Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
Tick Tock Energy offers ground-mounted solar panel systems, a popular installation approach for properties with ground area to work with or in scenarios where you want to keep the array off your roof. We specialize in ground-mounted solar panels which are ideally suited for rural residential properties. Nearly 70% of our residential solar installations are ground-mounted, and we have installed some of the largest residential ground-mounted solar arrays in Illinois.
What are the Benefits of Ground-Mounted Solar Arrays?
Ground-mounted solar power systems eliminate the need for rooftop work. With Tick Tock Energy, you can install an open frame structure that allows greater ventilation of the panels to improve electrical efficiency. The primary benefits of ground-mounted solar include:
Optimal Placement and Efficiency
Unlike rooftop systems, ground-mounted solar panels can be positioned in the ideal location on your property to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. This flexibility and bifacial solar panels can lead to higher energy production and increased efficiency.
Easier Construction: No Impact on Roof Integrity
Many residential roofs have limited south-facing exposure and/or multiple orientations, obstructions such as plumbing vents, limited area to mount panels, old shingles, or other challenges that may restrict the size of an array. When space exists, a contiguous ground-mounted solar panel system is easy to build – particularly when you work with an experienced solar contractor like Tick Tock Energy.
Easier Maintenance and Accessibility
Ground-mounted solar panels are easier to access for cleaning, maintenance, or repairs, as they are at ground level. This reduces the need for specialized equipment or safety concerns associated with rooftop systems.
Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Systems Offer Maximize Life-Cyle Performance
With today’s modern bifacial solar panels which can capture reflected solar energy on the back side of the panel, energy production is boosted compared to a surface roof-mounted panel. At 30 degree tilt angle, energy yield per solar panel in the Midwest is greater than most roof-mounted arrays which are typically below 20 degree tilt. With higher per unit energy production, you can lower the overall panel count required to achieve the desired annual energy production. With less panels, there is less equipment, rack and wiring which can reduce maintenance needs slightly. The bigger impact on operations and maintenance is access to equipment is on the ground and not on the roof.
Essential Considerations for Ground-Mounted Solar Systems
When considering a ground-mounted solar system for your home, it’s essential to evaluate factors such as available land space, optimal panel placement, and local zoning regulations. These systems offer flexibility and efficiency, but careful planning is crucial to maximize their benefits and ensure a smooth installation process.
Array Configuration
Tick Tock Energy’s typical ground-mounted solar installation orient panels in a vertical, or portrait, configuration with 2 panels per column. Panels are usually angled at a 30 degree tilt on an open frame structure. Ballasted ground-mounted solar panels are a possible option offering a low-profile aesthetic.
Rack Construction
A popular solar ground mount option is an engineered galvanized steel pipe rack that is secured to the earth via helical ground screws or in some applications concrete foundations. After the pipe frame is constructed, rails are fastened to the frame before end and mid clamps secure the solar panels to the frame. The rack structure also forms an ideal support for mounting inverters, combiner boxes, electrical subpanels, and related balance of system (BOS) components.
Tilt Angle
A typical ground mount array is tilted at a 25 to 35-degree angle, with the possibility of lower tilt angles available for certain needs and situations. For smaller farm and rural residential ground mount arrays, a fixed axis system is the most common and cost effective ground-mounted solution.
Solar Panel Array Physical Size
The typical ground mount array features panels in portrait layout with large format solar panels. Each solar panel is typically 40 to 45 inches wide and 76 up to 96 inches tall. This is similar size to a large sheet of plywood or drywall for comparison. With 2 panels configured in portrait layout at 30 degree tilt, the rear height of the array will exceed 10 feet and around 14 front to back.
Solar Array & Power Capacity
With solar panels now commonly exceeding 500 Watts each, each column of two panels will typically exceed 1 kW (DC) of rated capacity. Smaller format panels are available if a lower profile is preferred. For a 10 kW (DC) system, the array will typically consist of 20 panels in a 2×10 layout and be approximately 40-foot from end-to-end.
A typical 10 kW system in Central Illinois at 30 degree tilt angle, facing due south, will typically generate around 13,800 kWh per year. Using bifacial solar panels and high efficiency inverters, the annual energy production may reach as high as 14,800 kWh per year.
How Tick Tock Energy Installs Ground-Mounted Solar Systems
Tick Tock Energy can help you install a cost-effective, reliable power generating system for your home. In four simple steps, we securely mount your solar panel system:
1. Develop Your Solution
Our experts consider available space on your property, structural and building codes, and local regulations to develop the perfect solar power system for your home.
2. Planning and Engineering
Once we know your requirements and restrictions, our engineers create a tailored plan for your solar array, providing a detailed quote based on your unique solution.
3. Turnkey Installation
With a detailed, data-driven design, we start building, providing materials, installation labor, and electrical work to get your system up and running.
4. Custom Financing Options
Tick Tock offers flexible financing options to help you get the most out of your investment, customizing our payment plans to make your solution affordable.
Ready to Start?
Request a free quote today
Tick Tock Energy is ready to help you invest in a clean solar energy system on your property, capture lucrative solar incentives, reduce long-term electricity costs, and and enhance the value of your property. To discuss your power needs with one of our solar consultants, request an initial consultation and quote today.
See Our Residential Solar Work
Tick Tock has helped countless homeowners across the Midwest enhance the value of their property and reduce their utility costs with solar power systems. Explore our recent installations below.
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