When you are looking to construct a solar array on the ground, instead of rooftop solar panels, you will need to select solar panel ground mounts. Among the options are fixed-, single-, or dual-axis trackers. There are costs and benefits associated with each, which will vary depending on factors such as the latitude of your location, climate, landscape and the size of the ground-mounted solar array you are proposing.
If you have a limited budget and/or are installing a relatively small solar array, a fixed-axis solar ground mount may be your best bet. They are the least expensive option and are easy to maintain because they do not have mechanical, moving parts. Fixed-axis systems can be used both on the ground and for rooftop solar panels.
Solar tracking ground mounts can help achieve greater efficiency, but are more expensive. These mounts track the movement of the sun across the sky so that the solar panel continuously receives direct sunlight. You can choose between thermal and electrical solar trackers. The differences between the two are seen in cost, maintenance and effectiveness. Thermal trackers use radiant heat to activate rotation. They are less expensive and do not require much maintenance, but they can be slow to react to solar movement, particularly during winter months. Electric solar trackers are more precise, more expensive and require regular maintenance, compared to thermal trackers and fixed-mount systems. But it may be worth it – they can increase electrical output 20-40% over stationary solar ground mounts.
Installing solar panels on a ground mount
Not only can you choose between thermal and electric solar trackers, solar panel ground mounts also come in single-axis and dual-axis trackers. According to this post at Clean Techies:
Single-axis trackers move only on one axis, usually aligned along a true North meridian. These trackers are more reliable because they are less mechanically complicated. Because of this they are also easier to maintain and consume less energy than dual-axis trackers. In addition, these trackers create less shadowing, allowing a closer positioning of panels. Single-axis trackers are more cost-effective for large installations of solar panels.
Dual-axis trackers track the sun along two axes, allowing for a more constant and accurate angle of incidence and a higher yield. These trackers are especially efficient in cloudier climates, at northern latitudes, and in sloped locations. Because these trackers are structurally complex, they tend to have higher installation and maintenance costs. They are also larger and create a lot of shade, requiring greater space between units. These trackers have great collection efficiency, but are very expensive and are most cost-effective for smaller installations.
Selecting solar panel ground mounts is an important part of designing the solar array that best fits your needs and budget!