Ground-Mounted Solar Panels: When Your Roof Is Not Suitable

While rooftop solar is the most common installation type, it is not always the best option. Properties with north-facing roofs, heavy shading from trees or neighbouring buildings, listed building restrictions, or structurally unsuitable roofs may benefit from a ground-mounted solar array instead.

Ground-mounted systems can actually outperform rooftop installations because they can be oriented and tilted to the exact optimal angle (south-facing at 30-35 degrees in East Anglia) regardless of the roof direction. They are also easier to access for maintenance and cleaning.

When Ground-Mounted Makes Sense

Consider a ground-mounted system if:

• Your roof faces north, east, or west and cannot accommodate enough panels for a worthwhile system.
• Your property is listed and rooftop panels have been refused planning permission.
• Your roof is heavily shaded by trees, chimneys, dormers, or neighbouring buildings.
• Your roof is structurally unsuitable (e.g., old thatch, fragile tiles, asbestos cement).
• You have ample garden or land space (a 4kW system needs roughly 25-30 square metres).
• You want to install a larger system than your roof can accommodate.

Planning Permission

Unlike rooftop solar, ground-mounted systems usually require planning permission. In domestic settings, they are classified as permitted development only if they meet strict criteria: the array must not exceed 9 square metres, must not be within 5 metres of the property boundary, and must not be higher than 4 metres. Systems larger than this need a full planning application.

For agricultural land, permitted development rights are more generous. Farms can install ground-mounted solar on agricultural land under certain conditions without full planning permission, though prior notification to the local authority may be required.

Costs

Ground-mounted systems typically cost 10-20% more than equivalent rooftop installations due to the additional mounting framework, ground preparation, and cable trenching required. A 4kW ground-mounted system costs approximately £5,500-£8,500. However, the ability to achieve optimal orientation and tilt can result in 5-15% higher generation compared to a sub-optimally oriented rooftop system, partially offsetting the higher cost.

East Anglia Advantage

East Anglia is particularly well-suited to ground-mounted solar. The flat terrain means ground-level shading from hills or elevated terrain is virtually non-existent. Rural properties across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk often have substantial garden or paddock space that can accommodate an array. Sandy and well-drained soils in areas like the Brecks (around Thetford and Brandon) make ground preparation straightforward.