Ground-Mounted Solar for Alberta Farms and Acreages

Roof-mounted systems sit on your house or barn roof. Ground-mounted systems sit on the ground on a metal frame. Ground mounts can be larger, easier to maintain, and positioned for optimal sun exposure. They're ideal for farms with available land and high electrical loads. The tradeoff: they take up ground space, though we design them to use land that isn't productive for other purposes.

A typical 10 kW ground-mounted system needs about 600-800 square feet of ground space. A 25 kW system needs 1,500-2,000 square feet. The exact footprint depends on panel orientation, spacing for maintenance access, and local wind loads. We design systems to fit your available space and always prioritize using marginal land — areas that aren't ideal for crops or pasture.

We don't recommend it, and we won't design it that way. If you have healthy, productive land that grows crops or supports livestock, that land should keep doing that job. Ground mounts make sense on marginal land: rocky areas, poor drainage, steep slopes, or land that's not pulling its weight. We assess your property and find the best location that doesn't sacrifice productive capacity.

Ground mounts require less maintenance than roof systems because they're easier to access. Annual inspections check electrical connections, panel cleanliness, and frame integrity. In Alberta, snow can accumulate on ground mounts in winter, but panels are angled to shed it naturally. We design systems with this in mind. Most ground mounts last 25-30 years with minimal upkeep.

Alberta wind is real, and ground mounts need to be engineered for it. We design systems to withstand 120+ mph wind loads, which exceeds Alberta's typical wind speeds. The frame is bolted to concrete footings that go below the frost line. We also space panels to allow wind to flow through rather than catching it like a sail. Proper engineering means your system will be there for decades.

Yes, most systems are designed to be expandable. If you start with a 10 kW system and later want to add 5 kW, we can usually add more panels to the existing frame or install a second array nearby. This modular approach lets you grow your solar investment as your needs change. We design with this flexibility in mind from the start.

Ground mounts typically cost 10-20% more than roof systems because of the concrete footings and additional engineering. However, they often produce more power because they can be optimally positioned and angled. For farms with high electrical loads and available marginal land, ground mounts usually have better ROI despite the higher upfront cost.

Yes. Any system over 10 kW requires building permits, electrical permits, and utility interconnection approval. Ground mounts also need foundation permits because they involve concrete work. Range Road handles all permitting — we file paperwork, coordinate with your local authority and utility, and manage inspections. Permit costs are typically $800-$2,000 depending on system size.

The land under and around the panels can still be used for light grazing or mowing. Many farmers use the space under ground mounts for sheep grazing or hay cutting. The panels are high enough (6-8 feet) that equipment can pass underneath. This dual-use approach maximizes the value of your property while generating solar power.

Ground mounts make sense if you have: available marginal land (rocky, poor drainage, steep), high electrical loads (grain drying, irrigation, livestock operations), and a long-term plan to stay on the property. We assess your site, your electrical needs, and your land use to recommend the best system type. Sometimes roof is better. Sometimes ground is better. We'll tell you honestly.

Serving all of Alberta

From small acreages to large commercial farms.