A guide for Texas homeowners
Your Roof Doesn't Work for Solar. Your Yard Does.
Ground mount solar is an alternative to rooftop panels. If you have land in Texas, here's what you need to know — costs, requirements, and whether it makes sense for your property.
Why Your Roof Might Not Be the Answer
Most solar companies only do rooftop. But rooftop doesn't work for everyone. Here's when ground mount makes more sense.
Shaded Roof?
Those oak trees aren't going anywhere — and you don't want them to. But they make rooftop solar useless. Your yard, though? Full sun.
Old Roof?
Roof needs replacing in 5-10 years? Skip the $8-12K panel removal bill.
HOA Said No?
Texas Property Code 202.010 protects your right to install solar. Here's how to navigate the rules.
Got Land?
1+ acres sitting there? Put 400 sq ft of it to work making electricity.
How Ground Mount Installation Works
The typical process from start to finish.
Site assessment
An installer evaluates sun exposure, soil type, and setback requirements. This determines where panels should go and how many you need. Usually takes about an hour.
Permits and paperwork
Permits, HOA notifications, utility interconnection agreements, and tax credit documentation. Most installers handle all of this for you.
Installation
Steel racking on helical piles or concrete foundations. The physical install typically takes 2-3 days. Then your system goes live and your meter starts running backwards.
How Much Land Do You Need?
System size depends on your electricity usage. Here's what different systems require:
| System | Panels | Space Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | 14 | ~300 sq ft |
| 10 kW | 23 | ~500 sq ft |
| 15 kW | 35 | ~750 sq ft |
| 20 kW | 46 | ~1,000 sq ft |
Most residential systems fit in 300-750 sq ft — roughly the size of a large deck or two-car garage footprint.
Ground Mount vs. Rooftop
The honest comparison. Rooftop works great for some homes. Ground mount works better for others.
| Ground Mount | Rooftop | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Your yard | Your roof |
| Energy production | 10-25% more | Baseline |
| When you need to clean it | Walk up with a hose | Climb a ladder |
| If your roof needs work | Doesn't matter | $8-12K to remove & reinstall |
| Adding more panels later | Easy | Limited by roof space |
Why Texas Is Ideal for Ground Mount
Texas has unique advantages for ground mount solar — from abundant sunshine to protective state laws.
- 300+ days of sunshine — your panels actually have something to do
- Plenty of land — most Texas properties have room for a system
- ERCOT grid issues — remember the 2021 freeze? Independence matters
- 30% federal tax credit — still available through 2032
- Texas Property Code 202.010 — your HOA can't say no to solar
300+ Days of Sun
Texas gets more sunshine than almost anywhere. Solar panels here actually have work to do.
See What It CostsGround Mount by Region
Local considerations vary across Texas — soil types, permit processes, and utility requirements differ by area.
Not sure if you have enough land?
Answer a few quick questions to find out if ground mount could work for your property.
Check Your PropertyCommon Questions About Ground Mount Solar
Straight answers to help you decide if it's right for your property.
How much yard space do I need?
About 350-450 square feet for a typical home system (6-8kW). That's roughly the size of a two-car garage footprint. Bigger house, bigger bills, more space needed. An installer will measure exactly what you need during the site assessment.
Is ground mount more expensive than rooftop?
Usually 10-15% more upfront because of the racking and foundation work. But here's the thing: ground mount systems typically produce 10-25% more energy (better angles, more airflow). And you'll never pay $8-12K to remove panels when your roof needs work. For most people with land, the math works out.
My HOA is strict. Can they block this?
No. Texas Property Code 202.010 specifically protects your right to install solar. They can ask you to keep panels below the fence line or put them in the backyard instead of front, but they cannot prohibit installation. Most experienced installers know how to navigate HOA requirements.
What about rocky Hill Country soil?
Installers use helical pile foundations — basically giant screws that go into the ground. They work great in rocky soil and actually provide a stronger foundation than concrete in many cases. This is standard practice in places like Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, and Wimberley.
How long until I'm generating power?
The actual installation takes 2-3 days. The whole process from first call to flipping the switch is typically 6-10 weeks. Most of that time is permits and utility paperwork — bureaucracy moves slow, but good installers handle all of it.
What maintenance do ground mount systems need?
Honestly, not much. Spray them down with a hose a few times a year if they get dusty. Check for wasp nests occasionally. The big advantage over rooftop: when something does need attention, you walk up to it instead of climbing on your roof.
Ready to See If Ground Mount Fits?
Answer a few quick questions to see if your property is a good candidate.
Check Your Property