Updated November 2026 by Wolf River Electric.
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What is a ground-mounted solar system?
A ground mount is a solar array built on its own steel frame, set on footings in the ground. The panels face south at the angle that makes the most power, and an underground wire runs from the array to your home’s electrical panel. It works the same as a roof system once it is connected: your home uses the power first, and the extra goes to the grid for bill credits.
When does a ground mount make more sense than a roof?
- The roof is shaded. Trees around the house cut output on a roof. A ground mount can sit in the open.
- The roof faces east, west or north. A ground mount can face due south no matter how the house sits.
- The roof is old or small. You do not need to replace shingles first, and the system size is not limited by the roof.
- You want a bigger system. Farms, shops, all-electric homes and homes with EVs often need more panels than a roof holds.
- You want easy access. Snow, cleaning and service happen at ground level, not on a ladder.
Ground mount vs roof mount
| Ground mount | Roof mount | |
|---|---|---|
| Direction and tilt | Set to face south at the best angle | Set by the roof |
| System size | Limited by your land and setbacks | Limited by roof space |
| Roof holes | None | Sealed attachments through the roof |
| Snow | Steeper tilt sheds snow; easy to clear from the ground | Clears on its own; never climb the roof to clear it |
| Cost per panel | Higher: rack, footings, trench | Lower |
| Yard space | Uses part of the yard or field | None |
| Permits | Building permit, and often a zoning or setback review | Building permit |
How much does a ground-mounted solar system cost?
A ground mount usually costs more per panel than the same system on a roof. The extra goes to the steel rack, the footings set below the frost line and the trench that carries the wire to your house. The longer the trench and the harder the soil, the more it adds. In return you often get more power per panel, because the array faces due south at the best angle and sits out of the shade.
We price the rack, footings and trench from a site visit, so your quote shows exactly what the ground mount adds. For typical roof system prices, see our Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa cost guides.
What matters for ground mounts in the Midwest
- Frost. Footings go below the frost line so the rack does not heave in winter.
- Snow. A steeper tilt helps snow slide off. Leave clear space below the low edge so the snow has somewhere to go.
- Bifacial panels. Panels that collect light on both sides can pick up extra power from snow and light ground underneath. See how bifacial solar panels work.
- Setbacks and zoning. Townships, counties and cities set distances from property lines and may require a zoning permit. We handle the permits.
- Where the trench runs. We plan the path around septic systems, wells, gas lines and buried utilities.
Ground-mounted solar for farms
Farms are a natural fit for ground mounts: open land, high power use from shops, grain dryers and livestock barns, and often a separate meter. A system can power the farm and the house. Farm and business systems may qualify for the 30% federal commercial credit and faster depreciation. See solar for farms and agriculture, agrivoltaics and solar for rural homes and farms.
How a ground mount installation works
- Site visit. We look at your land, shade, soil, the distance to your panel and your 12 months of bills.
- Design and permits. We size the system to your use, set the layout and pull the building and zoning permits.
- Footings and rack. Our crew sets the footings and builds the steel rack.
- Panels and trench. We mount the panels, trench the wire to the house and connect it to your electrical panel.
- Inspection and utility approval. After inspection, your utility approves the connection and the system turns on.
Ground-mounted solar questions
How far from the house can a ground mount be?
Usually a few hundred feet works. Longer runs need a larger wire, which adds cost. We size the wire to keep power loss low.
Can I mow under a ground mount?
Plan for it. We set the low edge high enough for snow and leave room to trim around the posts.
Do ground mounts need a permit?
Yes. Every ground mount needs a building permit, and many towns and counties also review setbacks or zoning. We handle both.
Can I add a battery to a ground mount?
Yes. A battery works the same with a ground mount as with a roof system. See home battery backup.
Get a ground mount quote
Wolf River Electric designs and installs ground-mounted solar with our own licensed crews across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota and South Dakota. Get a free solar quote and tell us you want a ground mount.
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