Your Land.
Your Power Plant.
Not every roof is right for solar. But if you have open land, a ground mount system may produce more power — at a better angle, without any roof penetrations. SolarAbility designs and installs ground mount solar across all of Illinois.
When Your Roof
Isn't the Answer.
Rooftop solar is the most common solution — but it's not always the best one. A ground mount may be a better fit if any of these apply to your property:
- Your roof has significant shading from trees or neighboring structures
- Your roof faces north or has a suboptimal pitch angle
- Your roof is older and not ready for another 25 years of service
- Your roof area is too small for the system size you need
- You have open land — a side yard, backyard, or rural acreage
- You want to maximize output without being limited by roof constraints
We Build Every Configuration
Standard Fixed-Tilt
The most cost-effective ground mount option. Fixed racking is set at the ideal angle for your Illinois latitude and oriented due south for maximum annual yield. Simple, durable, and low-maintenance.
Adjustable-Tilt Racking
Racking that can be manually adjusted seasonally — tilted steeper in winter to capture low-angle winter sun, flatter in summer. Ideal for customers who want to extract every kilowatt-hour without tracker costs.
Rural & Agricultural
Larger-scale ground arrays for rural properties, farms, and acreage. We design systems that work around your property layout, existing structures, and utility interconnection points across downstate Illinois.
From Open Land to Power Plant.
Site Assessment
We visit your property to assess land area, soil conditions, shading, utility distance, and municipality setback requirements. Free — no obligation.
Design & Permits
We engineer your system layout, handle all permitting with your local municipality, and submit the Illinois Solar Program application on your behalf.
Installation & Interconnection
Our crew installs the racking, panels, wiring, and inverter. We coordinate utility interconnection and final inspection — everything through activation.
Ground Mounts Qualify for $0 Down.
Ground mount systems qualify for the Illinois state solar incentive program just like rooftop systems — meaning most customers can go solar with zero upfront cost. With Illinois Shines SRECs, property tax exemptions, and ComEd rebates still in place, ground mount solar is more accessible than most homeowners expect.
See If I Qualify →via Illinois Solar Program
Ground Mount Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions
How much land do I need for a ground mount solar system in Illinois?+
A typical residential ground mount system needs roughly 100 square feet per kW of capacity. A 10 kW system needs about 1,000 square feet of open, unshaded ground. We assess your property during the free site visit.
Are ground mount solar systems eligible for Illinois Shines SRECs?+
Yes. Ground mount solar systems are fully eligible for Illinois Shines incentives, which can add thousands of dollars in upfront SREC payments. SolarAbility is an approved Illinois Shines contractor.
What is the difference between ground mount and rooftop solar?+
Ground mount systems are installed on a freestanding frame in your yard and can be angled for optimal production regardless of roof pitch or orientation. Rooftop systems use your existing roof structure. Ground mounts often produce more energy but require open land.
Do ground mount solar systems require permits in Illinois?+
Yes. Ground mount installations require electrical and structural permits. SolarAbility handles all permitting and utility interconnection as part of the installation process.