Ground-Mounted Solar Panels: How They Work & the Advantages

The utilization of solar energy continues to grow as a solution for meeting electricity needs more efficiently and sustainably. One system widely implemented in areas with large tracts of land is the ground-mounted solar panel system, as it is capable of generating large amounts of power while supporting the optimal use of renewable energy.

The ground-mounted solar panel system is widely used by the industrial and commercial sectors, as well as public facilities that require a stable, long-term electricity supply. To better understand how it works, its benefits, and its applications, read the full discussion in this article.

What Is a Ground-Mounted Solar Panel?

Ground-mounted solar panels are a solar power generation system installed on the ground using a special support structure (mounting structure).

Unlike rooftop solar systems, this system utilizes open land, allowing it to accommodate more solar panels and generate electricity at a higher capacity.

Therefore, ground-mounted solar panels are widely used in industrial areas, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, plantations, mining operations, and utility projects that require large amounts of electricity.

Implementing a ground-mounted solar panel system also provides flexibility in determining the panels' orientation and tilt angle to capture sunlight optimally. With this design, companies can maximize electricity production for business operations without relying on the condition or size of a building’s roof.

Advantages of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

Ground-mounted solar panels offer various advantages for companies seeking to develop renewable energy sources on a large scale. By utilizing open land as the installation site, this system can be flexibly designed to meet the energy needs of various sectors.

The following are some of the advantages of using ground-mounted solar panels:

1. Supports Large-Scale Energy Production

Ground-mounted solar panels allow more panels to be installed, enabling high-capacity electricity generation.

These systems can be designed to range from hundreds of kilowatt-peak (kWp) to several megawatt-peak (MWp), depending on a company’s operational needs and land availability.

2. Flexibility in System Planning

The placement of solar panels on open land provides flexibility in determining the optimal orientation, spacing between panels, and tilt angle.

This flexibility helps maximize sunlight absorption, so electricity production is more efficient based on site conditions.

3. Can Be Implemented on Various Types of Land

Ground-mounted solar panels can be installed on various types of land, such as industrial zones, vacant lots, former industrial sites, and land that has not been fully utilized.

As long as the location has sufficient sunlight and meets technical requirements, this system can be developed to generate electricity economically.

4. Simplifies Operation and Maintenance

Since all components are located at ground level, inspections, panel cleaning, and component replacement can be conducted more easily.

Good access also facilitates regular maintenance, ensuring the system’s performance remains optimal and minimizing the risk of operational disruptions.

5. Supporting Corporate Sustainability Goals

Using ground-mounted solar panels is a concrete step in the energy transition to reduce carbon emissions from operations.

In addition to supporting the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, this system can also help companies meet their decarbonization targets, enhance their sustainability image, and strengthen their competitiveness amid growing demand for environmentally friendly business practices.

Differences Between Ground-Mounted and Rooftop Solar Panel Systems

Both rooftop and ground-mounted systems use solar panels to convert solar energy into electricity. However, they differ in several aspects. You can see these differences in the table below:

Aspect	Ground-Mounted Solar Panels	Roof-Mounted Solar Panel
Installation Location	Installed on open land using a mounting structure.	Installed on the roof of an existing building.
System capacity	Can be designed with a large capacity to suit operational needs and land area.	Capacity is adjusted based on the size and condition of the roof structure.
Design flexibility	Panel position, orientation, and tilt angle can be optimally designed based on site conditions.	The design follows the shape, direction, and slope of the building’s roof
Application	Generally used in industrial areas, manufacturing facilities, utility projects, mining operations, or plantations with sufficient land.	It is widely used in office buildings, commercial facilities, warehouses, and factories that wish to utilize their roof areas to generate energy.
Maintenance	Components are located at ground level, making them more accessible for inspection and maintenance.	Maintenance is performed on the roof in accordance with applicable safety procedures.

Integrated Solar Energy Solutions for Industrial Needs from CDI

The use of ground-mounted solar panels can be a strategic move for companies seeking to improve energy efficiency while supporting the achievement of sustainability goals.

As demand for sustainable clean energy grows, choosing the right partner is crucial to ensuring the successful implementation of a solar power plant.

To ensure optimal implementation, companies need a partner that not only provides the technology but also has the experience and expertise to design solutions tailored to their business operations.

Through its energy business pillar, PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk (CDI) offers a variety of energy solutions via its subsidiary, PT Krakatau Chandra Energi (KCE).

By 2025, KCE has developed a solar power plant portfolio totaling 11 MWp to support clean energy needs across various industrial sectors.

KCE also offers four solar panel installation mechanisms that can be tailored to a company’s operational needs: Solar On-Grid (connected to the power grid), Solar Off-Grid (operating independently using batteries), Solar On-Grid with Battery Backup (connected to the power grid with backup battery support), and Solar Hybrid, which combines multiple energy sources to enhance the reliability of the electricity supply.

This flexibility allows each solution to be tailored to customers' specific business characteristics and energy needs. Customer trust is also a testament to KCE’s experience in delivering energy solutions. As of 2025, KCE has served more than 200 customers in the business, industrial, social, and government sectors, as well as more than 1,500 other customers.

With this experience, KCE continues to support business growth through reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions as part of its commitment to being #YourGrowthPartner.

If your company is planning to implement ground-mounted solar panels, you can entrust your company’s energy needs to CDI and KCE.