Ground Mount Solar Cost: What You'll Actually Pay
Ground mount solar systems cost between $2.50 and $4.00 per watt installed. That's roughly 10-30% more than rooftop systems. The extra cost comes from the foundation, racking structure, and trenching for electrical runs.
Quick Numbers
$15,000-$24,000
6kW System
$25,000-$40,000
10kW System
$37,500-$60,000
15kW System
Cost Breakdown: Where Your Money Goes
A ground mount system has more components than a rooftop install. Here's how the costs typically break down for a 10kW system:
| Component | Cost Range | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels | $6,000-$10,000 | 25-30% |
| Ground Mount Racking | $4,000-$8,000 | 15-20% |
| Inverter(s) | $2,500-$5,000 | 10-15% |
| Foundation/Posts | $2,000-$6,000 | 8-15% |
| Trenching & Wiring | $1,500-$4,000 | 5-10% |
| Labor | $6,000-$10,000 | 25-30% |
| Permits & Interconnection | $500-$2,000 | 2-5% |
Foundation Types and What They Cost
The foundation is where ground mounts differ most from rooftop. Your soil type and local codes determine which option works:
Ground Screws / Helical Piles
Cost: $150-$300 per post
Screwed directly into the ground. No concrete needed. Fast installation. Works in most soil types except solid rock. A 10kW system needs 8-12 posts.
Driven Posts
Cost: $100-$200 per post
Steel posts driven into the ground with machinery. Cheapest option. Requires specific soil conditions—won't work in rocky ground or areas with high water tables.
Concrete Footings
Cost: $300-$600 per footing
Poured concrete with embedded post brackets. Most expensive but works anywhere. Required in some jurisdictions regardless of soil type. Adds 2-3 days for curing.
Ballasted Ground Mount
Cost: $200-$400 per mounting point
Weighted frames that sit on the ground. No digging required. Good for areas where you can't penetrate the ground (leased land, environmental restrictions). Needs flat terrain.
What Affects Your Price
Two 10kW systems can have vastly different price tags. These factors determine where you fall in the range:
- Distance from home to array: Longer trenching runs add $10-$20 per foot for conduit and wire. A 100-foot run can add $1,000-$2,000 to your project.
- Soil conditions: Rocky soil might require concrete footings instead of driven posts, adding $1,500-$3,000.
- Local labor rates: Installation costs vary 30%+ between regions. Rural areas often have lower labor costs but fewer installer options.
- Panel choice: Premium panels (400W+ with 25-year warranties) cost $0.30-$0.50 more per watt than budget options.
- Permit complexity: Some jurisdictions require engineered drawings, soil tests, or environmental reviews. Costs range from $200 in easy areas to $2,000+ in strict ones.
- Tracking systems: Single-axis trackers that follow the sun add 20-30% to your system cost but increase production by 15-25%.
Ground Mount vs Rooftop: The Cost Difference
Ground mounts cost more upfront. That's the tradeoff for not putting holes in your roof and being able to position panels perfectly.
A rooftop system runs $2.50-$3.50 per watt. Ground mounts run $2.50-$4.00 per watt. For a 10kW system, you're looking at $5,000-$10,000 more for ground mount.
But ground mounts often produce more power. Optimal tilt angles and no shading can mean 10-20% higher output. Over 25 years, that extra production can offset the higher upfront cost.
Read the full comparison of ground mount vs rooftop solar →
Financing Options
Most homeowners don't pay cash. Common financing paths include:
- Solar loans: $0 down with 5-25 year terms. Interest rates typically 4-8%.
- Home equity loans/HELOCs: Often the lowest rates since your home secures the loan.
- Cash purchase: Best long-term return but requires significant upfront capital.
Explore all financing options for ground mount solar →
How to Get Accurate Pricing
Online estimates only go so far. Your actual price depends on site conditions an installer needs to assess. To get real numbers:
- Know your annual electricity usage (check your utility bills)
- Have your land requirements figured out
- Get quotes from 3+ installers in your area
- Compare total system costs, not just per-watt pricing
- Ask about warranty terms and what's included