Ground-breaking Solar: Advantages of Installing Solar Panels on the Ground

When it comes to setting up a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is whether to install the panels on your roof or on the ground. While roof installations are more common, there are a variety of advantages to opting for a ground installation instead.

First and foremost, the advantage of a ground-mounted solar PV system is that it can be oriented to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. Rooftop solar panels are often limited by the orientation and pitch of the roof, which can impact their efficiency. With a ground installation, you’re free to position the panels in a way that optimizes their exposure to the sun. Additionally, ground-mounted systems are easier to maintain and repair, as they’re more accessible than rooftop systems. With the increase of stormy weather in our changing Irish seasons, rooftop installations can be tricky from a safety standpoint. A ground installation is much less likely to incur delays due to weather factors.

This all sounds good, but how are the panels mounted?

As our team at Prosolar are experienced in technical problem solving, we have designed our own ground mount solution using ground screws to secure our structure to the ground. Most ground mount installations require pouring a concrete base in the field which is less desirable and more costly. We want to ensure that your ground installation blends in with the existing landscaping, for a more aesthetically pleasing option. However if it is required for your installation, we also have options for mounting on existing or newly-poured concrete bases.

Finally, a possible futureproofing advantage to a ground-mounted solar PV system is that it can be scaled up more easily than a rooftop system. This is because there’s typically more available space on the ground than on a roof. As your energy needs grow, you can simply add more panels to your ground installation.

Take a look at some of our recent ground installation projects.

So, while rooftop solar PV systems are often thought to be the most common, there are many advantages to opting for a ground-mounted installation instead. The Prosolar expert solar tech team can speak to you about how a ground installation could work for your home or business.