How to Install Balcony Solar Systems in Apartments
As solar power continues to expand globally, ground mounting systems have become essential for large-scale and off-roof installations. Whether you're building a commercial solar farm, a rural off-grid project, or an agricultural energy system, the right mounting system is just as important as the solar panels themselves. A well-designed ground mounting structure ensures the safety, stability, and long-term performance of the entire solar array.
Unlike rooftop installations, ground-mounted systems offer more flexibility in panel orientation, spacing, and maintenance access. However, this flexibility also means you need to make the right choices based on your specific site conditions. Factors like soil type, wind and snow load, terrain slope, corrosion risk, and installation speed all influence which type of ground mounting system will perform best. At Xiamen Al Import & Export Co. Ltd., we offer a complete range of ground mounting solutions, including Aluminum Systems, Steel Systems, Agricultural Mounts, and Ground Screws—each tailored to different environments and project needs. Before selecting a structure, it’s important to evaluate the technical and environmental aspects of your project location to ensure the system you choose can perform reliably and safely over 25+ years.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ground Mounting System
The first thing to consider is your soil condition. For soft or sandy soils, Ground Screws are often the best choice because they eliminate the need for concrete foundations. They can be quickly drilled into the ground using portable machinery, minimizing site preparation time and cost. On the other hand, for rocky or highly compacted soils, steel pile-driven systems or pre-cast concrete bases may be more appropriate. If the ground is uneven or sloped, adjustable structures with flexible leg designs can help maintain a consistent tilt angle across the array. In agricultural environments, elevated frames designed to coexist with crops (also known as Agri-PV or Farm Systems) are ideal. These systems allow farming activity to continue below the panels while maximizing solar energy capture above.
Next, consider the local weather conditions, particularly wind and snow loads. In coastal areas or regions with high humidity, Systèmes de montage au sol en aluminium are highly recommended due to their corrosion resistance and lighter weight. Aluminum is also easier to transport and handle on remote job sites. For projects located in areas with high structural load requirements—such as heavy snow or high winds—galvanized steel ground mounting systems provide superior strength and rigidity. Our steel systems are hot-dip galvanized to prevent rust and ensure durability, even in the harshest climates.
Another major factor is installation speed and cost. If you're working with tight deadlines or limited labor, choosing a pre-assembled system or using vis de terre can significantly reduce installation time. Ground screws, for instance, do not require excavation or concrete curing, which shortens the total construction period by days or even weeks. For utility-scale solar farms, modular racking systems that allow for fast bulk deployment are ideal. These can include tilt-adjustable frames or fixed-angle arrays depending on the energy goals of the project. For projects in remote areas, lightweight aluminum structures may offer the best balance between performance and logistical efficiency.
Matching the Mounting System to Your Project Goals
Once you've assessed your site conditions, it’s important to align your choice of mounting system with the long-term goals and scale of your project. If you're developing a high-volume solar park, steel structures will likely offer the best economy of scale. Their material strength supports large panels, longer spans, and higher wind loads—reducing the number of supports needed and lowering overall costs. In contrast, for small- to medium-scale installations, especially in places with difficult access, aluminum systems provide easier handling and quicker installation, helping you save time and reduce labor costs.
In agricultural settings, such as greenhouses, animal shelters, or crop fields, Farm Mounting Systems with elevated height and minimal ground interference are increasingly popular. These not only support dual-use land applications (agriculture + energy) but also open up new income models for farmers. Our agri-PV solutions are customizable in height, spacing, and tilt to meet various crop and machinery needs. When space is limited or the soil condition is not ideal for pile driving, vis de terre paired with aluminum structures create a lightweight, high-efficiency setup that’s both fast to deploy and easy to disassemble if relocation is needed.
At Xiamen Al Import & Export Co. Ltd., we’re committed to helping solar developers, EPC contractors, and system integrators choose the right foundation for every project. With decades of manufacturing experience and a wide product range, we offer not just mounting hardware, but complete structural solutions that meet international standards for safety, load-bearing, and corrosion resistance. Our engineering team can assist in customized designs, soil analysis support, and pre-assembly options to meet your project requirements efficiently.
Whether you're building on desert plains, sloped farmland, tropical coasts, or mountainous regions, we have a solution ready. Choosing the right ground mounting system isn’t just about steel or aluminum—it’s about matching your environment, optimizing your costs, and securing your solar investment for decades to come. Contact us today to find out how our mounting solutions can power your solar vision—safely, securely, and sustainably.
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