Ground mounted solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners who want to maximise renewable energy generation but have limited or unsuitable roof space. While many homeowners immediately think of rooftop systems, ground mounted solar panels can often deliver even greater efficiency, easier maintenance and greater flexibility.
If you’re researching the best way to install a solar PV system, understanding the differences between ground mounted solar panels, flat roof solar panels and on roof solar panels will help you make an informed decision.
At SolarTherm UK, we’ve spent more than 16 years designing and installing high quality solar PV systems across Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and the wider South East and East Anglia. Our MCS certified designers assess every property individually, ensuring homeowners receive a system designed specifically for their energy usage, available space and long term goals.
What Are Ground Mounted Solar Panels?
Ground mounted solar panels are exactly what the name suggests – solar panels installed on specially designed mounting frames fixed into the ground rather than attached to your roof.
Instead of relying on the shape or direction of your roof, the array can be positioned in the ideal location on your property to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day.
Ground mounted systems are particularly suitable for large gardens, paddocks, rural properties, small fields, homes with heavily shaded roofs or limited space and listed buildings where roof installations may not be permitted. Unlike roof installations, ground mounted solar panels allow installers complete freedom to optimise panel orientation and tilt angle for maximum annual energy generation.
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Ground Mounted Solar Panels
Although roof installations remain the most common choice, ground mounted systems offer several significant advantages.
Better Solar Performance
The biggest benefit is positioning. Most roofs are constrained by roof direction, chimneys, dormer windows, nearby trees and neighbouring buildings and the pitch of the roof. Ground mounted solar panels can instead be positioned:
- Facing due south
- At the optimum tilt angle
- Away from shading
- With better airflow beneath the panels
Cooler operating temperatures help improve panel efficiency, particularly during warm summer weather.
Easier Maintenance
As the panels are accessible from ground level, maintenance becomes much simpler. Cleaning, inspections and servicing can usually be completed without ladders, scaffolding or specialist access equipment. This also makes replacing individual components significantly easier should they ever require attention.
Greater Flexibility
Ground mounted arrays can be expanded more easily in the future. Many homeowners begin with a smaller solar PV system before later adding extra solar panels, battery storage, electric vehicle charging and heat pumps. Ground installations often leave more room for future expansion than roof mounted systems.
Are Ground Mounted Solar Panels More Efficient?
There is the potential for a ground mounted system to be more efficient. While the solar panels themselves are identical, the installation location often allows better optimisation. A professionally designed ground mounted system can be installed at approximately 30-40° tilt, south-facing orientation and with minimal shading.
These factors can increase annual energy production compared with a roof that faces east, west or has multiple shaded areas. Every property is different, which is why SolarTherm UK’s experienced designers use specialist software to model expected annual generation before recommending any installation.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
In many domestic situations, ground mounted solar panels fall under Permitted Development Rights. However, planning permission may be required depending on factors including:
- Conservation Areas
- Listed buildings
- National Landscapes (formally Areas of Natural Beauty)
- System height
- Distance from property boundaries
- Number of arrays and size of the system
Our team can advise homeowners throughout Essex, Kent, Suffolk and Hertfordshire on local planning requirements before installation begins.
How Much Space Do Ground Mounted Solar Panels Need?
This depends on the system size. As a rough guide:
| System Size | Approximate Panels | Ground Area Required |
| 3kWp | 7–8 panels | 18–25m² |
| 4kWp | 9–10 panels | 25–30m² |
| 6kWp | 14–16 panels | 40–50m² |
| 8kWp | 18–20 panels | 55–65m² |
Your installer will allow adequate spacing between rows to prevent one row shading another during winter.
Can Ground Mounted Solar Panels Include Battery Storage?
Absolutely. Ground mounted systems work seamlessly alongside battery storage. A battery allows homeowners to:
- Store surplus daytime electricity
- Use solar energy after sunset
- Reduce grid electricity imports
- Increase energy independence
- Improve return on investment
Our designers can also configure systems ready for future battery installation if you prefer to add storage later.
Are Ground Mounted Solar Panels Worth It?
For many homeowners, yes. They can be particularly beneficial when:
- Your roof faces north
- Your roof has significant shading
- Your roof is too small
- Your roof structure isn’t suitable
- Your own sufficient outdoor space
- You live in a Conservation Area, Listed Building or National Landscape (formally AONB)
Although installation costs can be higher because of ground work, mounting structures and cable runs, improved system performance may offset this over the lifetime of the installation. Every property should be assessed individually using accurate solar modelling.
Why Homeowners Across the South East Choose SolarTherm UK
Installing solar panels is a long term investment, which makes choosing the right installer just as important as choosing the right equipment. SolarTherm UK has helped thousands of homeowners across Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and the wider South East and East Anglia transition to renewable energy over the last 16 years.
When you choose SolarTherm UK, you benefit from:
- MCS certified solar installations
- NICEIC approved electricians
- EPVS Gold Standard members
- Experienced in house design and installation teams
- High quality solar panels, inverters and battery systems
- Honest, tailored advice based on your property
- Comprehensive system design using professional generation modelling software
- Ongoing, long term customer support, even after your warranty is up
Rather than recommending a particular installation method from the outset, we assess your roof, land, energy usage and future plans to recommend the solution that delivers the best long term value.
Whether that’s ground mounted solar panels, flat roof solar panels, integrated solar panels or a traditional on-roof system, our goal is always the same: helping homeowners generate more of their own clean electricity with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Ground mounted solar panels provide homeowners with a flexible, highly efficient alternative to traditional rooftop installations. They are particularly well suited to properties with large land available, challenging roof layouts or high energy usage.
Whether you’re comparing ground mounted solar panels, looking into using your flat roof or researching an integrated solar PV system, choosing the right installation method begins with an expert assessment of your property and energy needs.
At SolarTherm UK, our experienced team has designed and installed thousands of solar PV systems across Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and the surrounding South East and East Anglia. We combine accredited expertise, high quality products and tailored system design to help homeowners invest in solar with confidence.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – and the time you need to make an informed decision.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, yes. Additional groundwork and mounting structures increase installation costs, but improved energy generation and easier maintenance can offer greater long-term value.
Not always. The ideal location should receive minimal shading throughout the day and provide sufficient space for safe installation and maintenance. Our surveyors will identify the best position during your site assessment.
No. In fact, many homeowners find them easier to maintain because they’re accessible from ground level.
Neither is universally better. The right solution depends on your property, available space, roof construction and energy requirements. A professional assessment will determine which option offers the highest annual generation.
Yes. Ground mounted systems work exceptionally well with solar battery storage, allowing you to store surplus electricity for use during the evening or overnight.
