Mounting Systems: The Foundation of Every Photovoltaic Power Plant

Basic breakdown of mounting systems

Ground-mounted mounting structures can be divided into three basic types according to the orientation of the panels:

• South orientation: The panels are oriented to the south.
• East/West (EW) orientation: The panels face east and west.
• Rotating structures (trackers): The panels follow the path of the sun. 

There are also special and less common types of structures, such as:

• Agrivoltaics: A combination of agricultural production and solar energy.
• Floating PV power plants: installation of PV power plants on water bodies.
• Construction on slopes or landfills: special solutions for difficult terrains.

The choice of solar construction type depends on local conditions, space availability, and energy production requirements. South orientation is ideal for maximising production; east-west systems offer more uniform output, and rotating trackers deliver greater efficiency. Regardless of the type chosen, quality construction is the foundation of a successful and sustainable PV plant. 

In practice, it is also possible to see combinations of several types of construction. The picture shows a mix of east-west and south-west construction at the Greenbuddies project in Silbersberg, Germany.

South orientation of the solar structure

South orientation is the most common variant, which can be seen especially in the temperate climates of Europe. The panels are set at an angle of 25° to 35°, which allows for maximising the annual energy production. This configuration was ideal for older installations with a fixed feed-in tariff, but is still effective today under the conditions that:

• A large enough area is available for the power plant.
• All the energy produced finds use throughout the day.

The picture shows a Denso ground-mounted PV plant in the Czech Republic with a south-facing design.

East-west orientation of the PV structure

Systems with an east-west orientation typically have a lower panel tilt, usually between 10° and 15°. This solution offers several advantages:

• Up to 50% more panels can be placed in the same area than with a south orientation, as there is less shading between rows.
• The production schedule is more even: production starts early in the morning and remains at a stable level until the evening, with no significant midday peak.
• This approach is particularly advantageous for large installations as it reduces the cost per unit of energy produced through more efficient use of land.

On the other hand, each East/West oriented panel produces 10-15% less electricity per year than a South oriented panel. However, the lower cost of the panels makes it possible to compensate for this loss by installing more modules.

In practice, the solar tracker design is combined with the previous types. The picture shows the combination of trackers with an east-west oriented design, which the Greenbuddies team implemented on a ground-mounted power plant project in Sudslava, Czech Republic.

Rotating structure with trackers

Rotating structures (single-axis trackers) allow the panels to follow the path of the sun during the day, increasing their efficiency. This system is particularly popular in southern regions with intense sunshine but is starting to gain traction in central Europe. Benefits include:

• Up to 13% higher energy production compared to fixed panels in Central European climates.
• A uniform production pattern resembling a rectangle, which is preferred for direct energy supply (e.g., through PPA contracts).
• The decreasing cost of this type of construction increases its availability and attractiveness.

Turning systems require a level and spacious terrain to be fully operational. Nevertheless, they are becoming an increasingly popular choice due to increasing economic returns.