Ground Mount Solar FAQ
Common questions Texas landowners ask about ground mount solar. Straight answers, no sales pitch.
How much land do I need for ground mount solar?
Plan on about 400 square feet per kilowatt of solar capacity. A typical 10kW residential system needs roughly 4,000 square feet—about a tenth of an acre. This accounts for panel spacing, access paths, and setbacks. Most Texas properties with 1+ acres have plenty of room. Even smaller properties often have enough space if you have an unused corner getting full sun.
Is ground mount more expensive than rooftop solar?
Usually 10-20% more for the same wattage. Ground mount requires its own foundation and racking structure, plus trenching to run wires to your house. A 10kW rooftop system might cost $28,000-$32,000, while ground mount runs $32,000-$38,000. But ground mount typically produces 10-25% more power because you control the angle and orientation. Over 25 years, the extra production often makes up for the higher upfront cost.
Do I need to clear trees for ground mount solar?
Not necessarily. Ground mount gives you flexibility to pick the sunniest spot on your property. Many Texas landowners have an area that works without touching a single tree. If trees do shade your best location, you have options: relocate the array, selectively trim, or remove specific trees. The goal is unobstructed sun from 9 AM to 3 PM. Trees to the north of your array typically aren't a problem since the sun doesn't come from that direction in Texas.
What permits do I need in Texas?
Most ground mount installations require a building permit (for the structure) and an electrical permit (for the wiring and grid connection). Some rural counties have minimal requirements; city jurisdictions are typically more involved. You'll also need utility interconnection approval. Your installer handles the paperwork—permit acquisition is part of what you're paying for. Expect 2-4 weeks for permits in most areas.
Can I install ground mount solar myself?
The racking and panel mounting are technically possible for a handy homeowner. The electrical work requires a licensed electrician in Texas—this isn't negotiable. Permits also typically require a licensed contractor. DIY can save 15-25% on installation costs but adds significant complexity: you're responsible for engineering, permit applications, inspections, and warranty claims. Most homeowners find the hassle isn't worth the savings.
How long does installation take?
The physical installation typically takes 2-4 days for a residential system. A crew arrives, sets posts or pours footings, builds the racking, mounts panels, runs wiring, and connects to your panel. The longer timeline is everything else: permitting (2-4 weeks), equipment ordering (1-2 weeks), scheduling (varies), and utility interconnection approval (2-4 weeks). Expect 6-10 weeks from signing a contract to flipping the switch.
Will ground mount solar affect my property value?
Generally positive. Studies show homes with solar sell for 3-4% more than comparable homes without. Ground mount has an advantage over rooftop: it doesn't involve roof modifications, which some buyers prefer. The system also survives roof replacements without disruption. The main consideration is aesthetics—some buyers love the look, others don't. Proper placement (visible from the house but not dominating the view) helps.
What happens during a hail storm?
Modern solar panels are tested to withstand 1-inch hail at 50 mph. Texas sometimes gets bigger hail, but panels survive most storms. Ground mount systems may actually fare better than rooftop because they're typically at a steeper angle, deflecting hail rather than taking direct impacts. If damage does occur, panels are warrantied and insurance usually covers replacement. In 25 years of operation, most Texas systems never experience hail damage serious enough to affect production.
Can I mow around ground mount panels?
Yes. Racking systems are typically installed with 2-3 feet of clearance underneath, enough for a standard push mower or riding mower. Many landowners simply mow around and under the array as part of normal lawn maintenance. Others let native grass grow—it's fine as long as it doesn't get tall enough to shade the bottom edge of panels. Some even graze sheep under panels; they keep the grass down and don't damage equipment.
What's the lifespan of a ground mount system?
Panels are warrantied for 25-30 years but typically produce power for 30-40 years with gradual degradation (about 0.5% per year). Racking is galvanized steel or aluminum designed for 30+ years of outdoor exposure. Inverters are the most likely component to need replacement—string inverters last 10-15 years, microinverters 20-25 years. Budget for one inverter replacement over the system's life. The foundation posts or piers will outlast everything else.
How does ground mount solar work with my electric bill?
Your system connects to your home's electrical panel. When the sun shines, you use solar power first. Excess goes to the grid; your meter spins backward (in areas with net metering) or you get credited at wholesale rates. At night and on cloudy days, you draw from the grid normally. Most homeowners aim to offset 90-100% of annual usage. Your bill drops significantly, often to just the minimum connection fee of $10-20/month.
What if my HOA objects to ground mount solar?
Texas law (Property Code Section 202.010) protects your right to install solar. HOAs cannot prohibit solar devices outright. They can regulate placement—rear yard only, setback requirements, screening—but cannot impose rules that significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. If your HOA pushes back, cite the statute. Most become reasonable once they understand their legal limits. Get any restrictions in writing before installation.
Does ground mount work if my property is sloped?
Slopes up to 15% work fine without major site preparation. Steeper slopes require additional engineering—either grading the site or using specialized racking that accommodates the terrain. South-facing slopes are actually advantageous; they naturally tilt panels toward the sun. North-facing slopes work against you and may require steeper panel angles. Your installer will evaluate terrain during the site visit and adjust the design accordingly.
What maintenance does ground mount solar require?
Very little. Panels need occasional cleaning if they get dusty, but Texas rain usually handles this. Check quarterly for obvious issues: loose connections, damage, vegetation growing up around panels. Annual professional inspection costs $100-200 but isn't strictly necessary if everything's working. The inverter display shows production; if numbers drop unexpectedly, something needs attention. Budget $200-400 per year for maintenance on average, less most years.
Can I add battery storage to a ground mount system?
Yes, battery integration works the same as with rooftop solar. Batteries store excess daytime production for use at night or during outages. Popular options like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase batteries add $10,000-$20,000 to system cost depending on capacity. You can install batteries initially or add them later—the electrical work is straightforward if your system was designed with battery compatibility in mind. Worth considering if you experience frequent outages.
How does ground mount handle Texas heat?
Better than rooftop, actually. Panels lose efficiency as they heat up (about 0.4% per degree Celsius above 25°C). Rooftop panels sit against a hot roof with limited airflow. Ground mount panels have air circulating on all sides, keeping them 10-20°F cooler on hot days. This translates to 5-10% better summer production compared to a same-sized rooftop system. Texas heat is hard on everything, but ground mount handles it better than the alternative.
What happens if I sell my house?
The solar system transfers with the property. It's a selling point—buyers get the benefit of reduced electric bills. If you have a solar loan, it typically stays with you (you pay it off at closing) or transfers to the buyer with their agreement. Owned systems are simplest; there's nothing to negotiate. Get your installer to provide documentation of the system, warranties, and production history for potential buyers.
Do I need special insurance for ground mount solar?
Your homeowner's insurance typically covers the solar system as an "other structure" on your property. Call your insurer to confirm coverage and update your policy value to reflect the system cost. Some insurers add a small premium ($50-150/year); others include it at no extra charge. Make sure your policy covers both the structure and the equipment. Document your installation with photos for any future claims.
What if my electricity needs change?
Ground mount systems can often be expanded if you have available space and your inverter has capacity. Adding an EV, pool heater, or home addition increases usage. If you planned ahead, expansion might mean just adding panels. If not, you may need additional inverter capacity. Going smaller is harder—you can't easily remove panels, though you can turn off portions of the system. Size your initial system for anticipated future needs if possible.
How do I choose between different solar installers?
Get quotes from at least three installers. Compare total installed cost, equipment brands and warranties, and what's included (permits, interconnection, monitoring). Ask about their ground mount experience specifically—it's different from rooftop and not all installers do it regularly. Check references, verify licenses, and read reviews. The cheapest quote often cuts corners; the most expensive isn't necessarily better. Look for fair pricing with clear communication and solid warranties.
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