Solar panels are generally installed either on the roof of a house or on the ground. When it comes to an installation of a large scale, ground mounted solar system is basically the only option. A PV system is more than just panels though: it requires several components and they have to be sized together correctly. At A1SolarStore we offer a variety of ground mounted solar systems for sale for different designs: grid-tie, off-grid and hybrid. Let’s talk a bit about the advantages and disadvantages of this type of installation.
Advantages of a ground-mounted solar system
The go-to option for installations of a large scale, since you can’t fit that many modules on a roof.
Easier to service, maintain, troubleshoot and repair solar panels.
It is easier to get perfect positioning and angle for your panels with a ground mount solar system for maximum production. You can turn panels to whichever side you want and with the right equipment you can even adjust the tilt of your panels throughout the year.
Ground mounted kit is easier and cheaper to install than a rooftop system.
Disadvantages of a ground mounted solar systems
Ground systems require a lot of space, and in comparison to roof, land can be used for many different purposes.
Solar panels get dirty quicker on the ground and require cleaning more often.
Careful planning is required to prevent shading of your modules: trees, buildings and adjacent solar arrays can pose a problem.
Ground mounted solar system cost
Ground systems are cheaper to install than rooftop ones, but they are generally larger in size which makes them more expensive. The cost is going to heavily depend on the panels. Chinese brands like Jinko, Trina, and JA Solar offer the most budget-friendly PV modules. NA companies like Canadian Solar, Silfab, Mission Solar occupy the middle of the price range with their products, but their warranties are slightly better. The best and most expensive panels come from manufacturers like REC, Panasonic, Solaria. They always offer quality products, but their panels greatly increase the final ground mounted solar system price and as a result they are not as popular in large-scale installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right system size?
Your utility bills contain the energy consumption data for your home. All you need to do is divide the daily figure by the number of peak sun hours in your area. The result will be a gross estimate of a system size needed to offset 100% of your energy needs. Please refer to our article on sizing solar panel systems for more detailed instructions.
How do I know if a system is good for my house?
You can browse through our catalog and pick a system with desired power output and functionality. Our engineer with 20+ years of experience will adapt it based on the information you provide. He will take into account your location, roof pitch, house orientation and other factors. You don’t need to know a single thing about solar – we will support you at every stage.
Which system (grid-tie, off-grid or hybrid) will work for me the best?
It is impossible to give a good recommendation without knowing any details, but we can share the general principles. A grid-tie system is the standard choice: it is the most affordable and lets you take advantage of net metering. You need an off-grid system if the grid is unavailable or full independence is desired. A hybrid system is a mix of the two, performing equally well with and without a grid connection. You can find a more nuanced take on the difference among the three types in our article.
Does a solar system include all that is needed for installation?
Yes, our systems include absolutely all components. You won’t need to buy any extra parts to install it and start generating power.
Will you install the solar panel system for me?
Currently we do not provide installation services. You will need to contact an independent solar installer.
Do you offer a warranty for your solar panel systems?
All components of our systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty. We also stand behind the work of our engineers who configure the systems and guarantee full compatibility.
How can I get my system?
We work with the top freight carriers like XPO, FedEx, ODFL, R&L, etc. We also offer a free pickup option so that our clients could get the equipment cheaper and faster. Note that pickup is dependent on the availability of equipment in our fulfillment centers, and may not be feasible in your location.
Do deliveries of solar panel systems take longer?
We deliver our systems as fast as the rest of our equipment. Typically it takes 5 to 7 days.
Do you have all the displayed systems in stock?
Yes, we offer full transparency and update the availability of items in real time.
What is the benefit of buying a solar panel system compared to buying all the equipment element by element?
Our systems are configured by an engineer with more than 20 years of experience. We will adapt the kit to your conditions and ensure compatibility.
Does a solar panel system come with a plan or a manual?
The equipment manufacturers normally provide user manuals for their products. These can be accessed via our website or the official websites of the respective manufacturers. Aside from that, we do not provide any other materials, but we're ready to consult you along the way.