Ground & Pole Mounted Solar Arrays

An overview of alternative solar mounting options.

Dissecting Solar at the Ground Level

For one reason or another, your solar system has been permanently grounded (or poled). That’s okay! Roof mounts are not a requirement in order to go solar. This page is dedicated to diving into your options and exploring the differences between ground- and pole-mounted solar arrays. But, let’s first take a look at the similarities between the two. Both allow an alternative location to the roof. Both operate cooler allowing for better solar production. Both can withstand the environmental demands for any location in our State. Both prevent unnecessary penetrations into your roof. Plus, they are customizable to most needs and the mounting process is seamless for both. Solar really is for everyone (just as saving money is) and, to make our alternative-mount options work, we use four U.S. based manufacturers, MT Solar Unirac, AllEarth and Iron Ridge, to help you accomplish your green dreams.

MT Solar

Based out of Montana, MT Solar designs and manufactures solar mounting structures for solar modules and arrays of all sizes. They are all about efficiency, speed and ease in any terrain or environment. In fact, all of our Solar+ Schools installations are pole mounts from MT solar. We’ve been working with them for years and entrust them to get the job done right by providing a high quality ground or pole mounted system.

Ground Mounts:

Mount modules 2 high in portrait
Pre-stamped engineering letters for added engineering support
Non-adjustable fixed tilt of 20-45 degrees with standard mount

Pole Mounts:

Support 1-24 modules per pole
Use multiple poles for larger arrays to increase the system size exponentially to fit your needs
Accommodate any wind or snow load with multiple frame duties and pole sizes
Seasonally adjustable tilt angle

Iron Ridge

Based out of California, Iron Ridge does both roof racking and ground mounting. Their cost-effective steel pipes and mechanical tubing are capable of handling any ground-mounted site or terrain. Installation requires no drilling, welding or heavy machinery. This process works with various foundations including poured concrete piers, helical piles, earth screws, above-ground ballast blocks and driven piles. Concrete piers are the standard due to resistance to vertical and lateral loads, cost effectiveness, faster timelines and reduced risk. All systems are compatible with soil classes 2-4. To boot, their PE Certified and UL 2703 listed products have a 25-year warranty. We put our trust in Iron Ridge and invite you to do the same!

Unirac Pad-Mounted Array

What is a pad-mounted array?

This type of array is installed on a concrete slab instead of using footings or pylons. The modules are mounted to a Unirac rail system that is attached to the concrete slab.

What are the benefits?

A pad mounted array will protect the array from any undergrowth for the life of the system. The array will be lower to the ground and less susceptible to wind damage. It can be optimally oriented and it stays cooler and produces better. There are no moving parts and nothing to break down. Ground mount systems are easy to service and maintain. If your roof isn’t optimal for solar, a ground mount may be right for you.

What are the drawbacks?

It can be more expensive as the site needs to be accessible to the installation equipment. Slower installation process vs. a roof installation.

AllEarth Solar Trackers

Solar systems produce the most power when the sun is shining. The more directly the sun hits the panels, the more electricity the system can produce. The angle and position of the sun vary over the course of the day and with the different seasons. With a traditional solar panel system, the orientation of the panels is set. However, AllEarth Solar Trackers are designed to follow the path of the sun.

The solar panels are mounted to a racking system that has a small motor drive which allows the panels to move and follow the sun. This way, the panels are optimized to capture solar energy during the entire daylight period. By following the sun during the day and adjusting the orientation for the different seasons, an AllEarth Solar Tracker can generate up to 45% more power than a fixed system.

Key Features Of AllEarth Solar Trackers:

Made and engineered in America
Captures up to 45% more power than fixed systems
Handles wind loads of up to 120 mph
Lower energy costs and greater savings over 25 years
Comes with an industry-leading 10-year warranty

What Do Our Clients Say About Us?

“NC Solar Now was nothing short of amazing! They truly partner with their customers to ensure that they understand your goals upfront, communicate openly and excellently throughout the planning process, execute on time, and continue to support you and ensure you are aware of how to take advantage of new tax credits and rebate programs that you are eligible for. I am very happy with my 10KW system and the quality of the install, but above all, the ongoing support and customer service I receive from this company. I am endorsing them because they worked very hard to earn my trust and business and I know they will do the same for others. They have set a gold standard in my book!”

– Blake Shiver

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Want to Learn More About Solar?

Interested in a solar panel installation, or maybe you just like to keep up with the latest developments in green technology? Check out our blogs to learn answers to common questions, the latest news in the industry, what our friends are up to and how they use solar power, and how our team is saving the environment one installation at a time.