what is the cost of solar pv ground mount and racking
what is the cost of solar ground mount and racking ?
Solar pv ground mount and racking systems are a free-standing structure that supports solar panels. Because they can be installed wherever conditions are best for solar power, they’re a great alternative to the traditional roof mount solar system.
we'll talk about how much it cost to install a ground-mounted solar panel system, as well as how much money a ground-mounted system could save you.
The Factors That Impact Solar Ground Mount Costs
There are a lot of factors that go into the cost of a solar ground mounted system. Some of these factors are based on decisions you’ll make. Some are simply out of your hands, pre-determined by things like your location’s climate and the terrain of your property.
Your solar system will be custom-designed to meet your unique energy needs and your financial goals. Here are the factors that will impact your solar energy system’s price.
How Much Electricity You'd Like to Produce - The more free electricity you want your solar system to produce, the larger it’ll be. This means more equipment and labor, leading to higher costs (but it also means greater savings).
Added Technology - Ground-mounted solar systems can be installed as a static structure, or as a tracking system. Tracking systems, or pole-mounted systems, utilize added technology to orient the solar panel to face the sun. They’ll change their direction as the sun moves across the sky during the day. While this does improve production, it is an additional cost and may require additional maintenance.
Brand of Solar Panels - Top-of-the-line solar panels offer industry-leading warranties and oftentimes are more efficient. Mid-tier brands can deliver great value, but may not be as efficient.
Types of Solar Panels - Solar panels come in two main types—monocrystalline and polycrystalline. They also come in a variety of sizes and models. These factors can all impact the cost of your system.
Brand of Inverters - Inverters convert the DC power generated by your solar system to usable AC electricity. What brand inverter you select will also impact the cost of your system.
Type of Inverter(s) - There are three main types of solar inverters that you’ll have to pick from. You’ll have a choice between string inverters, microinverters, and string inverters with power optimizers.
Shading and Local Weather Patterns - The more sunlight your solar panels get, the more electricity they produce. If you’re located in a cloudy climate or your property is shady, you may need to increase the size of your system to compensate.
Interconnection Costs - These are fees required to connect to your local electric grid. They vary from utility to utility. Additionally, the further your system is from the interconnection point, the longer your wire run will need to be. This will increase the installation cost.
Available Incentives - While there are some cost-saving incentives available on a federal level, there may be others available to you depending on your state, local government, or utility. Here’s a look a the solar incentives in your country.
The Cost of Solar Ground Mount Systems by Size
Now that we’ve talked about the various factors that can impact the cost of your solar ground mount, we can give you a rough idea of what one would cost.
It’s worthwhile to note that these are broad estimates. The cost of your custom-designed solar system could be more or less, depending on your energy production goals, the equipment you choose, and the location and terrain of your property.
Cost of Installing Solar Ground Mounted System for Homes
The average homeowner can expect to pay between $23,000 and $46,000+ for a ground-mounted solar system.
Cost of Installing Solar Ground Mount System for Businesses and Farms
Businesses can expect to pay $66,000 to $200,000+ for a ground-mounted solar system
For both residential and commercial/agricultural systems, there’s a significant difference between how much ground-mounted solar panels cost before and after incentives.
What Will A Solar Ground Mount Save You?
Solar energy does require an upfront investment. But in the long run, it can be a powerful and lucrative one. Solar energy saves you money each month by offsetting your energy bill. The electricity it produces is completely free for you to use, meaning you won’t have to pay the utility for electricity.
Do Ground Mounts Cost More Than Roof Mounts?
In general, yes, ground-mounted solar panels will cost more to install than an equally sized roof-mounted system. This is due in part to the structure on which the solar panels are installed.
A rooftop system is supported by the roof and the building’s structure, meaning there’s no need to erect a supporting structure. Instead, the panels are attached to a racking system which is then secured to the roof.
But with a ground-mounted system, an independent structure will need to be erected to support the panels. The structure will consist of posts pounded deep in the ground for stable support, then, cross-beams are added in addition to the racking system and the solar panels themselves.
Is The Extra Cost of a Ground Mounted Solar Array Worth It?
In some situations, the additional installation cost is justified for the advantages ground-mounted systems offer.
A ground-mounted solar panel installation gives more freedom in terms of where it’s located. With rooftop solar panels, you’re confined to your roof.
Your roof may not be large enough to hold a system that fully meets your electricity production goals in some situations. Or, your roof may not get enough sunlight to be an ideal location for solar. In a few cases, your roof may not be able to support the additional weight of the equipment.
With a solar ground mount system, you have more control over its location. As long as you have the available land, you might be able to install a larger system. You can also pick a sunny spot and orient it to maximize energy production.
Overall, installing a solar ground mount system can be a great way to reduce your monthly costs, save on taxes, and set your property up for long-term, sustainable savings. Many solar panels have 25- or 30-year warranties, guaranteeing they’ll produce a significant amount of free electricity for many years to come.
