M&E Contrax Resources

Solar Panels for Park Homes

Resource Highlights:

Ground mounted solar is ideal when roof space is limited or you want maximum flexibility on system size and layout.

Panels can often be positioned for strong performance, but land, planning and cabling need to be considered.

A site assessment is key to confirm the best location, shading, mounting approach and grid connection requirements.

A practical guide for rural homes, farms, and sites with limited roof space

Ground mounted solar is a great option when roof space is limited, shading is an issue, or you want a larger system than your roof can comfortably support. It is especially popular for rural properties, farms and businesses with available land, because it allows panels to be positioned for strong performance and easier access.

This guide explains how ground mounted solar works, when it makes sense, and what you need to consider before installing.

What is ground mounted solar?

Ground mounted solar panels are installed on frames fixed into the ground rather than attached to a roof. The system still works in the same way as roof mounted solar, it generates electricity from daylight and feeds it into your property via an inverter.

Ground mounts are commonly used for:

rural homes and cottages

farms and agricultural buildings

businesses with available land

properties where roof shape, condition or shading makes roof solar less suitable

When is ground mounted solar a good choice?

When roof space is limited

Some properties have small roofs, complex roof lines, or restricted usable space due to chimneys, dormers or roof windows. Ground mounts can provide the space needed for the system size you want.

When roof shading is a problem

Trees and surrounding buildings can create predictable shading on roofs. Ground mounted systems can often be placed in a clearer area to reduce shading impact.

When you want a larger system

If you want a higher kW system for high electricity use, EV charging, or business demand, ground mounts can provide more capacity than most roofs.

When you want easier access

Ground mounted panels are easier to inspect, clean and maintain compared with roof mounted arrays, which can be a benefit for some sites.

Choosing the right location on your land

A site survey will confirm the best position based on:

daylight exposure across the year

shading from trees, hedges, buildings and terrain

distance to the property’s electrical connection point

ground conditions and drainage

access for installation and future maintenance

The best location is not always the most obvious. Even a small increase in shading can reduce output, so placement matters.

Orientation and tilt, why it matters

Ground mounted systems allow more control over angle and orientation. This can improve performance compared with a roof that is not ideally aligned.

Design considerations include:

facing panels towards the strongest daylight direction for the site

selecting a suitable tilt for year round output

allowing spacing between rows to prevent self shading

considering how generation aligns with your usage pattern

Some sites may benefit from layouts designed to spread generation across the day, depending on demand.

Mounting types, how panels are fixed to the ground

Ground mounted solar frames are secured using different methods depending on land type and site requirements.

Common mounting approaches include:

driven posts

ground screws

concrete foundations where required

ballast systems in certain situations

The mounting method depends on soil conditions, wind exposure, and the size of the array. A proper survey will recommend the safest and most appropriate option.

Cabling, trenching and connection to your property

One key difference with ground mounted solar is the cable run back to the inverter and connection point. This may involve trenching and careful routing.

A good design will consider:

the shortest practical cable route

protection for cabling in the ground

minimising disruption to driveways, landscaping or access routes

suitable inverter location with ventilation and access

Longer cable runs can add cost and complexity, so it is worth factoring this in early.

Planning considerations and site restrictions

Ground mounted solar may have different planning considerations compared with roof mounted systems, especially for larger arrays or visually prominent locations.

A survey should consider:

whether the system is visible from public viewpoints

boundaries, neighbouring properties and screening

restrictions for listed properties or conservation areas

agricultural land use considerations

local authority requirements where relevant

If planning consent is needed, it is best to identify this early, as it can affect timeline and design.

Ground mounted solar compared to roof mounted

Ground mounted solar can offer:

better flexibility on size and layout

more control over orientation and tilt

easier access for maintenance

the ability to avoid roof restrictions

Roof mounted solar can offer:

no land required

shorter cable runs

simpler installations in many cases

less visual impact depending on the property

The best option depends on your roof, your land, and your energy goals.

Simple overview

If you want the simplest approach, follow this order:

Decide your goals, bill reduction, maximum generation, future battery storage, EV charging, long term efficiency

Choose the best location on your land, prioritise clear daylight and minimal shading all year

Confirm orientation and tilt, and allow row spacing to avoid panels shading each other

Plan the cable route back to the inverter and connection point, keeping runs practical and protected

Confirm the mounting method based on ground conditions and exposure

Check planning and site restrictions early if the array is large or visually prominent

Ensure monitoring and documentation are included at handover

This avoids the most common ground mounted solar issues, poor site positioning, unexpected trenching costs, avoidable shading, and delays caused by planning or access constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

It can be, mainly due to mounting frames, groundwork, and cabling. However, it may deliver better performance if it can be positioned in a clearer, more optimal location.

It depends on system size and layout. A survey will confirm the area required, including row spacing to avoid self shading.

Yes. Ground mounted systems can be designed with battery storage in the same way as roof mounted systems, and often work very well for properties aiming to maximise self consumption.

Not necessarily, but they are easier to access for cleaning and inspections, which some property owners see as a benefit.