Path-Q Solar

What information should I gather before deciding whether a ground mount is practical?

Answer

Gather information about usable land, sun exposure, shading, soil, drainage, terrain, access, distance to the electrical service, future land use, and any site restrictions. A ground mount may improve orientation and maintenance access, but civil work, trenching, land use, and security can make it less practical than a roof system.

Key points

  • Map the area that remains usable after setbacks, trees, septic features, drainage, and future construction are considered.
  • Identify shading by season and whether vegetation may grow into the solar path.
  • Determine likely soil, slope, frost, drainage, and access conditions for foundations and installation.
  • Estimate cable distance and route to the service equipment, including excavation constraints.

What it depends on

  • Land availability and future use
  • Solar access and shading
  • Soil and terrain conditions
  • Electrical interconnection route and site restrictions

Risks and trade-offs

  • Ground mounts can require more permitting, grading, fencing, vegetation control, and maintenance.
  • Long electrical runs may increase cost and electrical losses.
  • The array may be more accessible to people, animals, snow, or lawn equipment.

Information you may need

  • Scaled site plan or survey
  • Tree and shading observations
  • Utility-service location and approximate distances
  • Soil, drainage, access, and future-development information

Your next step

What to do next

Mark the candidate area on a site plan and ask installers to compare a ground-mounted design with the best roof option using the same production and scope assumptions.

Path-Q

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