When most businesses think about installing solar panels, they naturally think about putting them on the roof instead of looking at other options like ground-mounted solar panels.
For warehouses, factories, agricultural buildings and other commercial premises, the roof can provide an excellent location for a solar PV system. But what happens if your roof isn’t suitable, doesn’t have enough space, or is already being used for other equipment?
Ground-mounted solar panels could be another option.
If your business has suitable land available around its premises, a ground-mounted solar system could provide an alternative way to generate renewable electricity without relying entirely on your roof.
At Sunpower Services, we have experience with ground-mounted solar installations, including our project for CS Horticulture, where we installed a ground-mounted PV system.
What Are Ground-Mounted Solar Panels?
Ground-mounted solar panels are installed on a dedicated mounting structure secured to the ground rather than being fixed to a building.
This means the solar system can be positioned independently from your building, giving the design more flexibility.
For businesses, this can be particularly useful where:
- The roof is too small for the required solar system
- The roof is unsuitable for solar
- The roof has structural limitations
- Roof lights or other equipment take up too much usable space
- The business has suitable unused land available
- The business wants to generate more solar electricity than the roof can accommodate
Ground-mounted systems can also provide greater flexibility when determining the orientation and positioning of the panels, as they are not restricted by the existing roof.
What If Your Roof Doesn’t Have Enough Space?
Having a large commercial building does not necessarily mean you have enough usable roof space for the solar system your business needs.
Roof lights, ventilation systems, air conditioning equipment, ducts and other installations can all reduce the area available for solar panels.
The condition and construction of the roof also need to be considered.
For example, if a roof has limited remaining life, it may not make sense to install a large solar array on it without first addressing the roof itself.
This is where looking at the wider site can be worthwhile.
If your business has an area of suitable land, ground-mounted solar could provide an alternative location for your panels.
Ground-Mounted Solar Could Help You Make Better Use of Available Land
Many commercial properties have areas of land that are not being used to their full potential.
Depending on the site, this could include unused land alongside a building, suitable areas around an industrial facility or land associated with agricultural and horticultural businesses.
Instead of limiting your solar system to the available roof space, a ground-mounted installation can make use of suitable land.
Of course, not every piece of land will be appropriate. Ground conditions, planning requirements, shading, access, electricity infrastructure and the surrounding environment all need to be considered before a project can proceed.
That is why a proper site assessment is important.
Our CS Horticulture Ground-Mounted Solar Project
One example of our experience with ground-mounted solar is our project for CS Horticulture.
The project involved a ground-mounted PV setup, demonstrating that commercial solar does not always have to be installed on a building.
For businesses with suitable land, this type of system can provide another route to generating renewable electricity on site.
Could Ground-Mounted Solar Work With a Solar PPA?
Ground-mounted solar can also be considered alongside a commercial Solar PPA.
A PPA can allow a business to benefit from solar electricity without purchasing the solar installation outright.
Instead, the solar system can be funded through the PPA arrangement, with the business purchasing the electricity generated by the system over an agreed contract period.
This can be particularly interesting for businesses that have suitable land but don’t want to commit a large amount of capital to purchasing and installing a solar system themselves.
A PPA can potentially provide:
- Little or no upfront capital investment
- Renewable electricity generated on site
- Potentially lower electricity costs
- Long-term electricity price visibility
- Solar system management and maintenance
- Reduced carbon emissions
The exact structure and commercial terms will depend on the individual project.
Is Ground-Mounted Solar Right for Your Business?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to commercial solar.
For some businesses, a rooftop installation will be the most straightforward option.
For others, the roof may simply not provide enough suitable space.
If you have suitable land available, ground-mounted solar could be worth investigating.
The important thing is to look at the whole site rather than ruling solar out because your roof isn’t suitable.
At Sunpower Services, we can look at your property’s individual circumstances and discuss the options available to you.
Have You Got Land But Not Enough Roof Space?
If you’ve considered commercial solar but your roof isn’t suitable, don’t assume solar isn’t an option.
You may have suitable land that could accommodate a ground-mounted solar system.
Whether you are based in Kent or elsewhere in England and Wales, get in touch with Sunpower Services to discuss your site.
We can assess your property, electricity requirements and available space to determine whether ground-mounted solar, rooftop solar or a combination of options could work for your business.
Get in touch with Sunpower Services today to discuss your commercial solar requirements.
Email: mail@sunpowerservices.co.uk
Phone: 01634 295354
Information known to be correct at the time of publishing on 22nd October 2026.