Solar Ground-Mounts Defined

Solar array works ideally when it’s able to maximize as much sunlight as possible. If you live in the U.S., the sun leans south as the Earth orbits.

Facing your array true south will optimize daylight and harvest the best results. If you live south of the equator in South America, it’s best to face the array true north. Retrieving the ideal alignment can be challenging for a roof-mounted system. It’s unlikely that your roof faces directly into the sun.

Ground-Mount Systems

Ground-mount systems can face any direction by aligning at the optimal angle so it points directly at the sun. These solar systems are most efficient for these conditions. Being raised off the ground improves airflow and cooling, thus panels create more energy. Most solar panels are at an average of 77° Fahrenheit.

But when it gets hotter than this, they become less efficient, creating 10-25% less electricity. The semiconductors suffer more resistance. Proper airflow and cooling ensure your panels function in ideal conditions. When you go ground-mount, there’s little space restriction. You can expand them after the initial installation, and ground mount racking choices permit you to bolt on new additions easily.

Drawbacks

A ground mount is more complex to install and requires more money to complete the project. The permitting process is more intricate for a ground-mount system and takes up more space on your property. There’s more cost upfront to this system because it requires more parts to be assembled.

When you have an array on the ground, you have to build a sturdy roof-like structure to hold the panels in place. This involves getting your soil surveyed to ensure it can be held in place. In addition, the city or county maybe stricter with the installation process, since it’s considered a new structure. You’ll have to go to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and get a building permit.

You’ll need to:

1. Submit a design plan
2. Consider soil type and property line setback requirements
3. Pay permitting fees

Lastly, it takes up more space on your property. If you own a smaller property, your roof may be the only place your solar array will fit. In some cases, a ground-mounted system isn’t even a choice. If you want to find out what panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool.

You can see how much you can save over the next 20 years by going solar, and we can help find local solar installers who can help. For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.

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