Updated 2026 — Ground mounting is a foundation decision first: screw pile (SR-G1 “GTS”), pile-driven (SR-G8 “DE”), ballast or agrivoltaic rows — matched to soil pull-out tests, not catalog defaults. Compare the full ground range.
One of the largest areas of innovation within solar involves the mounting system. Probably the most competitive solar product market (China Solaracks Top Solar Mounting Products list), mounting systems are an important element of solar arrays—they secure solar panels to the roof or the ground. Here we go over the basics categories of ground-mounted solar systems to help new installers get a grasp on installation processes. Traditional ground-mount systems Ground-mounted solar systems essentially all work the same—systems anchor to the ground and hold a large number of stacked panels, often two but sometimes three or four panels high. Two rails usually support each panel, whether oriented in landscape or portrait. The anchoring to the ground is the tough part of these installations, as there are many different types of foundations. If the soil is clear of debris, steel beams are driven into the ground and the racking system is attached to the beams. If ground conditions are not suited for smoothly driven beams, anchor systems may be used—helical piles, ground screws. These can take more time to install as they have to power through boulders and other large debris. Ground-mounted systems don’t always have to penetrate into the earth. Capped landfills and other brownfields are ideal for solar arrays, as they are underused land areas, but their temperamental ground conditions cannot be disturbed. Arrays can be ballasted on the ground just as they are on flat roofs. Concrete blocks hold a system in place, and if ground conditions can hold the weight of a concrete truck, cast-in-place blocks may be an easier option for installers. Tracking Mounting systems To improve energy output, developers and installers turn to tracking mounting systems. These motorized ground-mounts track the sun throughout the day, ensuring the panels are facing the sun at all times. Panels are attached to similar racking tables as traditional ground-mounts, usually bolted or clamped into place, but there are different types of tracking systems. The two main classifications of tracking systems are single-axis and dual-axis. Single-axis tracking systems span panels on long rows, following the sun from east to west. Dual-axis tracking systems separate out tables of panels and follow the sun on a more circular path for the best energy output. Tracking systems have two motor distinctions. Centralized trackers move many rows of panels with a single motor. Distributed trackers use one motor per row or table of panels. Centralized systems use fewer motors while distributed systems use many. Carports and canopies Solar carports Mounting system and Solar canopies mounting system can be looked at as really, really tall ground-mounts. They are very common in commercial settings, especially at schools and business campuses. Reinforced concrete foundations hold large steel beams that support solar panels overhead. Carports can be designed to cover one row of parking spots, span over two rows or be as large as a project needs. Many carports can be equipped with electric vehicle charging stations for an extra bonus to cars sheltering underneath.
