Thomas Edison 1931
Ground Array Solar Panels
Ground arrays are an alternative to roof mounting PV panels. You may opt for a ground array over roof mounting if for example you pitch is East to West so no South facing roof area is available. Ground arrays take up a lot more space then roof mounted arrays due to the spacing between that is required to remove any possibilty of overshadowing.
Ground arrays are also more expensive than roof mounting PV arrays so if the roof space is available we would alway suggest using it.
Ground arrays also require planning permission. This can always be a large stumbling block so its worth looking into this before making a decision. Ground arrays are widely used in Europe for large arrays generally over 1MW. The UK have taken the decision not to go down this route and are at present carry out a fast track review with the intention of reducing the tariffs for any array over 50kW. If this is to occur large scale ground arrays will no longer be economically viable.
GHE Solar have been involved with some large projects around the 500kWp mark (see Thatcham Solar Park) but can see why the new government have taken this action and will welcome any decision.
