What Are Ground-Mounted Solar Panels and How Do They Work?
As the world moves toward adopting other energy sources, solar panels are now a top pick for companies and households that want to cut down on traditional power usage. Although rooftop solar panels are the most common option, ground-mounted solar panels provide a suitable alternative that can be very effective in certain scenarios. In this article, we will explain how ground-mounted solar panels work and their benefits to help you understand how they efficiently generate electricity.
What Are Ground Mounted Solar Panels?
Ground-mounted solar panels are a type of photovoltaic (PV) system with solar energy/solar power that has the arrays installed on the ground instead of on to roofs. As opposed to being constrained to the periphery of a building, these systems can be placed on an open piece of land that has unhindered access to sunlight which guarantees energy generation. Unlike rooftop solar panel systems which have design constraints due to the roof size, angle, and shading, ground-mounted systems offer more versatility regarding design and customization. The installation of ground-mounted solar panels can be done through a fixed-tilt or a tracking system. Fixed-tilt systems have a set rotation and will not adjust their position. These systems are set at an angle that maximally receives sunlight according to the latitude of the location. On the other hand, tracking systems can follow the path of the sun throughout the day, adjusting the panel’s positioning to follow the sun’s trajectory, which increases energy efficiency and output. These systems require more investment, but they overwhelmingly increase electricity production.
How does a ground-mounted solar panel function?
Likewise as rooftop solar panels, ground-mounted solar panels function by converting sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight strikes the solar cells, electrons inside the semiconductor material (usually made of silicon) are made to move, producing direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity is routed through an inverter which changes it to Alternating Current (AC), which makes it compatible for use in residential and businesses.
Ground-mounted solar panels are capable of powering a property directly, charging battery systems for future use, or even transferring power to the grid if there are net metering policies available in that area. These systems face limitations from the quality of the solar panel, the angle it is mounted, the location of the panel, and the weather conditions.
Types of Ground-Mounted Solar Panel Systems
There are two primary types of ground-mounted solar panel systems: standard ground mounts and pole-mounted systems.
Standard Ground-mounted Systems are simpler to install. They feature a metal static frame racking structure that positions the panels for optimal sun exposure. These units are low-maintenance, which makes them inexpensive for many businesses and homeowners.
Pole Mounted Systems are those in which the solar panels are attached to a single or multiple poles. These systems are usually fitted with some kind of tracking technology designed to reposition the angle of the panels as the sun moves across the sky. Even though they require more sophisticated installation, pole-mounted systems increase electric generation because they can follow the sun.
Benefits of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
Having a ground-mounted solar panel has its merits. For starters, solar panels placed on the ground can be positioned to capture the maximum possible sunlight which would be difficult with a rooftop one. Since the solar panels are situated on the ground, they can be placed in regions that receive full sunlight as well as places with little or no shading. Also, unlike rooftop systems that have to comply with the slope of the roof, mounted systems can be placed at the required optimal angle for maximum efficiency.
Another advantage is having better maintenance. Compared to rooftop systems, ground solar panels are easier to access and hence can be inspected and cleaned more regularly. This kind of accessibility can greatly improve the performance of the solar panel and increase its lifespan.
In addition, ground solar panels can accommodate bigger solar arrays making them suitable for commercial use and for properties that have a lot of land. For instance, businesses and farms can take advantage of the reduced costs of electricity by installing large amounts of renewable resources.
Things To Think About When Installing Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
As with other solar panel systems, there are some factors to consider along with the advantages ground-mounted solar panels provide. First, not all properties may have the adequate land space that would be needed. Another factor that needs to be taken into account is the cost of the installation since ground-mounted systems require extra labor and materials as opposed to rooftop systems. Also, some areas may have permitting and zoning regulations that could impact the feasibility of installation. Contact Solar Energy Experts, for solar installation.
Conclusion
With ground-mounted solar panels, users benefit from flexible functional designs compared to rooftops. When effectively mounted, these systems could offer extreme electricity generation and energy saving. Be it residential, commercial, or agricultural, powered solar panels serve as a useful innovation for individuals who desire the space along with a commendable stand on renewable energy. From the look of things, these solar-powered systems are most likely to be leading the way toward using advanced technology and clean energy sources.
