What is ground mount solar installation?
Ground mount solar installation is a highly efficient alternative to traditional rooftop systems, involving the construction of a freestanding solar array directly on your land. This service is ideal for property owners with ample acreage, agricultural land, or homes where the roof is shaded, improperly oriented, or structurally unsuitable for panels. Instead of being constrained by the pitch and direction of a roof, ground mount systems are engineered on durable steel or aluminum frames anchored deep into the soil.
Choosing a freestanding solar array offers distinct performance advantages. Because the panels are not restricted by roof dimensions, they can be perfectly aligned facing south at the exact optimal tilt angle for your latitude, maximizing energy capture year-round. Additionally, the open space behind the panels allows for superior airflow, keeping the photovoltaic cells cooler and operating at higher efficiencies during the hot summer months. Whether you are looking to power a large rural estate, a farm, or simply want to keep your roof clear, ground mount solar installation provides a robust, highly accessible, and high-yielding renewable energy solution.
Ground mounts in the public records
Ground-mounted systems are a small share of home solar. In public installation records for 2021–2023 (Tracking the Sun), about 3% of home systems were on the ground, and fewer than 2% used a tracker that follows the sun. They are far more common where lots are large:
| State | Home systems on the ground, 2021–2023 |
|---|---|
| Illinois | 43% |
| Vermont | 19% |
| New Mexico | 6% |
| California | 1% |
Ground systems were also larger: a median of 9.4 kW against 6.4 kW for roof systems. With no roof limiting the size, owners tend to cover more of their usage, which is part of why the median price per watt came out about the same ($4.13 against $4.16) even though the structure costs more.
How ground mount solar installation works
- Site Selection and Soil Testing: The installer surveys your property to find an unshaded area with good solar access. Soil conditions are evaluated to determine the type of foundation required.
- System Engineering: The substructure is designed to withstand local wind and snow loads, determining the depth of the footings and the gauge of the steel required.
- Excavation and Foundation: Heavy equipment is used to drill holes or drive piles into the ground. For standard mounts, concrete is poured to create secure, immovable footings.
- Trenching: A trench is dug from the solar array location to your home’s main electrical meter to safely house the underground conduit and wiring.
- Racking Assembly: The vertical pipes and horizontal rails are assembled, creating a rigid, angled framework that will support the panels.
- Panel Mounting and Connection: The solar panels are bolted to the racking, the wiring is run through the underground trench, and the system is interconnected to your main panel.
Cost factors
Building a yard solar system requires different materials and labor than a roof mount, which impacts the final price.
| Factor | Impact on cost |
|---|---|
| Substructure materials | Heavy-duty steel piping and custom aluminum racking systems add significant material costs compared to simple roof rails. |
| Trenching distance | The farther the array is from your electrical meter, the more it costs for trenching labor, heavy-gauge copper wire, and conduit. |
| Soil conditions | Rocky soil or high water tables may require specialized drilling equipment or above-ground concrete ballasts, increasing excavation costs. |
| Foundation type | Driven piles are faster and cheaper in soft soil, whereas poured concrete footings require more labor and materials. |
When this service is the right fit
- Expansive properties: Farms, rural estates, and large suburban lots with plenty of unused land.
- Unsuitable roofs: Homes with roofs that are heavily shaded, face north, have complex dormers, or feature fragile materials like slate.
- Maximizing production: Property owners who want to squeeze every possible kilowatt out of their system through perfect southern orientation and optimal tilt.
- Easy maintenance access: Those who prefer having their system easily accessible from the ground for cleaning off snow, dust, or performing maintenance.
Questions to ask your installer
- Have you performed a soil analysis to determine the right foundation for my property?
- How deep will the trench be for the electrical conduit, and who is responsible for backfilling it?
- What is the ground clearance at the front edge of the array, and will it clear typical snow accumulations in our area?
- What type of warranty comes with the steel racking structure against rust or corrosion?
- Will the construction process damage my existing landscaping or driveway?
- Can you install a tracking system to follow the sun, and is it worth the extra cost?
What to watch out for
When planning a ground mount solar installation, be acutely aware of hidden costs associated with trenching. If your installer quotes a price without surveying the soil, you may be hit with massive change orders when they hit solid bedrock three feet down. Ensure the quoted trenching includes proper backfilling and seeding; some contractors leave an ugly dirt mound across your yard. Additionally, watch out for arrays designed too close to the ground in areas with heavy snowfall, as snow accumulation can block the lower panels and halt energy production. Finally, verify local zoning laws, as some municipalities have strict setback requirements for freestanding structures.