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For the average 2-3 bedroom house
Ground Mounted Solar Panels in the UK: A Complete Guide (2025)
- Ground mounted solar panels are potentially 20%-25% more efficient than rooftop solar panels, as they can be positioned in the ideal direction and angle to maximise electricity production.
- The cost of an average 4kW - 5kW ground-mounted solar system for a 3-bedroom house in the UK ranges from £8,500 - £10,200. However, you can save anywhere from £930 - £1,120 yearly.
- 4kW - 5kW system with Smart Export Guarantee savings can earn an additional £745 - £840.
While rooftop solar panels are common, you can also install solar panels on the ground if you can spare the space. Ground mounted solar panels have distinct advantages, such as allowing for manual angling throughout the year for better light capture, saving roof space, and being easier to access for repairs or repositioning.
Every year, more households, businesses, and solar farms are taking advantage of solar energy across the UK. If you want to go solar and invest in this lucrative and sustainable source of energy for your house, read on to find out all about ground mounted solar panels, their costs, and the pros and cons of installing them.
While this guide is comprehensive, the best way to learn more about the types of solar panels suitable for your house, you will need to consult with an industry expert. However, finding a reliable local solar installer can be a tedious and time-consuming task that can drag on for days. Fortunately, we can help you out!
Just fill out our 30-second form and get in touch with our network of vetted solar experts who will provide you with the best prices. Click the button below and get up to 4 free and non-binding quotes!
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- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £1,020 per year
- What are ground mounted solar panels and how do they work?
- Cost of ground mounted solar panels in the UK
- Pros and cons of free standing solar panels
- Ground mounted solar panels installation process
- Ground mounted solar panels vs. on-roof solar panels
- Do I need planning permission for ground solar panels?
- Find ground mounted solar panels for your UK household
- FAQ
What are ground mounted solar panels and how do they work?
Ground-mounted solar panels are installed on the ground, typically in open spaces, and offer greater flexibility in orientation and tilt, which can maximise energy production. An average 3-bedroom house requires about 20-35 sq metres of space for ground mounted solar panels. They can be garden solar panels or even free standing panels on a flat roof.
Ground mounted solar panels are also easier to access for maintenance and can be installed without concern for roof condition or orientation. However, they require more land area and can be more expensive to install due to additional mounting structures and potential site preparation.
Cost of ground mounted solar panels in the UK
An average 2-3 bedroom house in the UK requires a 4kW - 5kW ground-mounted solar system, which costs around £8,500 - £10,200. The costs of installation for solar panels differ for ground mounted and on-roof solar panels.
| Solar system size | Household size | Approximate costs (ground mounted) | Cost range (on-roof solar panels) | Number of panels (400W to 500W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | Small; 1-2 bedrooms | £6,750 | £4,500 - £5,500 | 6 to 8 |
| 4kW | Medium; 2-3 bedrooms | £8,500 | £5,000 - £6,000 | 8 to 10 |
| 5kW | Medium; 2-3 bedrooms | £10,200 | £7,500 - £8,500 | 10 to 12 |
| 6kW | Large; 4-5 bedrooms | £11,900 | £9,500 - £10,500 | 12 to 15 |
| 10kW | Large; 6+ bedrooms | £27,000 | £10,000 - £11,000 | 20 to 25 |
| 20kW | Large; 6+ bedrooms/commercial | £40,000 | £16,000 - £30,000 | 40 to 50 |
Find out potential solar panel costs and savings based on your location using our solar panel calculator.
The costs of ground-mounted solar panels vary based on several factors, including the size of the solar panel installation, how many solar panels you need, the type of mounting system used, site preparation requirements, and specific installation conditions. There are fewer of these variables with on-roof solar panels, and more companies provide services for on-roof systems.
These costs are generally higher than roof-mounted systems due to additional expenses such as the construction of mounting structures and potential land preparation, which can include levelling the ground or addressing soil issues, which can chalk up to £5,000. If you invest in solar batteries, the solar battery storage price can set you back by an additional £5,000 depending on the size.
But are ground mounted solar panels worth it? Yes, if they can enhance your property’s energy efficiency and savings past that of other types of panels, but this depends on how much space you have and whether you can adjust them throughout the year.
Investing in a free standing solar system can be evaluated by examining the return on investment (ROI) and the break-even point for various system sizes. A 3kW system, with a total cost of £6,750 and annual savings of £750, reaches its break-even point in 9 years.
| Solar system size | Total costs | Total annual savings | Break-even point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | £6,750 | £751 | 9 years |
| 4kW | £8,500 | £930 | 9 years |
| 5kW | £10,200 | £1,121 | 9 years |
| 6kW | £11,900 | £1,312 | 9 years |
| 7kW | £15,000 | £1,505 | 10 years |
A 4kW system, costing £8,500 and saving £930 annually, breaks even in just over 9 years. Similarly, a 5kW system, priced at £10,200 with annual savings of £1,121, also has a break-even period exceeding 9 years. These are most suitable for the average 2 to 3-bedroom home.
Installing solar panels on the ground can be better for your savings if you position them correctly. This can lead to more optimal angling for your array, allowing for additional savings compared to the on-roof panels. However, this is dependent on whether you position them as the sun’s position shifts throughout the year and whether you have an SEG tariff of at least £0.10/kWh.
To know the exact prices of ground mounted solar panels for your house, it is important to get in touch with a local solar installer. When done alone, it can take hours of your precious time to find one that offers the best prices. Instead of calling up multiple companies and comparing the prices yourself, you can make use of our service and get in touch with reliable installers instantly.
Just fill out our 30-second form and get up to 4 free and non-binding quotes. Start now by clicking the button below!
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £1,020 per year
Ground mounted solar panel grants
While there are no specific government grants for ground mounted solar panels, there are a number of government grants available for solar panels in the UK in general.
| Solar grants | Run time | Potential savings | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) | April 1st 2022 – March 2026 | Partially or fully FREE solar panel possibility | Low-income households in England, Wales, & Scotland |
| Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) | January 1st 2020 – (indefinite) | Additional £45 to £80 (£751 to £1,505 in total energy savings) | Any solar panel owner |
| Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan | June 2023 - (indefinite) | £5,000 (0% interest loan for hybrid solar panels) | Means-tested for low-income or home energy performance |
| 0% VAT | April 1st 2022 – March 2027 | £2,850, compared to previous 20% rate (4kW solar panels + battery) | All UK buyers |
Under the ECO4 scheme, low-income households can transition to clean, energy-efficient solutions such as solar for reduced rates or even for free if the required conditions are met.
Under the SEG, you can enter into a contract with a company that has an SEG license and earn money for the energy you export back into the national grid. The rates offered by the companies usually range from 10p to 30p per kWh.
There is 0% VAT on energy-efficient materials, such as solar panels and their installations. You should note that this scheme only applies when a VAT-registered installer supplies and fits the hardware.
Under the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, you can get up to £5,000 as a zero-interest loan if you are from a low-income household and have an EPC rating between D and G. However, this only applies to a hybrid system with solar thermal panels also attached since this is primarily a heating grant.
Pros and cons of free standing solar panels
Ground-mounted solar panels offer several advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of ground mounted solar panels:
- Optimal placement and orientation: They can be positioned for maximum sun exposure and energy production. The angle can be adjusted seasonally and also daily to follow the sun’s path and optimise your renewable energy processes.
- Ease of maintenance: It is easier to maintain them as they are easily accessible for cleaning, compared to on-roof solar panels, reducing long-term upkeep costs.
- Scalability: They are not limited by roof size or condition and are suitable for larger installations that produce more energy.
- Versatility: They can be repositioned to suit different arrangements and heights from the ground, being pole-mounted, portrait-length, or in landscape arrangement. This can make a better use of space than on-roof panels.
Cons of ground mounted solar panels:
- High initial costs: They cost 10%-15% more than on-roof solar panels due to additional mounting structures and potential land preparation. However, grants can make your installation more cost-effective.
- Land area requirement: They also require significant land area for installation, which can be a drawback in densely populated or urban areas.
- Regulatory challenges: Installation of these solar panels can involve some zoning and permitting challenges.
- Landscape disruption: The installation process may disrupt the landscape as well.
Ground mounted solar panel installation process
Ground solar panels are, in some ways, easier to install than roof-mounted solar panels. However, they can incur higher installation costs due to the need for ballasts and mounts.
- Gather components: Setting up the necessary equipment includes grounding conductors and copper wires, ground rods made from copper or galvanised steel, grounding lugs/clamps to attach wires to the frame of the solar panels, and grounding bus bars to centralise the connection of all grounding wires.
- Prepare components: Make sure that all the equipment has proper grounding points, which are usually marked on the components. Ground based solar panel requirements vary by country and region. Always adhere to your local electrical codes.
- Connect panels to the ground: Attach the grounding lugs to the panel frames. This must be done for each panel, and a continuous grounding wire must be connected to them all. The wires then need to be connected using grounding lugs.
- Ground the mounting structure: Connect the mounting structure to the same grounding wire, ensuring continuity.
- Connect to the grounding rod: Drive the ground rod into the earth, ensuring it is in contact with moist soil for better conductivity. The grounding wire needs to be connected from the solar panel system to the ground rod using a grounding clamp.
- Test the grounding system: Measure resistance and make sure that it is lower than 5 ohms (for average conditions). This can depend on the local regulations about free standing solar panels in the UK.
- Connect to the inverter: Link the grounding system to the inverter’s ground terminal if you have a string inverter. Microinverters that come with the panels will be automatically attached in most cases. Ensure the inverter’s ground is connected to the main service panel’s ground. You can generate energy and store it in solar batteries for both ground mounted and on-roof solar panels, which can require additional wiring. While this is optional, we recommend it because it allows for additional savings (about £2 to £5 per day).
- Inspect and maintain regularly: Ensure that there are no loose connections, corrosion, or damage to the grounding wires or rods. Make sure that everything complies with local standards.
Installing solar panels on the ground yourself is a tricky prospect, which is why we highly recommend doing this with professional assistance.
Ground mounted solar panels vs. on-roof solar panels
Ground-mounted solar panels and on-roof solar panels differ primarily in their installation locations and associated benefits and challenges.
| Ground mounted solar panels | On-roof solar panels |
|---|---|
| Installed on the ground in open spaces | Installed on rooftops |
| Flexible orientation - angle and position can be optimised for maximum sun exposure | Limited by roof orientation and angle |
| Easy access for maintenance | More challenging to access for maintenance |
| Requires adequate land space | Utilises existing roof space |
| High installation costs due to mounting structures and site preparation | Comparatively lower installation costs due to existing structural support |
| Less suitable for urban areas due to lack of space | More suitable for urban areas due to space efficiency |
| 20%-25% more energy efficient than on-roof solar panels | Less efficient compared to ground mounted solar panels |
On-roof solar panels utilise existing roof space, making them ideal for urban areas with limited land, while grounded solar panels utilise the external space around the home. This can lead to additional costs, as it requires more structures for mounting.
Due to fewer structural requirements, on-roof solar panels are generally less expensive to install and can integrate seamlessly with existing building designs. However, their performance can be limited by the roof's angle, orientation, and potential shading. Also, accessing them for maintenance can be more challenging.
Do I need planning permission for ground solar panels?
For an average 3-bedroom house, 20-35 sq metres of space is required for ground mounted solar panels. This estimate differs according to the size of the solar installation. Therefore, you will need to be aware of the solar panel planning permissions required to install them.
In the UK, domestic ground-mounted solar panel installations generally fall under Permitted Development Rights, meaning they do not typically require planning permission, provided they meet specific conditions.
These conditions include ensuring that the panels are not installed in a conservation area, do not exceed a height of 4 metres, and are located more than 5 metres away from the property boundary.
Additionally, the total area of the panels should not surpass 9 square metres or 3 metres in any dimension. If the installation does not comply with these requirements, or if the property is a listed building, planning permission will be necessary.
Find ground mounted solar panels for your UK household
Ground mounted solar panels are the solution for you if you are looking for clean energy and independence from the fossil fuel grid. It can be better if you have the ground space or lack roof space. You can maximise your energy production with the best solar panels. With solar panels, you can take the first step towards a greener future while decreasing energy consumption from the grid.
With this transition to solar energy, you can say goodbye to high energy bills and hello to sustainable living. Enjoy the benefits of lower energy costs while making a positive impact with ground mounted solar panels and ensure your home has a minimal environmental impact.
If you have decided to take the leap and invest in solar panels, GreenMatch can help you find the right installer who can assess your unique needs and give you the best price. Just fill out our 30-second form, answer some questions about your energy needs and be matched with up to 4 reliable solar installers. You can compare the prices and choose the best option for your home with no hassle!
Click the button below to get up to 4 free and non-binding quotes!
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £1,020 per year
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