Ground Mounted Solar Panels in Ireland
Not every home has a suitable roof for solar panels. If your roof is north-facing, shaded, too old, or you simply have the garden space, ground mounted solar panels can be a better option — producing more energy per panel thanks to optimal positioning.
Quick Answer
Ground mounted solar panels cost 10–25% more than roof-mounted systems (typically €8,000–€11,000 for a 4 kWp system before the SEAI grant). They're exempt from planning permission under 25 square metres, eligible for the full SEAI grant of up to €1,800, and ideal for homes with unsuitable roofs, large gardens, or farms.
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
When ground mounted solar panels make sense
Most residential solar installations go on the roof. But ground mounted systems are the better choice in several situations:
Unsuitable roof
Roof is north-facing, too steep, too flat, thatched, slate, structurally weak, or due for replacement within the next 20 years.
Roof shading
Trees, chimneys, or neighbouring buildings shade your roof but not your garden.
Protected structure
Listed buildings or homes in Architectural Conservation Areas where rooftop panels would alter the building’s character.
Large garden or land
You have unused garden space and want maximum output from optimal south-facing positioning.
Farm or rural property
Agricultural land with space for larger arrays. Farms can access the TAMS 3 grant (60%) for solar installations.
Easy maintenance
Ground-level panels are easy to clean, inspect, and monitor without scaffolding or ladders.
Ground mounted solar panel costs in Ireland
Ground mounted systems typically cost 10–25% more than equivalent roof-mounted installations. The extra cost comes from the mounting frame, foundations (concrete piers or ground screws), and trenching for cables from the array to your house.
| System size | Roof-mounted (est.) | Ground-mounted (est.) | After SEAI grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kWp (5–6 panels) | €4,500–€5,500 | €5,000–€6,500 | €3,600–€5,100 |
| 3 kWp (7–8 panels) | €5,500–€7,000 | €6,500–€8,500 | €4,900–€6,900 |
| 4 kWp (10 panels) | €7,000–€9,000 | €8,000–€11,000 | €6,200–€9,200 |
| 6 kWp (15 panels) | €9,000–€11,500 | €10,500–€14,000 | €8,700–€12,200 |
Prices are estimates based on installer quotes and include 0% VAT. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 applies to ground mounted systems — there is no restriction on mounting type. See our full cost guide for detailed pricing.
What drives the extra cost?
- Mounting frame — aluminium or galvanised steel racking designed for ground installation
- Foundations — concrete piers, ground screws, or ballast blocks
- Trenching — buried cable run from the array to your consumer unit (longer runs cost more)
- Additional labour — groundwork, excavation, and longer installation time
Planning permission for ground mounted solar panels
Under S.I. No. 493 of 2022, residential ground mounted solar panels are exempt from planning permission if all of the following conditions are met:
- Total panel area does not exceed 25 square metres
- Panels are less than 2 metres above ground level (maximum 2.5m at the highest point)
- Private open space remaining is not reduced below 25 square metres
- Panels are not placed forward of the front wall of the house
- Property is not a protected structure or in an Architectural Conservation Area
- Property is not in a Solar Safeguarding Zone (check at MyPlan.ie)
| Property type | Max panel area (exempt) | Max height |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (house) | 25 m² | 2m (2.5m at peak) |
| Commercial/industrial | 75 m² | 2.5m |
| Agricultural (farm) | Up to 17 kW without planning | 2.5m |
For a full breakdown of exemptions and what to do if you need to apply, see our solar panels planning permission guide.
Types of ground mount systems
Fixed-tilt
The most common and affordable option. Panels are set at a fixed angle (30–35° is ideal for Ireland) facing south. No moving parts, minimal maintenance, and the best value for most residential installations.
Adjustable-tilt
The panel angle can be manually adjusted seasonally — steeper in winter to catch the low sun, flatter in summer. Slightly more expensive than fixed, and can increase annual yield by 5–10%.
Tracking systems
Motors that follow the sun throughout the day. Single-axis trackers increase output by 20–30%, while dual-axis trackers can add up to 40%. However, the added cost and maintenance of moving parts means tracking systems are rarely cost-effective for residential use in Ireland — they’re mainly used in commercial and utility-scale installations.
Foundation options
| Foundation | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete piers | Permanent installations, any soil type | Most stable, longest lifespan. Requires excavation and curing time. |
| Ground screws | Soft to medium soils, faster install | Twisted directly into soil. Quick, minimal disturbance. Same-day installation possible. |
| Ballasted mounts | Rocky terrain, sensitive land, temporary | Concrete blocks on the surface. No digging required. Can be relocated. |
Your installer will recommend the best foundation type based on your soil conditions and site. Ground screws are the most popular choice for Irish residential installations — they are fast to install and cause minimal disruption to your garden.
Ground mounted vs roof mounted: pros and cons
| Ground mounted | Roof mounted | |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Optimal — face true south at ideal angle | Limited by roof orientation and pitch |
| Cost | 10–25% more expensive | Lower cost |
| Maintenance | Easy — ground level access | Requires ladders or scaffolding |
| Roof impact | None — no drilling or risk of leaks | Requires roof penetrations |
| Efficiency | Better airflow keeps panels cooler | Heat buildup from roof can reduce output |
| Space | Uses garden space | Uses otherwise unused roof area |
| Expandability | Easy to add more panels later | Limited by roof area |
| Aesthetics | Visible in garden | Less prominent |
| Security | More accessible | Less accessible |
| SEAI grant | Eligible — up to €1,800 | Eligible — up to €1,800 |
For most homes with a suitable south-facing roof, roof-mounted is the most cost-effective option. Ground mounted makes sense when your roof isn’t suitable or you want to maximise output with optimal positioning. See our guide to whether solar panels are worth it for a full ROI analysis.
How much space do you need?
Ground mounted systems need more space than the panels themselves — you need gaps between rows to prevent self-shading, plus access for maintenance.
| System size | Panel area | Total ground space needed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kWp (5 panels) | ~9 m² | ~25–30 m² |
| 3 kWp (8 panels) | ~14 m² | ~40–50 m² |
| 4 kWp (10 panels) | ~18 m² | ~50–65 m² |
| 6 kWp (15 panels) | ~27 m² | ~75–100 m² |
The “total ground space” includes inter-row spacing (typically 2–3 times the panel height) and access paths. Remember that the planning exemption limit is 25 m² of panel area — not total ground area — so a 4 kWp system (18 m² of panels) fits within the exemption.
Use our solar calculator to estimate what size system you need based on your electricity usage, or see our panel sizing guide for a detailed breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ground mounted solar panels eligible for the SEAI grant?
Yes. The SEAI solar PV grant of up to €1,800 applies to ground mounted systems. The SEAI Code of Practice explicitly covers ground-mounted and carport-mounted installations. The same eligibility rules apply — your home must be built before 2021 and you must use an SEAI-registered installer.
Do I need planning permission for ground mounted solar panels in Ireland?
Not if the total panel area is under 25 square metres, the panels are under 2 metres high (2.5m at peak), and at least 25 square metres of private open space remains. The panels must not be forward of the front wall of your house. Protected structures and properties in Architectural Conservation Areas or Solar Safeguarding Zones do need planning permission.
How much more do ground mounted solar panels cost?
Ground mounted systems typically cost 10–25% more than equivalent roof-mounted installations. For a standard 4 kWp system, expect to pay around €8,000–€11,000 before the SEAI grant, compared to €7,000–€9,000 for roof-mounted. The extra cost covers the mounting frame, foundations, and cable trenching.
Are ground mounted solar panels more efficient?
They can be. Ground mounted panels can be positioned at the optimal angle (30–35°) facing true south, which isn't always possible on a roof. They also benefit from better airflow underneath, keeping panels cooler and more efficient. In practice, a well-positioned ground array can produce 5–15% more than a compromise roof installation.
How much garden space do I need for ground mounted solar panels?
A typical 4 kWp system (10 panels) needs around 50–65 square metres of garden space, including spacing between rows to prevent self-shading. The panels themselves cover about 18 square metres. You'll also need at least 25 square metres of private open space remaining after installation to qualify for planning exemption.
Can I get TAMS funding for ground mounted solar on a farm?
Yes. The TAMS 3 scheme provides up to 60% grant aid for farm solar installations, with a maximum of €90,000 and up to 62 kWp system size. Ground-mounted arrays must be within 500 metres of the farmyard. See our farm solar guide for full details.
What foundation is best for ground mounted solar panels?
Ground screws are the most popular choice for residential installations in Ireland — they're quick to install (same-day possible), cause minimal garden disruption, and provide strong anchoring. Concrete piers are the most durable option for permanent installations. Ballasted systems (concrete blocks on the surface) work well on rocky ground or where digging isn't possible.
Related Guides
Sources
- S.I. No. 493 of 2022: Solar Planning Exemptions, irishstatutebook.ie
- Gov.ie: Solar Planning Exemptions, gov.ie
- SEAI: Solar Electricity Grant, seai.ie
- SEAI: Domestic Solar PV Code of Practice, seai.ie
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the Irish solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official SEAI data and maintains relationships with SEAI-registered installers across Ireland.
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