COMMERCIAL SOLAR FEASIBILITY REPORT

Commercial Solar Ground Mount Systems

Ground mount systems are the perfect alternative for commercial sites and businesses that do not have adequate roof space to support a roof-mounted solar setup. A commercial solar ground mount solar system is more efficient and worthwhile for certain businesses that are looking to capitalise on excess space.

If you’re interested in a ground-mount solar installation, the team at 13KUGA is here to help. Our technicians provide guidance, as well as develop, install, and help maintain ground-mount solar systems for commercial businesses all over Australia.

Learn more about ground mount systems and enquire below to see how we can help your business achieve energy independence.

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How Ground Mount Systems Work

Ground mount systems work in the same way as rooftop setups do with the panels feeding energy into a solar inverter. The inverter is located on a setup behind the panels or in another location on the property for distribution.

They can be set up a few centimetres or metres from the ground depending on the type of installation and the racking support chosen. Unlike rooftop setups, ground mount systems have the advantage of angular adjustment. This means the panels can be set up at the optimal angle to capture as much sunlight as possible (in Australia, this is typically facing true north at 30-45 degrees).

Rooftop panels have the disadvantage of being at the mercy of the angle of the rooftop itself which can lend to less efficient production rates. Depending on the type of mounting system, a tracking feature can be implemented so that the panels follow the sun as it rises and sets throughout the day, ensuring maximum possible absorption. This is why a tracking-enabled, ground-mounted solar system is the most efficient option for solar farms that need to generate as much power as possible.

13KUGA Can Help You Design, Install and Maintain a Highly Efficient Ground Mount Solar System for Your Business

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Learn more about the benefits of switching to commercial solar.

Types of Ground Mount Systems We Install

At 13KUGA, we’re CEC-approved retailers and take care of the whole process – from engineering to procurement, to installation.

There are three types of mounting systems we can set up for your business:

1. Fixed Tilt

This is the standard setup that incorporates panels affixed to metal framing. This framing is driven into the ground to set the panels at a fixed, optimal angle for the most potential exposure. Some fixed tilt setups can be moved around a few times a year following the seasonal changes of the sun.

2. Single Axis Tracking

Like the single tilt, single-axis tracking ground mount systems are installed through support being driven into the ground. The major difference in these setups is in the tracking system. As the name suggests, these panels can move on a single axis – whether it be north-south, or east-west. Single-axis tracking is typically automated to follow the direction of sunlight throughout the day which can increase energy production and efficiency by 20% compared to the fixed tilt. Single-axis trackers are common in larger-scale commercial sites.

3. Ballasted

In certain situations where penetration into the surface area is impossible or ill-advised (loose soil etc.), a ballasted ground mount system could be the way to go. Offering a quicker installation than the pile-driven setups, a ballasted array is the perfect solution for troublesome terrains such as landfills or loose-soil fields.

13KUGA can assist you in deciding which setup is suitable for your commercial needs. Utilising years of experience and quality workmanship, we can provide the optimal commercial solar solution for your property.

Ground Mount Solar Design & Installation Process

The process we follow for designing and installing a ground-mounted solar system differs significantly from that of a rooftop system.

Design Stage

Just like we would with a rooftop, the ground area where the solar panels will be installed needs to be assessed. This is done through a geotechnical study of the ground conditions, which is overseen by structural engineers. The process involves conducting test boreholes at various depths to determine the suitability of the ground for the standard posts (which mount the racking system) and drive posts (which mount the tracking system). Standard post footings need to be 1.2 meters deep and 350 millimetres wide, while drive posts require footings of 1.5 meters in depth and 350 millimetres in width.

Once the ground has been assessed and deemed suitable, we then begin the process of obtaining building and development permits. This crucial step involves liaising with the local council, providing a scope of works, and responding to requests for information, including assessments of environmental impact, effects on local traffic and infrastructure, and conducting a glare and glint study to evaluate potential impacts on pedestrians, motor vehicles, and planes in the vicinity.

Further permits will also be sought for the electrical work, most of which is implemented underground. This includes extensive design work for conduit depths, the required number of pits, and cable spacing to prevent overheating. At this stage, we will also determine the most suitable solar panels and inverters to use across the installation.

Installation Stage

The installation phase begins with trenching at a 200-metre radius to accommodate the cable runs from the solar system to the inverter station. Subsequent trenching is performed for the conduits running from the DC combiner boxes back to the inverter station at the start of each row, totalling approximately 100 meters. The team then proceeds to backfill the trenches.

At this stage, post-hole drilling commences based on the layout designed by our engineer. After the holes are excavated, the posts are prepared for concrete filling. After curing, the team assembles the components of the single access tracking system onto the posts, including torque tubes, torque tube brackets, paddles, and panels, which are bolted onto the brackets.

Benefits of Ground Mount Systems for Commercial Businesses

There are several surprising benefits for commercial enterprises that utilise renewable setups, especially ground mount systems. Rooftops are not always optimally oriented for sun exposure which can impede the efficacy of a roof-based setup. With a surface-based setup, you have the luxury of having them installed in a location that has maximal sun exposure.

Another fantastic benefit is the ease of maintenance and adjustment compared to roof-based alternatives. As ground mount systems are easily accessed, adjusting the orientation, or conducting regular maintenance is simple. Consistent breeze and a larger gap underneath the panels also lend themselves to keeping the setups cooler for longer.

Over the long term, renewable energy installations will pay for themselves, especially if the panels are installed by professionals and optimally angled to receive optimal sun exposure. As we are a sun-exposed country, we have untapped potential everywhere and businesses are noticing the incredible long-term gains that can be made while simultaneously supporting a greener Australia.

How 13KUGA Can Help You

We have developed countless projects for commercial enterprises across the country and are looking forward to hearing from you.

We can offer guidance and advice about your prospective set-up, suggest ways to optimise your power supply, and of course, install and maintain your commercial solar ground mount system.

We also help you access business solar rebates to reduce the expense of your installation by offering finance options, including Solar PPA.

Commercial Ground Mount System Installations

KUGA Electrical has completed an initial ground mount solar project at one of OMYA’s portfolio of mineral mines. The project included Council DA application, civil engineering, underground trenching as well as the mechanical and electrical installation of the solar PV panels. The bi-facial solar panels used for this job exceed expectations and produce over 10% more power than the business case numbers suggested for the mono-facial panel.

Get in touch with us and take the first step toward energy independence and a greener future.

Ground Mount Solar System FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about commercial ground mount solar systems.

How Much Does a Ground Mount Solar System Cost?

Due to added complexity in the design and engineering, ground-mount solar systems come with a higher overall cost than rooftop systems. Large-scale commercial ground mount solar systems can range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more depending on factors like the size and whether a tracking system will be utilised. Luckily, your business can take advantage of rebates like Large-scale generation certificates and use solar financing options to significantly reduce the upfront expense. A ground mount system is a long-term investment in the energy independence of your business and will ultimately end up paying for itself in savings on your electricity bills.

What is the Spacing for Ground Mounted Solar Panels?

For smaller systems, a rule of thumb is that the inter-row separation should generally be 2.5 times the row height. However, at KUGA our engineers use sophisticated measuring formulas to determine the ideal spacing for the array, taking tracking capabilities and shade analysis into account to maximise the power-generating potential of the solar system.

How High can Ground-Mounted Solar Panels be?

Depending on the ground conditions and racking system used, the panels can be mounted a few centimetres or metres off the ground. Pole-mounted systems can elevate solar panels higher off the ground than standard mounts.