Your Solar Ground Mount Blueprint: Turning Your Yard Into A Power Plant

Grounded Sun Power: Craft Your Yard's Solar Powerhouse with This Guide!

If you're a FL homeowner, by now you've driven by the neighborhood and seen what should've been on the roof, sticking out on the ground. That's right im talking about solar panels. Today, we’re covering ground mounts those sturdy setups out on yards, and whether you should get it for your home, or if you should stick to putting it out on your roof. Who knows, by the end of this, you might just find yourself ready to make the switch.

Digging Into the Basics

The Foundation: Post Holes and Footings

Think of ground mounts as the steadfast friends of solar panels, holding them up come rain or shine. These setups begin their life with something quite mundane yet essential: digging holes. Yes, just like planting a tree, the journey of a thousand watts starts with a single hole. These aren’t just any holes, though; they’re meticulously measured (commonly 12” wide and 24” deep) and filled with cement to create what we call “footings.” Imagine the footings as the boots of our solar setup, planted firmly in the ground to support the structure.
Now, while the idea of manual digging harks back to simpler times, we’re fans of using heavy-duty equipment to get the job done efficiently. But hey, there are times when rolling up the sleeves and doing it by hand makes sense—maybe it’s a tricky spot or we’re feeling extra rugged that day.

Trenching: The Lifeline to Your Home

Ground mounts need their space, often sitting a cozy distance from your home. This means we need to trench—a fancy term for digging a narrow path—to lay cables that connect your solar array to your home’s electrical system. Occasionally, when the stars align (or rather, when the regulations permit), we might set up a new meter closer to the ground mount, making sure it pairs up with your existing meter to keep the energy credits flowing.
Ah, but before any shovel hits the dirt, we give a ring to the utility for a “dig alert.” This isn’t just a courtesy call; it’s a necessity. They let us know where it’s safe to dig, keeping us clear from underground cables or pipes. It’s a bit like treasure hunting, where the goal is to avoid the treasures already buried by our predecessors.

Racking: The Structure of Your Solar Array

Once the footings are set, we lay out the solar racking. This is where your solar panels will rest, collecting in the Florida sun. The racks are the support structure of your solar system, supporting the panels and ensuring they’re angled just right to catch as much sunlight as possible.
Speaking of angles, tilting the panels is part of the science of a proper solar installation. The tilt depends on our latitude here in SWFL and aims to capture the optimal amount of sun. However, it’s a balancing act—too steep, and your array might take flight in a strong wind; too shallow, and you’re not soaking up as much sun as you could be.

The Terrain Challenge: Slopes and Hills

Ever thought, “That sloped part of my yard would be perfect for solar panels”? You’re not alone. Many homeowners eye those less-utilized spaces for their solar projects. But here’s the catch: steep slopes might not play nice with our standard installation playbook. They can make it tough to secure footings or even pose a risk with rolling debris.
Typically a flat surface is ideal and luckily theres plenty of that in FL.

Personalizing Your Ground Mount

Aesthetic Considerations

Let’s talk looks. Solar arrays aren’t just functional; they’re part of your home’s visual appeal. Odd shapes or gaps in the array can stick out like a sore thumb. So, we put on our designer to the test, ensuring your ground mount complements your property’s aesthetics while packing a punch in power production.

Tilt and Orientation

Landscape or portrait? No, we’re not talking photos—this is about your panels. Believe it or not, the orientation can significantly impact cost and efficiency. A rule of thumb is that four panels high, in landscape mode, hits the sweet spot for cost-effectiveness.

Solar Savings

Solar projects, especially a ground mount, might seem like a significant task. But Horizon Energy Solutions, is all about making it as seamless as possible. Tackling the unique challenges of your property or roof structure, we do the job right!

Interesred on how solar power can lessen your energy costs and put money back in your pocket? Why not try our free solar savings calculator  below? It’s tailor-made for SWFL homeowners, looking to make an informed leap into solar without the pressures of annoying sales tactics, get a custom insight in potential savings on your home instantly!