-mounted solar systems instead of being installed on the roof of the home. The reasons for doing so can range from not having enough roof space to accommodate solar offset goals – to improving performance and efficiency objectives.
Ground-based solar panels can be placed in a yard or field that receives a suitable amount of sunlight throughout the day. Mounting solar panels on the ground, racks, or atop poles is commonplace. However, ground-mounted solar panel costs can be higher than roof mounted panels primarily due to the expense of racking, longer wire distance, and trenching. Fortunately, these costs qualify for the Federal Tax Credit, lowering the out-of-pocket cost by 30% in 2022.
Ground-mounted solar energy systems are prevalent in agricultural and commercial situations. Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems are federally funded programs available through the USDA solar grant and qualify for the commercial solar tax credit.
Solar panel installation costs are dependent upon several factors, including, but not limited to, installation labor, materials, number of panels, and quality of peripheral components. Ground-mount solar PV systems can be more costly than the average roof mount system.
For example, a yard solar system requires trenching and laying low-gauge wire from the panels to the home or business. Roof mounting does not require any ground trenching.
The number of ground solar panels to install in a backyard energy system is determined by calculating the number of kilowatts needed to operate your home or business then calculating the number of panels required to generate that electricity. The proper calculation is known as the Offset of Energy Cost.
For example, according to experts, the average home in Florida uses 1,110 kWh of electrical current. To offset 90% of 1,110 kWh would be 999 kWh.
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Yes! If you have enough open space and optimal sunlight, you can install ground-mounted solar panels.
Ground-mounted panels are easy to install, access, and service.
No. Ground-mounted panels often need a base installed to mount the panels on. This increases the cost over rooftop panels since the roof is used as the mount for those.
The ideal spots for ground-mounted solar panels are areas that have optimal sunlight without shade or things that cast shadows. This could include trees, buildings, billboards, signs and even walls. This area should also be large enough to accommodate the number of panels you are installing. For example, each panel covers 18 square feet of ground space. If you needed to install 20 panels, then you would need 360 square feet of ground space.
According to the National Electric Code (NEC), equipment grounding requires that ground wires be properly bonded to both the racking and PV modules. When the conductors for the PV source and output circuits are sized correctly, a smaller gauge wire can be used. However, to help lessen damage caused by lightning strikes, it is recommended that a larger wire be used.