Ground mounted solar panels sit on frames set into the soil. The frames hold the panels at a set tilt and keep rows aligned. We link the panels in strings, route DC cables to an inverter, and feed AC into the home. We can add batteries to store extra power. We can also export to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
The core parts are simple:
Modules that convert sunlight to DC power.
Mounting frames and foundations that resist wind and frost.
Inverters that convert DC to AC for home use.
Cables, isolators, and protection devices that keep the system safe.
A fixed-tilt frame holds panels at one angle. It is simple, stable, and low cost. A single-axis tracker turns the panels through the day. It lifts yield by about 15–25% in the UK. A dual-axis tracker follows both the sun’s path and height. It can raise yield a bit more but adds moving parts. Trackers add cost, need more space, and need care in high winds. For most homes, fixed-tilt frames give the best value.
We choose foundations to match soil and exposure:
Ground screws suit most soils and avoid wet concrete. We drive them and bolt the frame on.
Driven piles suit large arrays and firm ground. They go in fast with the right kit.
Concrete pads or strip footings suit soft or mixed ground. They take longer and need cure time.
A simple soil check helps. We look for peat, fill, high water, or sand. Exposed sites may need deeper or wider bases. We set frames to clear snow and grass and to keep the back row gap even.
Bifacial panels take light on both faces. The rear side picks up light that bounces off the ground. Gains in the UK range from 5–15%. We see higher gains with light gravel, pale grass, or snow. We raise the lower edge of the panels to improve rear light. We space rows to cut self-shading. We use bifacial-aware racking that leaves the rear more open.
We pick the best azimuth and tilt. Roofs fix these for us.
We avoid roof load and roof work. No scaffold on the house. No roof penetrations.
We keep panels cool. Cooler panels make more power.
We can clean and service at ground level. That saves time and cuts risk.
We can scale to 10–20 kW or more if we have land.
We need space. A home array can use 15–20 m² per kW including row gaps. We plan early.
We see the array in the garden. We choose low profile frames, hedging, or fencing.
We may need planning. We check rules and speak with the local authority if unsure.
We add groundwork cost. We reduce this with screws or piles and smart cable routes.
We must secure the site. We add fencing, locks, and cameras if the site is open.
In many cases a small stand‑alone array in England can be Permitted Development. The common rules are:
One stand‑alone array within the garden of a house or flat.
Not in front of the principal elevation that faces a road.
Height no more than 4 m.
Set at least 5 m from any boundary.
Panel area no more than 9 m² and no one side longer than 3 m for each stand‑alone unit.
Remove the array when it stops working.
Rules differ in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Listed buildings, flats with shared grounds, and sites in protected areas have extra limits. We always check the latest order for our nation and speak to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) before we commit.
We site arrays to cut glare and to protect views. Many LPAs expect low profile frames under 4 m. They may ask for a 5 m set‑back from boundaries in England. We keep arrays out of front gardens that face a road if we seek Permitted Development. We also keep an eye on flood zones and drainage. We avoid blocking land drains.
In conservation areas, Permitted Development may exclude front plots. In some cases we need a full planning application. Near public rights of way, we keep clear space and avoid glare into paths and roads. Near airports or rail lines, a glint and glare note can help. We avoid siting that causes nuisance to neighbours.
Answer a few quick questions, and we will send you a bespoke solar panel quote.
Costs vary with size, frames, and groundworks. Typical guide prices in 2025 are:
4–6 kW ground mount for a home: £9,000–£16,000.
8–12 kW for a large home or smallholding: £14,000–£26,000.
15–20 kW for a small farm: £22,000–£35,000.
Ground mounts often cost 10–30% more than roof systems. The gap closes on larger arrays. Batteries add £3,000–£8,000+ based on capacity and brand.
Payback depends on:
Self‑consumption rate. We save the retail price on units we use. Many homes pay 25–30 p/kWh.
Export rate under SEG. Rates vary from about 10–20 p/kWh, sometimes higher with fixed deals.
System size and tilt. A good south 30–35° tilt boosts yield.
Shading and temperature. Cooler panels at ground level help summer output.
Upfront cost and grants. 0% VAT helps cut the bill.
A well sited 6–8 kW array can pay back in 6–10 years for many homes. Larger arrays with good export deals can do better. Poor siting or long cable runs can push payback out. We model usage and export before we buy.
0% VAT: Domestic solar and batteries have 0% VAT in Great Britain until March 2027 under the energy‑saving materials rules.
SEG: Licensed suppliers pay for exports we meter. We need a smart meter and a compliant inverter. We shop rates.
ECO4: Low‑income homes may get help under ECO4 via approved installers. Solar PV can sit within a wider package in some cases. We check eligibility with our supplier or a scheme partner.
As a rule of thumb, we allow 15–20 m² per kW for a ground array. This covers panel area, row gaps, and access. For a 6 kW system, we plan for 90–120 m² of clear, level ground. We keep a minimum gap between rows so the front row does not shade the next at low sun. In the UK at 30–35° tilt, winter row spacing often falls between 2–3 m. We keep a service path along the back or side.
South facing gives the best annual yield. A tilt of 30–35° suits most of the UK. East‑west layouts spread output and can help self‑use in the morning and late day. We trim trees if we can. We avoid chimneys, poles, or fences that cast long winter shadows. We use string design or module‑level power electronics to handle partial shade. We check for glint on nearby windows and roads.
Long DC or AC runs waste energy and add cost. We aim to keep the inverter close to the array or the consumer unit and size cables for under 1–2% voltage drop. Buried cables sit 450–600 mm deep with sand bed and marker tape. We use SWA cable in ducts or trenches. We plan a neat route for data cables for monitoring. We allow for an export meter and an isolator near the grid point.
Answer a few quick questions, and we will send you a bespoke solar panel quote.
A typical build runs like this:
Survey and design. We test soil, measure sun paths, and set array size.
Set out and install foundations. We use screws, piles, or concrete.
Build frames and mount panels. We torque fixings and set tilt.
Run DC cables to the inverter. We fit isolators and protection.
Connect to the consumer unit. We add generation and export meters as needed.
Commission and test. We hand over manuals and certificates.
We plan deliveries and access. We protect lawns and drains. We remove spoil or reuse it to grade the site.
Most single‑phase homes use G98 compliant inverters up to 16 A per phase (about 3.68 kW export). Larger exports need prior consent under G99. We can fit export limiters to stay within DNO caps. We submit G98 notifications within 28 days after commissioning or seek G99 approval before build for larger systems. We label isolators and meters and set the CT clamps the right way.
Ground arrays need simple care:
We clean glass if dirt, pollen, or birds cut output.
We strim or mow under and between rows. We avoid stone strikes on glass.
We check fixings and earthing once a year.
We trim hedges to keep airflow and light.
We lock frames and enclosures. We add fencing in open fields. Cameras or lights help in remote spots.
Most panels meet IEC 61215 and 61730 and will run for 25+ years. Inverters often last 10–15 years. We budget for one swap in the life of the array.
Ground-mounted solar panels sit on frames fixed into the soil at a set tilt. Modules produce DC, linked in strings to an inverter that converts power to AC for your home. You can add batteries for storage and export surplus under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) via a compliant inverter and smart meter.
For most homes, fixed-tilt frames offer the best value: they’re simpler, cheaper, and robust in high winds. Single‑axis trackers can lift yield by roughly 15–25% in the UK, but add cost, space, moving parts and wind management. Dual‑axis adds a little more yield, with greater complexity and maintenance.
In England, small stand‑alone arrays can be Permitted Development if they meet limits: height under 4 m, set at least 5 m from boundaries, not in front of the principal elevation facing a road, and size limits per unit. Rules vary in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—always check with your LPA first.
Allow roughly 15–20 m² per kW, so 90–160 m² for 6–8 kW including row gaps. Typical 2025 costs: about £9,000–£20,000 depending on frames and groundworks. With good orientation and self‑consumption, payback is often 6–10 years; SEG export rates, shading, cable runs and 0% VAT influence ROI.
Homes with solar often see improved buyer appeal due to lower energy bills; valuations vary by documentation, aesthetics and system size. Minimise visual impact with low‑profile frames and screening. Keep manuals, DNO paperwork and warranties. Consider security (fencing, locks, cameras) to deter theft in open or remote sites.
Yes. Installers use ground screws or piles to suit varied soils and gradients; concrete pads may be chosen for soft or mixed ground. Arrays are set out to maintain even row gaps and tilt, with deeper or wider foundations on exposed sites. On slopes, careful spacing avoids winter self‑shading and runoff issues.
