Backyard Solar: Small Ground Mount Systems

What's Realistic for a Backyard?

A typical backyard ground mount system ranges from 2-6 kW—enough to offset 25-75% of an average home's electricity use. These systems fit in spaces many suburban homeowners have available.

*Space includes panel area plus minimal clearance. Add more for setbacks based on local requirements.

Small System Considerations

Small ground mount systems work, but per-watt costs run higher than larger installations. The fixed costs of permitting, site preparation, and equipment setup get spread across fewer panels.

Expect to pay $3.50-$5.00 per watt for systems under 5 kW, compared to $2.50-$4.00 per watt for larger systems. A 3 kW backyard system might cost $10,500-$15,000 installed.

Some installers have minimum project sizes and may not take jobs under 5-6 kW. If you want a small system, ask about minimums upfront. Smaller local installers may be more flexible than large regional companies.

Fitting Solar Into Your Yard

Backyard installations require creative site selection. You need to balance sun exposure against practical use of your outdoor space. Consider:

• Setbacks: Most jurisdictions require 5-15 feet from property lines. This can consume a significant portion of a small yard. Check local permit requirements early.
• Existing use: Where do kids play? Where do you entertain? Where does the dog run? Avoid placing panels where they'll conflict with how you use your yard.
• Aesthetics: Solar panels are visible. Some homeowners embrace them; others prefer them screened by landscaping or positioned behind the house.
• Future plans: Don't put your array where you might want a deck, garden expansion, or pool in five years.

Single-Row vs. Multi-Row

Small systems often work best as a single row of panels. This eliminates the space needed between rows to prevent shading and creates a cleaner look.

A single row of 8 panels might measure 28 feet long by 7 feet deep (with some tilt). Two rows of 4 panels would need similar length but require 15-20 feet of depth to avoid inter-row shading.

If your yard is wider than it is deep, a single row makes sense. If it's deeper than wide, multiple shorter rows might fit better. Your installer can optimize the layout for your specific space.

Pole Mounts: Another Option for Tight Spaces

If you have very limited space, a pole mount system puts multiple panels on a single sturdy pole. These work well for 6-12 panel arrays and have a smaller ground footprint than traditional ground mounts.

Pole mount advantages:

• Compact footprint (one concrete footing)
• Can be manually adjusted for seasonal optimization
• Easier to position to avoid specific shade sources

Pole mount disadvantages:

• Higher cost per watt than standard ground mounts
• Limited to smaller systems
• Requires heavy-duty foundation

HOA and Neighbor Considerations

Backyard systems in suburban neighborhoods often raise questions. If you have an HOA, review the covenants before proceeding. Many HOAs restrict or regulate ground mount installations more than rooftop systems.

Even without an HOA, consider talking to neighbors before installation. While they can't typically prevent you from installing solar on your property (especially in states with solar access laws), maintaining good relationships makes life easier.

Some homeowners add screening—shrubs, fencing, or trellises—to reduce visibility from neighboring properties. This adds cost but may smooth the path to installation.

Is a Small System Worth It?

The economics of small systems are tighter than large ones. Per-watt costs are higher, and you're offsetting less of your electric bill. But a small system can still make sense if:

• Your roof is unsuitable (shaded, wrong orientation, poor condition)
• You want to start small and expand later
• Your electricity usage is modest
• You value energy independence or environmental impact
• Your electricity rates are high

Run the numbers for your specific situation. A 3 kW system producing 4,000 kWh per year at $0.15/kWh saves $600 annually. That's a reasonable return even if payback takes 15+ years—and the system keeps producing for 25-30 years.

Alternative: Combine With Rooftop

If your roof has partial sun exposure but not enough for a full system, consider a hybrid approach: maximize rooftop capacity and add a small backyard array to reach your target. This often costs less than a purely ground-mounted solution while still providing the production you need.