Path-Q Solar
How much can trenching add to the price of a ground-mounted solar installation?
Answer
Trenching can add a material site-work and electrical cost, but no dependable generic amount applies. The effect depends mainly on trench length, soil and rock, depth and restoration requirements, conductor size, access, crossing obstacles, and whether excavation can be combined with other work.
Key points
- Measure the route from the array to the equipment or connection point rather than using straight-line distance.
- Rock, roots, steep terrain, groundwater, pavement, and landscaping can increase labor and restoration costs.
- Longer runs may require larger conductors or different equipment to limit voltage drop.
- Above-ground or alternate routing may reduce excavation but introduce appearance, protection, or maintenance tradeoffs.
What it depends on
- Trench route length and required depth
- Soil, rock, drainage, and terrain conditions
- Surface restoration and obstacle crossings
- Electrical voltage, conductor size, and equipment location
- Local installation and inspection requirements
Risks and trade-offs
- A site allowance can be exceeded when subsurface conditions are unknown.
- A shorter route is not always cheaper if it crosses driveways, utilities, or difficult terrain.
- Poorly planned routing can create future access and maintenance problems.
Information you may need
- Scaled site plan and proposed cable route
- Known underground utilities and surface types
- Ground conditions and access for excavation equipment
- Whether restoration and engineering are included in the quote
Your next step
What to do next
Ask for a site-specific, itemized trenching allowance with assumptions for route length, soil, restoration, conductor size, and possible change orders.
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