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For the average 2-3 bedroom house
Ground Mounted Solar Panels: November 2024 Guide
- Ground mounted solar panels are 20%-25% more efficient than rooftop solar panels, as they can be positioned in the ideal direction and angle to maximise energy production and they have a lower degradation rate.
- 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 - £1,121 yearly.
- Solar panel installations are subject to 0% VAT, and a 4kW-5kW system with SEG can save £735 - £830.
You must have heard about rooftop solar panels, but did you know that you can also install solar panels on the ground? Ground mounted solar panels are installed on the ground instead of the roof. For example, you could have ground mounted solar panels installed in the garden of your house, these are called garden solar panels.
Solar panels are an increasingly popular choice for clean energy production in the UK. More households and businesses investing in them and more solar farms being built across the country. If you want to go the solar way 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 their pros and cons in our guide.
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, at GreenMatch, we can help you with this!
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!
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £1,005 per year
- Ground Mounted Solar Panels in the UK: Costs + Pros & Cons
- Ground mounted solar panels vs. on-roof solar panels
- What are the costs of ground mounted solar panels in the UK?
- Are there government grants for ground mounted solar panels?
- What is the break-even point and return on investment for free standing solar panels?
- Pros and cons of ground mounted solar panels in 2024
- Do you need planning permission for domestic ground mounted solar panels in the UK?
- Find ground mounted solar panels for your UK household
- FAQ
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 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.
| Ground mounted solar panels | On-roof solar panels |
|---|---|
| Installed on the ground in open spaces | Installed on rooftops |
| Flexible orientation- 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 |
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.
On the other hand, on-roof solar panels utilise existing roof space, making them ideal for urban areas with limited land. You can always store the energy produced in solar batteries for both ground mounted and on-roof solar panels.
Due to lower 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.
What are the costs 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 (including installation) |
|---|---|---|
| 3kW | Small; 1-2 bedrooms | £6,750 |
| 4kW | Medium; 2-3 bedrooms | £8,500 |
| 5kW | Medium; 2-3 bedrooms | £10,200 |
| 6kW | Large; 4-5 bedrooms | £11,900 |
| 7kW | Large; 4-5 bedrooms | £13,500 |
| 10kW | Large; 6+ bedrooms | £27,000 |
| 20kW | Large; 6+ bedrooms | £40,000 |
| 30kW | Large; 6+ bedrooms | £51,000 |
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.
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.
However, larger installations may benefit from economies of scale, reducing the cost per kW for systems above 20kW. Despite the higher initial investment, ground-mounted systems can offer greater efficiency and ease of maintenance, potentially leading to long-term savings and higher energy yields.
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 a reputable installer who also 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 £1,005 per year
Are there government grants for ground mounted solar panels?
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 |
| Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) | January 1st 2020 – (indefinite) | Additional £45 to £80 (£440 to £660 total energy savings) | Any solar panel owner |
| Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan | June 2023 - (indefinite) | £6,000 (£1,250 grant + £4,750 optional loan) | Means-tested for low-income or home energy performance |
| Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) | September 2023 - March 2025 | Up to £10,000, dependent on region or property type | Homes with energy |
| 0% VAT | April 1st 2022 – March 2027 | £2,850 (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 8.77p to 27p per kWh.
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) provides low income homeowners with grants up to £10,000 in select 45 councils. If you possess an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) between D and G and are off the gas grid, you can utilise this grant.
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 £1,250 grant and an optional loan of £4,750 if you are from a low-income household and have an EPC rating between D and G.
What is the break-even point and return on investment for free standing solar panels?
Ground mounted solar panels are worth it for your house and energy efficiency. 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 £751, 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.
The 6kW system, which costs £11,900 and saves £1,312 annually, matches this trend with a break-even point over 9 years as well. Finally, a 7kW system, costing £15,000 and saving £1,505 annually, reaches its break-even point in 10 years.
Thus, while the larger systems offer greater annual savings, their higher initial costs result in slightly longer break-even periods. Most systems achieve complete ROI within 9 to 10 years. However, a solar panel installer could give you an accurate estimate based on your particular situation.
Pros and cons of ground mounted solar panels in 2024
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.
- 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 are also ideal for properties with insufficient roof space.
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.
- 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.
Despite these drawbacks, they can be a highly efficient and effective solution for properties with adequate space and suitable conditions.
To accurately assess the suitability of ground mounted solar panels for your property, you will need to consult with solar experts. We understand that finding the right installer can be a challenging process as it would require you to spend hours researching and calling. We can make this process easy for you with our hassle-free service.
Just click on the link below, fill out our 30-second form and get up to 4 free and non-binding quotes from our network of vetted local installers.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £1,005 per year
Do you need planning permission for domestic ground mounted solar panels in the UK?
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 a clean and energy-efficient energy solution. You can maximise your energy production with the best solar panels. With solar panels, you can take the first step towards a greener future.
With this transition to solar 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.
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 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 £1,005 per year
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