As the adoption of solar energy grows, many property owners are considering ground-mount solar installations as an alternative to rooftop systems. Ground-mounted systems offer flexibility in placement and can be optimized for maximum energy production. However, one of the most important factors to consider is the amount of space required to install ground-mount solar panels.
Understanding Ground Mount Solar Systems
Ground-mount solar panels are installed on the ground rather than on a roof, typically in large open spaces. These systems can be designed to achieve the optimal tilt and orientation to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. They are often used for commercial, agricultural, and residential properties that have ample land available and want to install larger systems than would be possible on a roof.
Factors That Determine Space Requirements
Several factors impact the amount of space you need for a ground-mounted solar array, including the number of panels, their dimensions, the layout of the array, the tilt angle, and the space needed for maintenance access. Let’s take a closer look at these factors:
- Number of Solar Panels
The more energy you want to generate, the more solar panels you’ll need, and this directly impacts the amount of space required. A typical solar panel measures about 1.7 meters by 1 meter (roughly 65 inches by 39 inches). To calculate the total space needed for the panels themselves, multiply the number of panels by their individual surface area.For example, if you’re installing 20 solar panels, and each panel takes up around 1.7 square meters (18.3 square feet), the total space just for the panels would be around 34 square meters (365 square feet). - Tilt Angle and Row Spacing
The tilt angle of the panels is critical for maximizing energy production. Ground-mounted systems are usually installed at an angle based on the latitude of the installation site, allowing the panels to capture the most sunlight throughout the year. However, tilting the panels requires spacing between rows to prevent shading from one row to the next. This spacing is especially important in areas with a lower sun angle during the winter months.As a general rule, the taller the panels due to their tilt, the more space is needed between rows. Typically, you’ll need to leave a distance equal to 1.5 times the height of the panels from the ground at their highest tilt point. For example, if the panels are raised 1.5 meters off the ground at the back end, you’ll need about 2.25 meters (7.4 feet) of space between each row. - Orientation and Layout
Ground-mount solar arrays are usually installed in rows that are oriented to face south (in the northern hemisphere) to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. The layout—whether in a portrait or landscape orientation—can impact how much space is needed. A landscape layout, where the longer side of the panel is horizontal, can often require slightly less space between rows than a portrait layout because the panels are lower to the ground.The layout also depends on the available land. Irregularly shaped plots may require custom designs to maximize the number of panels that can be installed. - Shading and Clearances
To ensure the best performance, it’s essential to avoid shading from nearby trees, buildings, or other obstructions. In addition, you need to leave enough clearance around the array for maintenance and cleaning. This typically requires leaving a few feet of space around the perimeter of the array and between rows. - Foundation and Mounting System
The type of foundation and mounting system can also affect the amount of space needed. Fixed-tilt systems, which have a single tilt angle year-round, generally take up less space than tracking systems that follow the sun’s movement to maximize energy production. However, tracking systems, while larger, can significantly boost energy output.SIC Solar offers a variety of mounting systems designed to suit different installation needs, whether you require fixed-tilt systems for compact installations or tracking systems for maximum efficiency. Their high-quality solutions are engineered to be space-efficient while ensuring durability and performance.
Calculating the Total Space Required
To estimate the total space required for a ground-mounted solar system, you can use the following formula:
- Calculate Panel Area:
Multiply the number of panels by the area of a single panel. For example, if each panel is 1.7 square meters and you’re installing 20 panels:- 20 panels × 1.7 square meters = 34 square meters (panel area)
- Include Row Spacing:
Add the space needed between rows. For example, if the tilt angle results in a 2.25-meter gap between rows and you have 5 rows:- Row spacing: 2.25 meters × 4 gaps = 9 meters
- Total Area:
Add the row spacing to the total length and multiply by the width of each row (which is based on the number of panels per row). For example, if each row has 4 panels in landscape orientation (4 meters long) and you have 5 rows:- Total space = (panel area + row spacing) × width
- Total space = (34 square meters + 9 meters) × 4 meters
This gives you a rough estimate of the space required, but remember that every installation is unique, and other factors like land shape and orientation may alter the final layout.
Benefits of Ground-Mounted Solar Systems
While ground-mounted solar arrays require more space than rooftop systems, they offer several key advantages:
- Optimal Tilt and Orientation: Unlike rooftop installations, ground-mounted systems can be oriented and tilted to capture the maximum sunlight, increasing overall energy production.
- Better Cooling: Ground-mounted systems generally stay cooler than rooftop panels because they have more airflow around them, improving efficiency.
- Ease of Maintenance: Ground-mount systems are easier to access for cleaning, repairs, and maintenance.
For those with enough land, the benefits of ground-mounted solar panels can far outweigh the space requirements, especially for large-scale or high-energy demand applications.
Choosing the Right Mounting System with SIC Solar
Selecting a durable and efficient mounting system is critical to the success of your solar installation. SIC Solar provides a variety of photovoltaic mounting systems that cater to both residential and commercial projects, offering solutions for fixed-tilt and tracking systems.
SIC Solar products are designed to be robust and easy to install, helping you optimize space while ensuring that the panels are securely mounted. By working with a reputable provider like SIC Solar, you can be confident that your ground-mounted solar array will be built to last, providing reliable performance for years to come.