Ground-mounted solar systems, also known as ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems, are large-scale solar installations where solar panels are mounted on structures that are fixed to the ground, rather than being installed on rooftops. They are a significant part of the renewable energy landscape, particularly for utility-scale power generation.
Key Features of Ground-Mounted Solar Systems:
Mounting Structures: Panels are mounted on metal framing or racking systems that are anchored to the ground using foundations like:
Driven Piles: Steel posts driven deep into the ground.
Screw Piles: Large, screw-like anchors that are twisted into the ground.
Concrete Foundations: Cast-in-place or precast concrete blocks or slabs.
Ballasted Systems: Weights (often concrete blocks) used to hold the racking in place, typically used on landfills or sites where ground penetration is not desirable.
Scale: Ground-mounted systems can range in size from a few kilowatts (kW) for residential or small commercial applications to hundreds of megawatts (MW) for utility-scale power plants.
Fixed-Tilt or Tracking:
Fixed-Tilt: Panels are installed at a fixed angle (tilt) and orientation (azimuth) to optimize sunlight capture based on the location's latitude. This is the most common and cost-effective approach.
Tracking Systems: Panels are mounted on trackers that automatically follow the sun's movement throughout the day, maximizing energy production. Trackers can be single-axis (rotating east to west) or dual-axis (rotating both east to west and north to south).
Grid Connection: Most ground-mounted systems are connected to the electrical grid, supplying power to homes, businesses, and the wider community.
Land Use: These systems require a significant amount of land, which can be a consideration in densely populated areas or regions with competing land-use demands.
Types of Ground-Mounted Solar Systems:
Utility-Scale: Large systems (typically 1 MW or larger) designed to generate electricity for sale to utilities or wholesale power markets. They are often owned and operated by independent power producers (IPPs) or utilities themselves.
Community Solar: Mid-sized systems (typically a few hundred kW to a few MW) that allow multiple subscribers (residents, businesses) to share in the benefits of solar energy without needing to install panels on their own property.
Commercial and Industrial (C&I): Systems installed on the property of businesses or industrial facilities to offset their electricity consumption.
Residential: Smaller ground-mounted systems installed on residential properties, often as an alternative to rooftop systems when roof space is limited or unsuitable.
Advantages of Ground-Mounted Solar Systems:
Scalability: Can be built to a wide range of sizes to meet different energy needs.
Optimal Orientation and Tilt: Panels can be positioned at the ideal angle and direction for maximum sunlight capture, unlike rooftop systems that may be constrained by roof geometry.
Easier Maintenance: Ground-level access makes maintenance and cleaning simpler than for rooftop systems.
Potential for Higher Efficiency: Can utilize tracking systems to significantly increase energy production.
Land Lease Revenue: Landowners can lease their land for solar development, generating a steady income stream.
Cost-Effective for Large-Scale Projects: Economies of scale can make ground-mounted systems very cost-competitive for utility-scale power generation.
Good for bifacial modules: Because the mounting height can be increased with relative ease, bifacial modules are often used in ground-mounted settings to take advantage of the albedo effect.
Disadvantages of Ground-Mounted Solar Systems:
Land Requirements: Need a substantial amount of land, which can be a limiting factor in some areas.
Potential for Land-Use Conflicts: May compete with other land uses like agriculture, conservation, or development.
Environmental Impacts: Site preparation and construction can have environmental impacts, such as habitat disturbance or soil erosion, although these can often be mitigated with careful planning and best practices.
Higher Initial Costs (compared to rooftop for small systems): The cost of mounting structures and foundations can be significant, although this is often offset by lower costs per watt for larger systems.
Permitting and Zoning: May face more complex permitting and zoning requirements than rooftop systems.
In Conclusion:
Ground-mounted solar systems are a vital part of the growing solar energy industry. They offer a scalable and cost-effective way to generate clean electricity, particularly for utility-scale projects. While they require significant land area and careful planning to minimize environmental impacts, their ability to optimize panel orientation, utilize tracking systems, and achieve economies of scale makes them a powerful tool for transitioning to a sustainable energy future.