Ground mounted solar panels are solar panels installed on a frame fixed to the ground rather than attached to the roof of a building.
They work exactly the same way as rooftop solar panels, converting sunlight into electricity that powers your property. The main difference is simply where the solar panel system is installed.
A ground mounted solar system is typically installed on:
- Large gardens
- Paddocks
- Commercial land
- Properties with unused open land
- Limited roof space
- Poor orientation
- Structural concerns
- Chimneys or shading
- Large gardens
- Rural homes
- Farms
- Commercial sites
- Unused open land
- Ground preparation
- Structural mounting frames
- Additional cabling
- Trenching
- Your roof is not suitable for solar panels
- You have enough available land
- You want a larger system size
- You want flexibility in panel positioning
- You want to maximise energy production
For homes where the roof is shaded or unsuitable, a mounted solar panel installation on the ground can be an effective alternative to a traditional roof mount system.
How Does a Ground Mounted Solar System Work?
A ground mounted system works the same way as other solar energy systems.
The panels capture sunlight and generate electricity, which is then converted into usable power for your property.
The key difference is that instead of being attached to the roof, the panels are fixed to a framework mounted into the ground.
Because ground mounted solar panels installed on land are not restricted by roof design, the solar installer can position them more precisely to maximise sunlight and overall energy production.
This flexibility is one of the main reasons some properties benefit from ground mounted solar installations.
What Are the Benefits of Ground Mounted Solar Panels?
There are several important benefits of ground mounts that make them attractive for certain homes and businesses.
Better Positioning
Unlike roof mounted systems, ground arrays can be positioned to capture the best sunlight throughout the day.
This means the panels can often achieve stronger power output compared with a poorly positioned rooftop system.
Larger System Size
A ground mounted solar system is not limited by the size of your roof. If you have enough land, a larger solar array can be installed to produce more electricity.
This can lead to greater costs savings over time by generating more renewable power.
Easier Maintenance
Because the panels are installed at ground level, they are easier to access for inspection, cleaning and maintenance compared with rooftop solar panels.
Suitable for Difficult Roofs
If your roof is shaded, north facing or structurally unsuitable, installing mounted solar panels on the ground may be the better solution.
How Do Ground Mounted Systems Compare to Roof Mounted Systems?
The biggest difference between a ground mounted system and a roof mount system is location.
A rooftop system uses the existing roof structure to support panels. This works well for many properties, but roofs can create limitations such as:
With ground mounted solar installations, the panels can be installed in a location with better sunlight exposure and fewer restrictions.
However, roofs remain a convenient place for many installations, so roof mounted systems are still the most common option for residential solar.
Are Ground Mounted Solar Panels More Efficient?
They can be.
A ground mounted solar system allows the installer to optimise the tilt and direction of the panels more easily than with some rooftop solar panels.
Because of this flexibility, the energy production of a ground array can sometimes be higher than a roof mount system installed on a poorly oriented roof.
However, if a property already has a well-positioned south facing roof, a rooftop system can perform just as well.
Do Ground Mounted Solar Panels Need More Space?
Yes.
A ground mounted system requires enough land to install the frame and maintain space between rows of panels so they do not shade each other.
This means they are usually best suited to properties with:
If space is limited, rooftop solar panels are usually the more practical option.
Can Ground Mounted Solar Panels Use Tracking Systems?
Yes.
One advantage of some ground mounted solar installations is that they can incorporate a tracking system.
A tracking system allows panels to move slightly during the day to follow the sun, improving solar energy capture and increasing the overall amount of electricity produced.
Tracking technology is more commonly used in large commercial projects and solar farms, but it can also be used in certain residential or commercial installations where space allows.
Are Ground Mounted Solar Panels More Expensive?
In many cases they are slightly more expensive than roof mounted systems.
A mounted solar panel installation on the ground may require:
Because of this, the upfront installation cost can be higher than a rooftop system.
However, if the ground system allows a larger solar panel system or better sunlight exposure, it can still produce greater costs savings over the long term.
What Is the Environmental Impact of Ground Mounted Solar?
The environmental impact of solar panels is generally very low compared with fossil fuel electricity.
A ground mounted solar system generates renewable electricity without producing emissions during operation.
However, because the panels occupy land, it is important that the installation is carefully planned to minimise impact. This is especially relevant for large solar farms, which can cover significant areas.
For most residential systems installed on gardens or small plots, the environmental footprint is minimal while still producing clean solar energy.
Are Ground Mounted Solar Panels Right for Your Property?
A ground mounted solar panel system may be the right choice if:
If your property already has a well-positioned roof with enough space, a rooftop system may still be the simplest option.
How Can CRG Direct Help With Ground Mounted Solar Panels?
At CRG Direct, we design and install tailored solar energy systems including both rooftop solar panels and ground mounted solar systems.
Our experienced solar installers assess your roof, land and electricity usage to recommend the best solution for your property.
If you have suitable open land and want to explore a ground mounted solar installation, contact CRG Direct today to discuss the right system size, expected power output and long-term costs savings for your home or business.
Ground Mounted Solar Panels FAQ
Do ground mounted solar panels generate more electricity than rooftop systems?
They can, but it depends on the property. A ground mounted solar system can sometimes generate more electricity because the panels can be positioned at the ideal angle and direction for sunlight. If your roof is shaded or not south facing, ground mounted solar panels may produce better overall energy production than a rooftop system.
How much space do ground mounted solar panels need?
The amount of land required depends on the system size and number of panels installed. A typical domestic solar panel system might need around 20–30 square metres of space, but larger systems require more land. The panels must also be spaced to avoid shading between rows.
Are ground mounted solar panels more expensive than roof mounted systems?
In many cases yes. Ground mounted solar installations can cost more because they require mounting structures, groundwork and additional cabling. However, if the installation allows a larger solar array or better positioning, the additional costs savings from higher energy generation can offset the higher upfront cost.
Do I need planning permission for a ground mounted solar system?
Most domestic mounted solar panel installations fall under permitted development in the UK, but there are conditions around size, height and location. If the system is very large, close to boundaries, or installed in certain protected areas, planning permission may be required.
Can ground mounted solar panels be installed in a garden?
Yes. Many homeowners install ground mounted solar panels in gardens or unused open land around their property. A professional solar installer will assess whether there is enough space and good sunlight exposure to make the system worthwhile.
Are ground mounted systems used in large solar farms?
Yes. Most solar farms use ground mounted systems because large open areas allow thousands of panels to be installed efficiently. These large-scale projects generate significant solar energy for the grid using the same technology as smaller domestic systems.
Can ground mounted solar panels use tracking systems?
Some systems can include a tracking system that adjusts the panel position during the day to follow the sun. This can increase the amount of electricity generated, but it is more commonly used in commercial projects and solar farms rather than typical domestic installations.
How long do ground mounted solar panels last?
Most solar panels installed today have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years or more. The mounting structures used in ground mounted solar systems are also designed to last for decades, with minimal maintenance required beyond occasional inspection and cleaning.