A ground-mounted solar panel, as opposed to a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system, is a configuration utilized for the large-scale generation of solar energy. It is commonly known as a solar farm or solar field. These systems consist of multiple solar panels arranged in rows and columns. They are often installed on raised metal or concrete structures to ensure optimal orientation for the lightest exposure. Utility-scale solar power generation, commercial and industrial solar installations, and community solar initiatives are just a few uses for ground-mounted solar panels. They can be utilized for off-grid applications in distant locations where the grid connection is not possible or linked to the electrical grid to deliver electricity to the local power grid.

Ground-mounted solar panels provide the following benefits:

Higher energy output is possible with ground-mounted solar panels than with rooftop installations, which may be constrained by shade or orientation issues. This results in increased efficiency.
Utility-scale solar power plants or commercial installations benefit from ground-mounted solar panels, which offer increased energy production with larger arrays.
Erect them in various areas like open fields, brownfields, or marginal lands, providing more freedom in site selection as they don’t rely on roof space.
Because ground-mounted solar panels are put at ground level, they are often easier to reach and maintain than rooftop installations. This makes cleaning, inspection, and repairs more straightforward.
Community solar projects, which enable numerous users or stakeholders to profit from the solar energy output even if they do not have solar panels placed on their own premises, can employ ground-mounted solar panels.

Is it possible to place solar panels on the ground?

Most solar panels are on rooftops. However, if a suitable roof isn’t available or high-volume generation is needed, ground-mounted solar panels are used. Typically, commercial buildings or utility solar farms use ground-mounted PV. This is because most personal homes don’t have a lot of extra land. However, we do offer advice on what to take into account for domestic ground installations.

Do you require planning approval to install solar panels on the ground?

If any of the following apply to your ground-mounted array:

If it looks onto or is visible from a roadway, if in a conservation area or world heritage site
is it more than 4m high
it is less than 5m from the property line
the entire array is greater than 9m2
it is not the first solar array on the property.

You require authorization if any of these circumstances exist. Commercial ground systems almost generally require authorization since they are larger than 9m2, and this rule applies to both household and commercial installations. The likelihood of receiving approval relies on how supportive the local government is of solar. Taking the following actions will increase your chances of success:

Promote effective land use, preferring undeveloped or brownfield sites over greenfield or agricultural sites. It is advantageous to combine the area with grazing or make efforts to boost biodiversity and animals.
Ensure minimal environmental damage when removing the system at the end of its useful life.

On what surfaces are solar panels installed?

To maintain the modules at the optimal angle for energy generation and to shield them from rain, wind, and snow, some form of framework must secure them. This structure could be one of the following: a ballasted plastic box just a few inches high; a metal A-frame fixed in a concrete base or on a pole driven into the ground; a solar tracking system (more on this below); or a wooden frame that could also serve as another structure for shading or outdoor storage. To take advantage of the seasonal variation in the angle of sunlight, several of the frames allow you to vary the pitch of the panels. Arrange the panels in either portrait or landscape orientation, and stack them at one height or in a stacked configuration. When constructing a ground-mounted system, you may of course choose to face south, which is the best direction in the UK. The array’s infrastructure will include tunnels for cabling, inverters, and space between panels’ rows to accommodate shading.

Significant ground-mounted PV
Roof mount installations vs ground mount ones

Let’s analyze the advantages and disadvantages of ground mounts against rooftops in order to contrast the most common PV mounting techniques.

The Advantages of Ground Mounts

Building an optimized, larger system is considerably more feasible with a ground-based system than a rooftop system. The size, angle, or orientation of the existing roof does not constrain the ground-based system.
The weight or fasteners needed for a solar system may be too much for certain roofs to support.
The choice to use a tracker to boost generation.
Simple access for upkeep and cleaning.
Greater efficiency thanks to more airflow around the panels than on a rooftop.
If your energy requirements alter in the future, it will be simpler to expand the system.
The shortcomings of ground mounts
Unlike wasted roof space, a ground-based system occupies space that could be better utilized. However, elevating the panels allows space below for grazing or animals.
It’s more difficult to find unobstructed open space, which limits usage to rural areas like farms.
Components are more susceptible to theft than those on a rooftop, and installation requires more labour and materials, which raises the initial cost.
Rooftop panels offer an additional layer of insulation while shielding a portion of the roof from the elements.

Solar tracking system

The added weight of a solar tracking system would be too much for most roofs to support. However, ground mounts can take advantage of the uplift that comes from following the sun as it moves across the sky. With a single axis or two axes, trackers utilize an electric motor to tilt the panels. This way the sun’s rays are parallel to their surface throughout the day. Even while the mechanics add to the cost and upkeep, they can boost production by over 20%.

The Ecological Impact

Concerns with ground-mounted PV include how it may affect the local environment and ecology. But when built properly, it might really be advantageous to both. The PV system will give agricultural land a prolonged period of rest, letting the soil replenish its nutrients. The efficient conversion of the area back to cultivation will be possible through future system decommissioning. With relatively little human interference, a ground-mounted array can offer a haven for wildlife. The Building Research Establishment estimates that infrastructure affects less than 5% of the ground space in solar farms. For insects, reptiles, and ground-nesting birds, solar panels provide safe havens. Through shade and concentrated rain runoff, they create microhabitats that sustain biodiversity. However, there are other things to think about when it comes to ground-mounted solar panels. Some of them are; the availability of land, issues with land usage, and possible environmental effects. To ensure ethical and sustainable ground-mounted solar panel installations, stakeholders must actively address critical factors. These are; obtaining proper permitting, conducting environmental studies, and engaging with the community.