Hudson Valley Ground Mounted Solar Panels

Tailored Solar Solutions for Every Property

Rooftop solar installation is the most common way to install residential solar panels and what most people think of when talking about solar energy. However, this is not the only option for installing solar panels. At Lighthouse Solar, we strive to offer the best option for every residential and commercial property that we serve. We provide installation of ground mounted panels in Hudson Valley and the surrounding area.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of a ground mounted solar system, call (845) 251-2012 for a free consultation.

When Ground Mounted Panels Are the Best Option

When there is no room for solar panels or the roof is unable to support panels, renewable energy is still possible with ground mounted solar panels.

The cost of a ground mounted system is comparable to a rooftop solar panel system installation. Our process starts with a free consultation. We can evaluate your home energy efficiency, the solar potential of your property, and your home’s energy needs to install a ground mounted panel system that is sufficient for meeting your electricity needs.

Ground Mounted System Installation

Our solar installers are extensively trained, fully certified and insured professionals with the technical skill and expertise to ensure that your installation of ground mounted panels in the Hudson Valley is performed to the highest standards of quality. We handle every aspect of the process, from securing the necessary permits and continuing with monitoring and service after your installation is complete.

We make sure your ground mounted panels are installed in the ideal location and angled to optimize energy production. Your new ground mounted solar panel system will be covered under a limited lifetime warranty for up to 25 years, so you will enjoy a clean, sustainable, and affordable source of energy for decades to come.

What Are the Benefits of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels?

Ground-mounted solar panels offer several advantages over rooftop installations:

• Flexibility in Location and Orientation: They can be placed in optimal locations and oriented to maximize sun exposure.
• Ease of Maintenance and Access: Ground-mounted panels are more accessible for cleaning and repairs.
• Improved Efficiency: Better airflow around ground-mounted panels keeps them cooler, enhancing performance.
• Scalability: These systems can be easily scaled up, making them suitable for large installations like solar farms.
• Optimal Placement: They can be installed to avoid shading and obstacles, ensuring maximum sunlight exposure.
• No Roof Impact: there are no concerns about structural issues or damage to the roof.
• No Roof Space Limitations: Suitable for buildings with limited or unsuitable roof space.
• Dual Use Potential: This can be used alongside agricultural activities, known as agrivoltaics.
• Tracking System Compatibility: Easier to implement solar trackers that follow the sun, boosting energy production.

These benefits make ground-mounted solar panels a versatile and efficient option for various solar energy projects.

How Far Can Ground Mounted Solar Panels Be From Your House?

You can mount the panel arrays several hundred feet from your home. The further you go from the house though, the larger the wire and conduit gets. This additional wire and conduit will rise the cost, so that is something to keep in mind with ground mounted solar panels.

If you want to prevent energy loss, you need to install long, expensive wires for up to 500 feet from your house to install solar panels. Keeping the voltage drop below 2% is possible with a distance of 50 feet or less.

How Does Distance Affect Solar Panel Output?

In terms of distance, there are many reasons why solar panel ratings and actual output differ. For your solar panels to prevent too much energy loss, the cables will have to be longer the farther they are from your house. Long, thick cables are expensive and defeat the purpose of going solar, which is to save money.

The energy and voltage drops will be at or below 3% if you keep the distance to 100 feet or less. You will need thicker, longer cables if the length exceeds 100 feet.

Due to the resistance of wires in an electric circuit, voltage is lost when current flows. As cable wires become longer, their resistance increases, resulting in a greater voltage drop. When installing solar panels, you want the shortest wire possible to maximize output.

In accordance with the National Electric Code, the voltage drop should be less than 3%. A 100-foot distance from a solar panel to a house would result in a 3% or less voltage drop, which is acceptable. By reaching 900 feet and beyond, the drop could be as much as 3.7%. However, this assumes you use large, thick wires. Voltage can drop much higher on thin, flimsy wires.

Last but not least, use only high-quality cable wires. It works great with solar panels because it has a 10 Gauge AWG Cable and a maximum distance of 115 feet, which is right at the acceptable limit to minimize voltage drops.

How Far Can Solar Power Be Transmitted?

As long as you have enough cable wires, you can install the solar panels from any distance. The panels can be set hundreds of feet from your house if you are willing to use longer, thicker wires.

Direct current (DC) produced by solar power is vulnerable to energy losses and voltage drops. Shortening the distance between your house and the panels is the best way to prevent this. High-voltage systems produce fewer amps.

The higher amperage of lower voltage solar systems makes them more susceptible to overheating. Because of the long cables, a 48V system is more suitable. The higher the voltage should be, the longer the distance between the solar panels and the house.

Take the First Step to a Sustainable Future

Installing solar panels offers benefits for your budget and the environment. Beginning immediately after the installation is complete, you will reduce your carbon footprint and your monthly energy bills. Our certified professionals can explain your options, recommend the best type of solar panels for your home, and provide custom installation to minimize energy production.

We can help you explore the options and provide a free estimate for your installation. Check our website for additional information about financing options for ground mounted solar panel systems, including solar loans and NYSERDA’s Green Jobs Green New York. This program offers solar loans for New York residents at reduced interest rates.

Further Readings:

The Seasonality of Solar Energy Production

Take the first step toward energy independence by contacting us for a free consultation.