As the world moves toward clean and renewable energy, solar panels have become one of the most popular choices for homeowners, businesses, and industries. While rooftop installations are common, another effective solution is Ground Mounted Solar systems. These are installed directly on the ground instead of rooftops and are ideal for places with ample open land.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ground-mounted solar, including how it works, types, advantages, costs, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
What is Ground Mounted Solar?
Ground mounted solar refers to solar panel systems that are installed on the ground using a mounting structure instead of being fixed to a rooftop. These systems are connected to the power grid (on-grid) or can work with batteries (off-grid or hybrid).
They are particularly useful for:
- Homes with limited rooftop space.
- Businesses and industries with large open areas.
- Farmers and agricultural landowners looking to cut electricity costs.
How Does Ground Mounted Solar Work?
- Mounting Structure Installation – A strong base is set up on the ground, usually made of galvanized steel or aluminum, to hold the solar panels.
- Solar Panel Placement – The panels are fixed at an angle to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day.
- Wiring & Inverter Connection – Panels generate DC (direct current), which is sent to the inverter. The inverter converts it into AC (alternating current) for everyday use.
- Power Utilization – The electricity is used to power homes, businesses, farms, or even sold back to the grid under net metering.
Types of Ground Mounted Solar Systems
Ground mounted solar systems can be classified into two main types:
1. Standard Ground Mounts
- Panels are fixed in one position at a specific tilt.
- Simple and cost-effective.
- Require minimal maintenance.
2. Pole-Mounted or Tracking Systems
- Panels are mounted on poles and can rotate to follow the sun’s movement.
- Single-axis trackers move east to west.
- Dual-axis trackers follow both east-west and north-south directions.
- These systems generate more energy but are more expensive.
Advantages of Ground Mounted Solar
- Better Efficiency: Since panels are placed at the right angle, they capture more sunlight compared to many rooftop systems.
- No Roof Dependency: Perfect for homes with weak roofs, shaded rooftops, or limited space.
- Easier Maintenance: Panels are accessible, making cleaning and repairs simpler.
- Scalability: Easy to expand as per energy requirements, especially on farms or industrial land.
- Cooling Effect: Panels on the ground usually stay cooler than rooftop systems, which helps improve performance.
Challenges of Ground Mounted Solar
- Land Requirement – You need open land, which may not be possible in cities.
- Higher Installation Cost – The mounting structures and groundwork increase expenses compared to rooftop solar.
- Space Utilization – It might not be suitable for people with small plots.
Cost of Ground Mounted Solar
The cost of ground mounted solar depends on:
- System capacity (in kW).
- Type of mounting (fixed or tracking).
- Land preparation costs.
- Brand and efficiency of solar panels used.
On average in India (2025), a ground mounted solar system costs ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per kW. Large-scale projects may have lower per kW costs due to economies of scale.
Government Support and Subsidies
To encourage solar adoption, the Government of India provides subsidies under schemes like:
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PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana – Provides subsidies for residential solar installations.
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Solar Rooftop Yojana – Focuses mainly on rooftop systems, but similar benefits can be applied for small ground-mounted setups in rural households.
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KUSUM Yojana – Supports farmers in installing solar pumps and small ground-mounted solar systems.
Subsidy rates vary between 20% to 40%, depending on system size and state policies.
Applications of Ground Mounted Solar
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Residential Use – For homeowners with gardens or open plots.
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Commercial Use – Factories, warehouses, and offices with unused land.
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Agriculture – Farmers use solar to power irrigation pumps, cold storage, and equipment.
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Utility-Scale Projects – Large solar farms that generate power for towns or cities.
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Hybrid Energy Systems – Combined with wind or battery storage for 24/7 power.
Is Ground Mounted Solar Right for You?
Ground mounted solar is best for:
- People with large land areas (farms, factories, commercial spaces).
- Those who want large-scale solar installations beyond rooftop capacity.
- Businesses planning for long-term energy savings.
If you live in an urban setting with limited space, rooftop solar may be a better choice. But if you own open land, ground mounted solar is a powerful way to maximize clean energy production.
Advantages of Ground Mounted Solar
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Maximum Sunlight Exposure
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Panels can be installed at the perfect angle and direction, ensuring higher efficiency than rooftop solar.
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No Roof Limitations
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Not every home or building has a strong roof that can bear solar panel weight. Ground-mounted systems eliminate this issue.
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Scalability
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Easy to expand by adding more panels as your electricity demand grows.
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Cooling Effect
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Panels installed on open ground receive better airflow, helping them stay cool and work more efficiently.
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Easier Maintenance
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Cleaning and repairing is simpler since the panels are more accessible than rooftop installations.
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Long-Term Investment
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Though slightly expensive initially, ground mounted solar offers long-term cost savings and increases property value.
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Dual-Use Potential (Agrivoltaics) 🌱
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Ground mounted solar can be combined with farming, where crops grow under or around solar panels. This not only generates electricity but also helps farmers increase land productivity by protecting crops from harsh sunlight.
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Future of Ground Mounted Solar in India
With India’s ambitious renewable energy goals, ground mounted solar is expected to grow rapidly. Large solar parks, agricultural solar adoption under KUSUM Yojana, and industrial solar projects are driving this demand. Additionally, new technologies like bifacial solar panels and tracking systems will further improve efficiency and make ground-mounted systems more attractive.
Final Thoughts
Ground mounted solar systems are an excellent choice for homeowners, businesses, and farmers who want to generate clean, renewable energy without relying on rooftops. While the installation cost may be higher, the benefits in terms of efficiency, scalability, and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
With the rising demand for solar panels and government support through subsidy schemes, adopting ground mounted solar has never been easier. Whether you’re looking to reduce your electricity bills or move toward sustainability, this technology can power your future.