- Published on
Ground-Mounted Solar Panels: Which Mounting Option is Right for You?
- Authors
- Name
- GoVoltLife
🌞 Ground-Mounted Solar Panels: Which Mounting Option is Right for You?
If your roof isn’t ideal for solar—or you simply have the space—ground-mounted solar panels can be a great alternative. Ground mounts allow for flexible orientation, easy maintenance, and optimal efficiency. But not all ground-mounted systems are the same.
In this post, we'll break down the main types of ground mount systems, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right one for your property.
🧱 1. Fixed-Tilt Ground Mounts
Fixed-tilt systems are the most common and cost-effective type of ground mount.
✅ Pros:
- Simple, durable, and low-maintenance
- Lower upfront cost
- Can be installed at optimal angle for your latitude
❌ Cons:
- No movement = less energy capture compared to trackers
- Requires a fairly flat area
🔧 Best For:
- Residential or small commercial installs on open land
Our recommendations
Eco-worthy ground mount.
At under $150, it is the most affordable ground mount out there. It can only holds small panels and would need additional supports to be rigid.
👉 Check availability on Amazon
CMYYANGLIN Solar Panel Mounting Brackets Kit
This kid is sturdier than Eco-Worthy and the triangle legs make it a really solid choice
You can secure the mount to some concerte blocks and you have yourself a nice system.
👉 Check availability on Amazon
EG4 BrightMount Ground Mount Kit
The EG4 BrightMount is a premium, fixed-tilt ground mount designed for durability and quick installation. Made with anodized aluminum and stainless hardware, it's ideal for off-grid and grid-tied systems alike.
- Compatible with most standard-sized solar panels
- Designed for 2x2 module configurations (scalable)
- Weather-resistant and engineered for high wind/snow zones
👉 See specs and pricing on Signature Solar
Integra Rack Ground Mount System
The Integra Rack system is engineered for fast deployment and professional-grade performance. With its modular design, it supports 4–12+ panels in row-based layouts and allows easy panel access for maintenance.
- Integrated grounding for safety and code compliance
- Adjustable tilt options from 10°–45°
- Designed for permanent residential or light commercial installs
🪵 2. Pole Mount Systems
These systems use one or more poles to elevate the solar array above the ground. They come in single-pole (top-of-pole) and multi-pole (side-of-pole) configurations.
✅ Pros:
- Keeps panels above snow, grass, and debris
- Easier to mow or landscape underneath
- Some allow for manual or automatic tilt adjustments
❌ Cons:
- Slightly higher cost than fixed-tilt
- Less scalable for large systems
🔧 Best For:
- Small setups, snowy regions, or where ground clearance is helpful
✅ Pole-Mount Ground Mount Systems
These pole-mounted kits raise the panels off the ground—ideal for snowy regions, remote sites, or areas prone to shading or vegetation overgrowth.
Our recommendations
RPS Top-of-Pole Mount Kit (2 / 4 / 8‑Panel)
A rugged and scalable solution from RPS, available in configurations for 2, 4, or 8 panels. The adjustable tilt makes it great for optimizing solar exposure seasonally.
- All aluminum + stainless-steel construction
- Rated for up to 81 mph wind loads
- DIY-friendly, includes assembly guides and seasonal adjustment support
Tamarack Top-of-Pole Mount Kit (4‑Panel)
A professional-grade option designed for use with Schedule 40 steel pipe. Built to last with corrosion-resistant aluminum and backed by a solid warranty.
- Fits up to 4 standard 60/72-cell panels
- Tilt adjustable for seasonal angles
- Compatible with 3" or 4" pipe (not included)
Sun-Rac Top-of-Pole Mount Kit (3‑Panel)
A lightweight and affordable kit that’s easy to install and perfect for small off-grid systems. Designed to work with standard 4" Schedule 40 pipe.
- Mounts up to 3 panels
- Modular—combine kits for larger systems
- Simplified design for budget builds or DIY
🔄 Tracking Systems (Single & Dual-Axis)
Tracking systems automatically follow the sun’s movement to maximize energy production. There are two main types: single-axis (which track east-to-west) and dual-axis (which also track the sun’s elevation).
✅ Pros:
- Increased solar exposure throughout the day
- Can boost energy production by 20–40%, depending on system type and location
❌ Cons:
- Significantly higher cost than fixed-tilt systems
- Mechanical complexity = more maintenance and potential for failure
- Larger footprint and site preparation required
- Overkill for most residential setups — the energy gains rarely justify the added cost and effort
🔧 Best For:
- Utility-scale or off-grid farms with high energy demand and large land availability
- Situations where every kWh counts and budget is flexible
⚠️ Important Note:
While the idea of tracking systems sounds appealing, the cost and complexity often outweigh the benefits—especially in residential settings. For most homeowners, a well-positioned fixed-tilt system will be more cost-effective and reliable over the long term.
🪨 5. Ballasted Ground Mounts
Ballasted systems rest on weighted bases rather than being anchored into the ground—ideal for locations where digging is restricted.
✅ Pros:
- No need for ground penetration
- Good for temporary or leased land
❌ Cons:
- Heavier, may require leveling
- Not ideal for sloped or uneven terrain
🔧 Best For:
- Brownfields, landfill caps, or environmentally sensitive land
🧠 How to Choose the Right Ground Mount
Consider the following:
- Land availability and terrain — Flat land favors fixed-tilt or trackers; rocky or uneven land may limit your options
- Budget — Fixed-tilt is most affordable; tracking adds performance at a higher cost
- Snow, wind, and weather — Elevated systems perform better in snowy areas
- System size — Larger arrays justify the cost of trackers more easily
🏁 Final Thoughts
Ground-mounted solar opens up a world of flexibility and performance optimization for homeowners and businesses. Whether you’re looking for a simple fixed-tilt setup or a high-efficiency tracking array, there’s a solution that fits your site and budget.
Take your time evaluating your goals, space, and climate—and work with a qualified installer to make sure your ground mount delivers clean power for decades to come.