When Ground-Mounted Solar Makes Sense
Ground mounting is worth considering when a roof is unsuitable, shaded, too small, or when open land offers a better orientation.
Typical candidates include rural homes with paddocks or unused ground, farmyards, and small commercial yards where a modest array can be positioned for good solar access. We design for domestic and small-commercial projects — not large solar farms or multi-megawatt fields.
- Poor roof condition, complex roof geometry, or listed/conservation constraints may favour ground mount.
- Open land with clear southern or east/west aspect can outperform a heavily shaded roof.
- Cable runs, trenching, and inverter location still need careful planning — distance from the main supply matters.
What We Plan For
Ground-mounted solar adds land use, trenching, and planning considerations on top of standard PV design. These are the factors we work through at survey.
Panel orientation & layout
Array layout is planned for solar access across the day. Row spacing and tilt affect shading between rows and total annual generation.
Shading & horizon
Trees, hedges, buildings, and terrain are assessed so the design reflects realistic output, not idealised calculator figures.
Land availability
We work within the area you can reasonably dedicate to panels — including access for maintenance and future land use.
Mounting structures
Ground frames or piles are specified for soil conditions and wind loading. We do not treat ground mount as a one-size-fits-all kit.
Cable runs & trenching
DC cabling from the array to the inverter often requires trenching across gardens, yards, or fields. Route, depth, and reinstatement are planned at survey.
Inverter location
We compare a longer DC run with placing the inverter nearer the array and running AC back to the supply. Equipment limits, cable losses, access, and weather protection determine the safest layout.
DC & AC design
Panel strings, inverter sizing, and export limits follow the same engineering principles as rooftop systems — DC array size and AC inverter rating are related but not identical.
Access & installation
Ground arrays need safe access for delivery, assembly, and future maintenance without damaging surrounding land.
Visual impact
Height, screening, and distance from boundaries are discussed early. Planning authorities often consider visual impact on ground-mounted arrays.
DNO Connection & Export
Ground-mounted systems connect to your existing supply like rooftop solar and require the same DNO coordination.
We handle notification or application to your Distribution Network Operator as part of the project. Where the local network limits export, the design can include export control so the system operates within permitted limits.
Battery Integration
Battery storage is optional and is sized against how you use electricity — not added by default.
Ground-mounted solar pairs with battery storage where evening use, peak tariffs, or backup requirements justify it. Many ground-mount projects remain solar-only.
Planning Considerations
Ground-mounted solar often needs more planning scrutiny than a straightforward rooftop installation.
Whether planning permission is required depends on site-specific factors — location, size, height, conservation designations, and local policies. Rules change over time; we help you understand the likely process for your site but this page is guidance, not legal advice. Your local planning authority makes the final decision.
- We can advise on typical documentation and timescales based on experience in East Sussex.
- Conservation areas, protected landscapes, listed buildings, and agricultural land can add complexity.
- Do not assume permitted development applies without checking current national and local guidance for your plot.
Generation Modelling
Expected output is modelled from orientation, tilt, shading, and equipment — then checked against your consumption.
We provide projected generation figures in your proposal based on site survey data. Like rooftop solar, ground-mounted output varies by season and weather; the business case depends on how much of that generation you use on site.
Discuss a Ground-Mounted Project
Tell us about your land and electricity use. We'll advise whether ground mount is suitable and what survey and planning steps may apply.