Ground mounting kit: A complete guide to your solar installation

Why choose a ground-mounted photovoltaic system?

Ground-mounted solar panels are an attractive alternative to roof-mounted systems, particularly suited to homeowners with sufficient land. This solution offers many advantages: ease of installation, optimized orientation and inclination, and simplified maintenance.

In 2024, the market for ground-mounted systems grew significantly in France and Belgium, with a 15% increase in residential installations over the previous year. This trend is due to lower costs and improved mounting technologies.

"We opted for a ground-mounted installation after assessing our roof. The Wattuneed mounting system allowed us to orientate our 8 panels perfectly to the south at an angle of 35°. Our production increased by 12% compared with initial estimates."

Jean Dupont, satisfied customer

Understanding the Wattuneed ground mounting kit

Kit details

The Wattuneed floor-structure mounting kit is characterized by its modular design and ease of installation. It includes all the components required for secure, durable mounting:

• 40x40 mm aluminum rails: Main structure supporting the panels
• Adjustable triangular supports: Large supports for portrait panels, small supports for landscape layout
• Fixing clamps: Middle and end clamps adapted to the thickness of the panel frame (28 to 50 mm)
• Rail joints: Screwless, tool-free assembly system
• Stainless steel nuts and bolts: Complete hardware for durable mounting

Technical advantages of the system

The design of the Wattuneed kit meets the most stringent technical requirements:

1. Weather-resistant: Anodized aluminum and stainless steel screws guarantee a lifespan in excess of 25 years
2. Installation flexibility: Compatible with the majority of panels on the market
3. Tilt optimization: Adjustable supports to maximize production
4. Installation without concrete: Possibility of ballasting to preserve soil

Sizing guide: choosing the right configuration

Portrait vs. landscape panel layout

The choice between a portrait or landscape layout has a direct influence on the amount of material required and the optimization of space:

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27

2

3

5

8

3

2

4

7

Selection of suitable clamps

Choosing the right height is crucial to the safety of the installation. Wattuneed panels are available in several heights:

• 28 mm: Panels with thin frames (rare in the residential market)
• 35 mm: Standard for most of today's panels
• 40-50 mm: Panels with reinforced frames or older generation

► Configure your custom kit at Wattuneed

Step-by-step installation

Site preparation

Successful installation begins with careful site preparation:

1. Levelling: Flat surface with a tolerance of ±2 cm over 10 meters
2. Orientation: South, south-east or south-west exposure
3. Shading: Check that there are no cast shadows for at least 6 hours a day
4. Stability: Soil stable enough to support at least 25 kg/m²

Assembling the structure

The Wattuneed system is distinguished by its ease of assembly:

• Assembling the rails with tool-free joints
• Positioning the triangular supports according to the desired inclination
• Fixing the end and middle clamps
• Installing and clamping the panels

"Installing our 12-panel system took two people one day. The screwless joint system is really practical, and the instructions are very clear."

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Marie and Paul Lemaire, self-installers

Economic comparison: costs and profitability

Cost analysis in 2024

The French and Belgian markets present variable costs depending on the configuration:

• 1-3 panel kit: €150-350 (DIY installation)
• 6-9 panel kit: €400-750 (more economical per panel)
• 12+ panel kit: €800-1200 (maximum optimization)

Compared with competing mounting systems on the market, the Wattuneed kit offers excellent value for money, with average savings of 15-20% over equivalent solutions.

Return on investment

Investment in a quality system is justified by :

1. Durability: 25-year warranty on the aluminum structure
2. Optimization: 5-8% production gain thanks to perfect orientation
3. Low maintenance: Easy access for cleaning
4. Scalability: Possibility of future expansion

► Discover the full range of Wattuneed mounting systems

Recommendations by user profile

Individual beginners (1-6 panels)

For those new to photovoltaics, we recommend :

• Portrait configuration for ease of installation
• 35 mm clamps (market standard)
• Wattuneed pre-dimensioned kit to avoid errors
• Progressive installation possible

The enlightened amateur (6-12 panels)

Experienced users can optimize :

• portrait/landscape mix according to available space
• precise choice of clames according to panels
• possibility of future expansion
• installation in several phases

The professional (12+ panels)

For large-scale installations:

• Maximum space optimization
• Precise load calculations
• Scalable, modular system
• Wattuneed technical support

"As an installer, I appreciate the consistent quality of Wattuneed kits. The modularity makes it possible to adapt to each project, and customer service is responsive for special configurations."

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Pierre Martinet, certified installer

Maintenance and durability

Preventive maintenance

A well-maintained system guarantees optimum production for 25 years:

• Semi-annual cleaning: Panels and structure
• Annual check: Bolt tightening
• Visual inspection: Early detection of wear

Vegetation

• : Control of growth around the installation

► Contact our experts for personalized advice

Regulations and administrative procedures

Regulatory aspects

Installing ground-mounted panels requires certain administrative precautions:

• Prior declaration: Mandatory for installations > 1.8 m high
• PLU:
• Check local planning regulations
Connection
• :
• Application to Enedis (France) or local operator (Belgium)
• Insurance: Extension of home insurance recommended

Tax optimization

Financial benefits in 2024:

• Reduced VAT: 10% in France for installations < 3 kWp
• Regional bonuses: Varies by region
• Feed-in tariff: 13.55 c€/kWh in France (Q2 2024)
• Self-consumption: Direct savings on bill

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

How much land do I need?

Answer: Allow around 8-10 m² per 400W panel, including space for traffic and avoiding cast shadows. For a 3 kWp installation (8 panels), you'll need at least 80 m² of exposed land.

Is the kit compatible with all panels?

Answer: The Wattuneed kit is compatible with 95% of panels on the market, thanks to its adjustable clamps from 28 to 50 mm. Simply check the frame thickness of your panels before ordering.

Can I install the system myself?

Answer: Yes, the kit is designed for self-installation with standard tools. Allow 1-2 days for a two-person installation of 6-8 panels. The electrical part must be carried out by a qualified professional.

What inclination should I choose to optimize production?

Answer: The optimum inclination depends on your latitude: 30-35° in France/Belgium. Wattuneed supports can be precisely adjusted between 15° and 45° to suit your needs and terrain constraints.

Can the system withstand extreme weather conditions?

Answer: The kit is certified to withstand winds of up to 140 km/h and snow loads of 200 kg/m². Anodized aluminum and stainless steel screws guarantee corrosion resistance for at least 25 years.

Conclusion and outlook

The Wattuneed ground-mounting kit represents a mature and reliable solution for residential photovoltaic installations. Its modular design, ease of installation and excellent value for money make it a benchmark choice for individuals wishing to install self-consumption systems.

The market trend towards more accessible installations and steadily falling costs will make ground-mounted photovoltaics particularly attractive in 2024. Customer feedback confirms the high level of satisfaction with both technical and economic aspects.

► Order your ground-mounted mounting kit

Wattuneed - Your specialist in photovoltaic equipment
Rue Henripré 12
4821 Andrimont, Belgium
Phone : +32 87 45 00 34
Email: info@wattuneed.com
www.wattuneed.com