When ground-mount is the right answer
Five typical scenarios: (1) heritage / listed roof you can't fit panels to, (2) thatched roof, (3) north-facing-only roof, (4) roof too steep, too brittle, or too shaded by trees, (5) plenty of garden / paddock with daytime electricity load. For farms, ground-mount up to 1MW is permitted development for agricultural use — see our agricultural solar service.
How ground-mount works
Aluminium A-frames anchored to concrete pads or ground screws (depending on soil). Optimal tilt 30-35° for the Midlands. Cables trenched underground to the house consumer unit. DNO notification same as for rooftop. Visible from neighbouring properties — we plan with planning sensitivity in mind, and most domestic installations under 9m² are permitted development (no planning needed).
Cost vs rooftop
Slightly more expensive than rooftop per kW — typically 15-25% more due to the steel/aluminium frame, concrete footings, and underground cabling. A 4kW ground-mount runs £8,500-£11,500 vs £6,500-£9,000 for an equivalent rooftop. Often the better generation (optimal tilt + zero shading) makes total lifetime yield superior.
Permitted development for ground-mount
Domestic: ground-mount under 9m² array footprint, less than 4m above ground level, and at least 5m from the boundary is permitted development. Larger requires planning permission. Agricultural: up to 1MW is permitted development for agricultural use.