Ground Mount Solar FAQ
Answers to common questions about ground mount solar in Texas. No fluff, just the information you need.
Cost & Pricing
How much does ground mount solar cost in Texas?
Ground mount solar typically costs $3.50-$5.00 per watt before incentives. For a typical 8kW system, that's $28,000-$40,000 before the 30% federal tax credit, or $19,600-$28,000 after. The variation depends on soil conditions, distance from your electrical panel, and equipment quality.
Is ground mount more expensive than rooftop solar?
Yes, usually 10-15% more upfront because of the racking and foundation work. But ground mount typically produces 10-25% more energy due to optimal positioning. And you'll never pay $8-12K to remove panels when your roof needs work. For many homeowners with land, the math actually favors ground mount over time.
What's included in the cost?
A complete installation includes: solar panels, ground mount racking, foundation (concrete or helical piles), inverter, electrical wiring, trenching to your main panel, permits, engineering, and labor. Most quotes are all-inclusive—ask about what's covered before signing.
How long until I break even on my investment?
Most Texas ground mount systems pay for themselves in 7-10 years, with equipment lasting 25+ years. After the payback period, you're generating essentially free electricity. Over a 25-year system life, total savings typically exceed $50,000.
Space & Property Requirements
How much land do I need for ground mount solar?
About 300-500 square feet for a typical home system. A 6kW system needs roughly 300 sq ft, while a 10kW system needs about 500 sq ft—roughly the size of a two-car garage footprint. Larger homes or high electricity users may need more.
What's the minimum lot size for ground mount?
We typically work with properties of 1+ acres, though some 0.5+ acre lots can work depending on layout. You need room for the array itself plus setbacks from property lines and structures. Under an acre usually doesn't have enough usable space after accounting for all requirements.
Can I put panels anywhere in my yard?
The best location is an area with full sun exposure, facing south or near-south. You'll also need to meet setback requirements (usually 10-15 feet from property lines), have reasonable distance to your electrical panel, and avoid areas with underground utilities or septic systems.
What if my yard is shaded by trees?
You don't need your entire yard to be sunny—just the area where panels will go. We analyze sun patterns to find the optimal placement. Many properties with shaded roofs have sunny spots elsewhere on the property that work perfectly for ground mount.
Installation & Foundation
How long does installation take?
The physical installation takes 2-3 days. The entire process from consultation to generating power is typically 6-10 weeks. Most of that time is permits and utility paperwork—the bureaucracy moves slowly, but good installers handle all of it.
What about rocky Hill Country soil?
We use helical pile foundations for rocky soil—basically giant screws that go into the ground. They work great in limestone and caliche, and actually provide a stronger foundation than concrete in many cases. This is standard practice in Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and similar areas.
What foundation types are used for ground mount solar?
Two main options: concrete footings (poured piers similar to deck posts) or helical piles (screw-in metal anchors). Helical piles work better in rocky soil and don't require concrete curing time. Your installer will recommend the right option based on a soil assessment.
Will installation damage my yard?
There's minimal disturbance during installation—excavation for foundations and a trench for wiring to your house. The affected area is small and most homeowners plant grass around the array after installation. Some even graze livestock under the panels.
Can ground mount systems handle Texas storms?
Yes. Systems are engineered for local wind loads, including hurricane-force winds in coastal areas. Panels are rated for hail impact, and the steel racking is designed to withstand severe weather. Ground mount is often more resilient than rooftop because it doesn't depend on roof condition.
HOA & Permits
Can my HOA block solar panel installation?
No. Texas Property Code Section 202.010 specifically protects your right to install solar devices. HOAs cannot prohibit installation. They can impose reasonable restrictions on placement (like requiring backyard installation or height limits), but they cannot say no entirely.
What restrictions can an HOA impose?
HOAs can require: panels stay below fence line height, installation in the back or side yard instead of front, screening with landscaping in some cases, and submission of plans for architectural review. They cannot prohibit solar, materially increase costs, or significantly reduce system effectiveness.
What permits are required for ground mount solar in Texas?
You'll typically need: an electrical permit (for the solar installation), a building/structural permit (for the ground-mounted system), and a utility interconnection agreement. Your installer should handle all permitting as part of the project—this is standard practice.
How long does permitting take?
Permit timelines vary by jurisdiction. Travis County typically takes 2-3 weeks, while some smaller municipalities are faster. Utility interconnection can add another 2-4 weeks. This is usually the longest part of the project timeline.
Maintenance & Ownership
What maintenance does ground mount solar need?
Very little. Spray panels with a hose a few times a year if they get dusty. Check for wasp nests occasionally. Trim vegetation around the array annually. The big advantage: when something needs attention, you walk up to it instead of climbing on your roof.
How long do ground mount systems last?
Solar panels are warranted for 25 years but often produce power for 30-40 years. Ground mount racking typically lasts even longer—the steel frames outlive the panels. Inverters may need replacement around year 15, which is a normal maintenance expense.
Can I mow around solar panels?
Yes. Systems are designed with clearance for standard lawn equipment. Many homeowners prefer to install gravel or low-maintenance landscaping under and around the array to reduce mowing.
What if I want to move the panels later?
Ground mount systems can be relocated, though it's uncommon. The foundation stays in place, but panels and racking can be moved. More importantly: if you sell the property, ground mount solar adds value—it's a feature, not a problem.
Comparison & Decision
When is ground mount better than rooftop?
Ground mount makes more sense when: your roof is shaded by trees, your roof is older than 10 years, you have complex roof geometry, you want maximum energy production, you have land available, or you prefer easy maintenance access. If none of these apply, rooftop might be simpler.
Is ground mount solar worth it if my roof works?
If your roof is new, unshaded, and well-oriented, rooftop can be a good choice. But ground mount has advantages even for good roofs: 10-25% higher production, no roof penetrations, easier maintenance, and no removal costs if roof needs work later. It's worth getting quotes for both.
Can I add more panels to a ground mount system later?
Yes, and this is one of ground mount's big advantages. Expanding is straightforward—you just add more racking and panels. Rooftop is limited by roof space. If you expect your electricity needs to grow (EV, pool, workshop), ground mount gives you room to expand.
What about battery storage with ground mount?
Ground mount works great with battery backup. The inverter and batteries can be located at the array or inside your home—wherever makes most sense. For rural properties or areas with unreliable grid power, solar + battery provides genuine energy independence.
Texas-Specific Questions
What solar incentives are available in Texas?
The main incentive is the 30% federal tax credit, available through 2032. It applies to equipment, labor, permits, and engineering—the full project cost. Some utilities offer additional rebates or favorable net metering. There's no state tax credit in Texas, but no state income tax either.
How does net metering work in Texas?
Net metering lets you send excess solar power to the grid in exchange for credits on your bill. It's available from most Texas utilities, though terms vary. Some areas in the ERCOT deregulated market have different buyback arrangements—your installer can explain what's available at your address.
Will solar help during Texas grid emergencies?
Standard grid-tied solar shuts off during outages (for lineworker safety). But solar with battery backup keeps your essential systems running when the grid fails. After Winter Storm Uri, many Texas homeowners added solar + battery specifically for grid independence.
Does Texas get enough sun for solar to make sense?
Texas gets 200-300+ sunny days per year depending on location. Austin averages 228 sunny days, DFW gets 235+, San Antonio over 220. This is more than enough for solar to be highly effective. Texas is actually one of the best states for solar production.
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