Ground-mounted solar panels in the UK

Ground-mounted solar places the panels on a free-standing frame at ground level — typically in a garden — rather than fixing them to a roof. It can be an appealing approach where the roof is shaded, awkwardly oriented or simply out of reach, because you have far more freedom over where the panels sit and which way they face.

Before going further, one essential caveat applies. In the UK, plug-in solar cannot currently be legally sold, supplied or used, and that is true wherever the panels are mounted. A Government consultation that could change this is open until 30 June 2026. We cover the detail on the UK legal status page.

Choosing a spot

The single biggest factor in how much a ground-mounted system generates is where you put it. Look for the most open part of the garden — somewhere the panels can see the sky for as much of the day as possible. A roughly south-facing aspect tends to collect the most energy in the UK, although south-east and south-west positions still perform well.

Think about shade across the whole year, not just on a sunny afternoon. Fences, sheds, neighbouring buildings, washing lines and especially trees can cast long shadows when the winter sun is low. Even partial shade on a panel can reduce its output noticeably, so a slightly less convenient but clearer spot is often the better choice.

Simple free-standing frames

A ground-mounted setup usually sits on a free-standing frame that holds the panels at a chosen angle. These range from lightweight, adjustable stands for a single panel to sturdier fixed frames designed to stay outdoors year-round. Whatever you use, it needs to be stable, sit on firm and level ground, and be able to cope with wind and weather where you live.

If you are anchoring a frame into the ground or building anything substantial, it is worth checking whether the structure could be affected by wind loading, soft ground or nearby drainage. These are general points to be aware of rather than engineering advice — for anything load-bearing or permanent, a suitably qualified professional can advise on what is appropriate for your site.

Angle and orientation

Because the panels are not tied to a roof, you can set both the direction they face and the angle they sit at. As a general guide, a tilt somewhere in the region of 30 to 40 degrees is a reasonable starting point for year-round generation in the UK, paired with a roughly south-facing orientation. The ideal figures vary with your latitude and what you want to prioritise across the seasons.

Rather than guess, it can help to compare options for your specific location. The European Commission's PVGIS tool lets you model how tilt and orientation affect output, and our own calculator uses PVGIS data to estimate generation for your postcode.

Routing the cable back to the home

Getting electricity from the garden back to the house safely is one of the most important parts of any ground-mounted setup. Use outdoor-rated cable rated for the job, and run it along a sensible, protected path — away from spots where it could be damaged by mowing, digging or foot traffic.

Weatherproofing

A garden installation is exposed to everything the British weather can offer, so weatherproofing matters. Connectors and any junctions should be rated for outdoor use and kept off the ground where they could sit in water. Cable entry points, glands and the connection at the panels all need to keep moisture out over the long term. Following the manufacturer's instructions for any specific component is the safest approach.

Where this leaves you

Ground-mounting is a flexible way to position panels at a good angle and avoid roof access altogether, which makes it a natural fit for gardens. The practical work — frame, placement, weatherproofing — is largely common-sense, but the electrical connection is where care and qualified help count. For more on free-standing setups in a garden, see our plug-in solar for gardens guide.