When businesses start looking at solar, the first question is often, “Can we fit enough panels on the roof?” For some sites, the answer is yes. For others, the roof does not provide enough space to generate the amount of electricity the business needs. That is where ground mounted solar can be worth considering to match this higher demand.
Ground mounted solar uses panels installed on a frame fixed into the ground rather than on a building. It can be a good option for businesses with suitable land available, particularly where roof space is limited or when a larger solar system is needed. There is more to consider than simply having enough land, though. The position of the panels, the business’s electricity demand, grid connection, planning requirements and how the system will work alongside the site all need to be looked at.
What is ground mounted solar?
Ground mounted solar is a solar PV system installed on land rather than on a roof. The panels are mounted on specially designed structures, positioned to make the most of available sunlight. Depending on the site, this could mean using a small area of unused land next to a commercial building or developing a much larger installation across a wider site.
For businesses with enough suitable land, this opens up another option when looking at how much solar they can install to a significant amount. This is a great option for larger energy users where available roof space cannot accommodate a system large enough to make a significant contribution to their electricity demand.
1. Make better use of available land
One of the biggest ground mounted solar benefits is being able to make use of land that may otherwise have limited value to the business. Many commercial and industrial sites have areas of grass, unused fields, land around buildings or other spaces that are not being used for day-to-day operations.
It is important to note that this does not automatically make the land suitable for solar. Access, ground conditions, shading, drainage, planning and other site considerations all need to be assessed first. We’d complete a site survey to review all of these elements to understand project viability at the early stages, taking into account all of these elements that may affect suitability. However, where the conditions are right, solar can turn an underused area of a site into an energy-generating asset.
Our completed ground mount project at Enovert is a showcase of this success. We developed a 2.1MW solar installation on land that could not be used in the same way as a conventional commercial site. The project now generates electricity while making use of land that had previously had very limited alternative use – read more about that project in this case study.
2. You are not restricted by the size of your roof
Roof space can be one of the biggest limitations when designing a commercial solar system. You may have a large electricity demand, but if the roof is small, heavily shaded, unsuitable for panels or already occupied by plant and equipment, there is only so much solar you can install.
Ground mounted solar gives you another option. A system can be designed around the amount of land available and the energy requirements of the business. This can make it possible to install a much larger array than would have been possible on the roof alone. For businesses with high electricity consumption, that extra capacity can make a real difference to the amount of electricity generated on site, with changes in energy bills being seen swiftly once the install is energised and generating, not to mention the sustainability benefits too.
3. More flexibility when designing the system
With rooftop solar, you are working with the shape, orientation and structure of an existing building. Ground mounted systems give you more freedom over where the panels are positioned. That means the design can take into account the direction of the panels, available space, shading and access requirements from the outset.
It is also possible to consider a combination of solar technologies across a site. A business might have solar on its roof, additional panels on the ground and solar canopies over a car park, for example. The right combination depends on the site and how much electricity the business uses.
No matter whether ground mounted solar is installed alone, or alongside other phases across rooftops or carports, our design team will always optimise the space available. Therefore, the solution is not only bespoke to your site, but also considers the best orientation, any obstacles, or limiting considerations to ensure the final design is optimised for best generation for your business.
4. Generate more of your own electricity
For many businesses, the main reason for installing solar is straightforward: generating electricity on site can reduce the amount of electricity that needs to be bought from the grid. The more suitable solar capacity you have, the greater the potential contribution to your electricity demand and the more money you save as a result.
Ground mounted solar is most useful for businesses that operate large facilities, manufacturing sites, warehouses, distribution centres or other energy-intensive operations where electricity use is high. It is important to size the system around the business rather than simply installing as many panels as possible
Going back to our design team, a good solar design considers when electricity is being used, how much is being consumed and what proportion of the solar generation can be used on site. This factors into the panel design to help you get the most of your investment.
5. Greater control over energy costs
Electricity prices are something businesses have very little control over. Generating some of your own electricity changes that relationship. Solar does not remove your electricity bill, and most businesses will still need to buy electricity from the grid, but producing electricity on site can reduce the amount you need to purchase.
This can also give businesses greater visibility over a proportion of their future energy costs. For a company planning to operate from the same site for many years, that can be an important part of the decision to invest in solar.
Finances drive a large proportion of decision making for renewable energy and we’ll ensure to share a forecast payback period with you at the very beginning so you can see just how quickly your solar investment is paid off – typically after just a few years – so any additional generation thereafter is saving your business money every day.
6. Ground mounted solar is not dependent on your building
Not every commercial building has a suitable roof. The roof may be too old, have structural limitations, contain too much plant and equipment or simply not have enough space. With a ground mounted system, the condition and design of the building is not a required consideration.
This can be particularly useful for businesses operating from older industrial sites where upgrading the roof to accommodate solar would not make sense. That said, the land itself needs to be suitable, so a proper site assessment is still essential.
7. Maintenance and access can be easier
Another benefit is accessibility. Ground mounted panels are generally easier to reach than panels installed across a large commercial roof. This can make inspection, cleaning and maintenance more straightforward.
That does not mean ground mounted solar is maintenance-free. Panels still need to be monitored and maintained, vegetation may need managing and the supporting structures need to be checked over time. Good access will therefore always be considered as part of the original design; this being essential as ground mount systems have an expected 25-30 year lifecycle.
Could your business benefit from ground mounted solar?
Ground mounted solar can work well for businesses with suitable land and a relatively high electricity demand. The important thing is to look at the whole site rather than deciding on the type of solar system first as you may believe rooftop isn’t an option when it could be, or that utilising your car parks with carports is a much better solution for you – no two sites are the same and reviewing all elements is important at the early stage to understand what could be possible.
Ground mount solar may be worth looking at if:
- You have limited roof space
- Your roof is not suitable for solar
- You have unused or underused land available
- Your business uses a significant amount of electricity
- You want to install more solar than your roof can accommodate
- You are looking at solar alongside battery storage
- You operate from a site that you expect to use for many years
It is not necessarily the right answer for every business and we’ll help you understand the best options.
How much land do you need?
There is no single answer because the amount of land required depends on the size of the solar system, the layout of the site and the technology being used. The starting point should be your energy requirements. For example, a business using a large amount of electricity may want to explore a larger ground mounted system, while a smaller system could be enough for a site with lower demand.
The land also needs to work from an engineering and planning perspective. Access, ground conditions, drainage, existing services, environmental considerations and the position of nearby buildings can all affect what can be installed. This is why a site survey is an important part of the process.
Ground mounted solar vs rooftop solar
Both options can work well, but they suit different sites. For some businesses, the best solution may not be one or the other. A combination of rooftop and ground mounted solar can sometimes make better use of the whole site and maximise on site generation to make a larger impact.
Here are a few of the biggest differences between both types of installs:
| Consideration | Ground mounted solar | Rooftop solar |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Can use suitable land around the site | Limited to suitable roof space |
| System size | Larger where enough land is available | Limited by roof area and structure |
| Building condition | Not dependent on the roof | Roof condition and structure are important |
| Design flexibility | More freedom over system layout | Restricted by the building |
| Access | Generally straightforward for maintenance | Maintenance involves roof access |
| Planning | Planning requirements need to be considered | Planning requirements vary depending on the installation |
Are there any disadvantages?
It is worth looking at the other side of the decision too. Ground mounted solar requires suitable land, and not every piece of land will be appropriate. Planning permission may be required, and the site needs to be assessed for issues such as ground conditions, access, drainage and environmental constraints.
There can also be additional costs associated with groundworks, cabling and preparing the site. And while having more land gives you more freedom, it does not mean that filling every available space with panels is automatically the best approach. The system should be designed around the business’s energy use, financial objectives and the site itself.
What about battery storage?
Ground mounted solar can also be considered alongside battery storage. Solar generation does not always match the times when a business uses the most electricity. A business may generate a large amount of solar power during the middle of the day but have a significant electricity demand later in the afternoon or evening.
A battery can store some of that surplus electricity and make it available when it is needed.
For larger solar installations, looking at solar and battery storage together can therefore be worthwhile. It allows the system to be designed around how the business actually uses energy, rather than looking at generation and consumption separately.
Planning permission for ground mounted solar
Planning requirements depend on the size and location of the proposed installation, as well as other factors relating to the site. Ground mounted solar should therefore be considered from the beginning of the planning process rather than treated as something to deal with once the system has been designed.
There may also be additional considerations if the site is in a conservation area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or has other planning restrictions. We’ll always explain what needs to be considered for your particular site and help you understand the planning process – and keep you updated every step of the way.
Is ground mounted solar worth considering for your business?
If your business has suitable land, it is certainly worth exploring. The biggest question is not just how many panels you can fit. It is how a ground mounted system could work alongside your building, your electricity demand and your longer-term plans for the site. For some businesses, rooftop solar will be enough. For others, the roof is only part of the opportunity.
Ground mounted solar can provide additional generation capacity, make use of otherwise underused land and give businesses more flexibility when designing a larger renewable energy system. At Harvest Green Developments, we look at the site as a whole before recommending a solution. That means understanding how much electricity you use, when you use it, what space is available and what you want the system to achieve.
Frequently asked questions
Is ground mounted solar better than rooftop solar?
Neither option is automatically better. It depends on the site, available space, energy demand and what you want the solar system to achieve. Ground mounted solar can be particularly useful where roof space is limited or a larger system is required.
Can ground mounted solar be installed on unused business land?
Potentially, yes. Unused or underused land can sometimes be suitable, but it needs to be assessed for planning, ground conditions, access, drainage, shading and other site considerations.
Does ground mounted solar need planning permission?
Planning requirements vary depending on the installation and location. Ground mounted solar should be assessed on a site-by-site basis before work begins.
Can ground mounted solar be combined with rooftop solar?
Yes. A business can potentially use both rooftop and ground mounted solar to increase the amount of generation available across the site.
Can you add battery storage to ground mounted solar?
Yes. Battery storage can be installed alongside solar to store electricity generated during periods of high solar production and make it available when it is needed.
How do I know if ground mounted solar is suitable for my business?
The best place to start is with an assessment of your electricity use and the space available at your site. From there, a suitable system can be designed around your requirements rather than simply the amount of land available. We’re here to help you understand the potential of your site.
