Collection: Ground Mounts for Solar Panels

Direct answer: Ground mounts put the array on a pipe or rack beside the building when the roof is shaded, overloaded, oddly oriented, or under warranty limits. This leaf stocks IronRidge pipe hardware (GM-BRC2 / GM-BRC3 bonded rail connectors and diagonal brace parts); Schedule 40 pipe is usually sourced locally, and XR rails / UFO clamps live on Solar Panel Mounts. Call 877-878-4060 with module count and site photos — DIY and pro installers since 1999.

Ground mounts put the solar array on a pipe or rack structure beside the building instead of on the roof. Shoppers choose ground mounts when the roof is shaded, overloaded, oddly oriented, under warranty limits, or when open land lets you aim the array for better production. Start with the parent solar panel mounts hub for rails and clamps, then use this leaf for IronRidge ground-mount pipe hardware.

In stock now (IronRidge ground-mount hardware): bonded rail connectors for 2" and 3" Schedule 40 pipe (GM-BRC2 / GM-BRC3) and diagonal brace hardware (GM-DB-HW01). Schedule 40 pipe is usually sourced locally; top caps, rails, UFO clamps, and brace kits complete the BOM. Inventory rotates — call 877-878-4060 with module count, site photos, and soil notes so we can confirm a bill of materials before you order.

When a ground mount beats a roof mount

Shade or poor roof orientation — place the array where the sun actually hits, not where the roof faces.
Roof structure or warranty limits — avoid penetrations or loads the deck cannot take; metal roofs may still be fine with the right metal roof mounts.
Large open yards / fields — ground racks scale cleaner for bigger arrays and easier service access.
Tilt optimization — IronRidge ground mounts support a wide tilt range via the Design Assistant so you can trade structure cost vs annual kWh.

Roof still wins when the deck is strong, unshaded, and correctly oriented — browse roof mounts and metal roof mounts first in that case.

IronRidge ground-mount stack (what you order)

Pipe structure — Schedule 40 steel pipe (2" or 3") sourced locally for legs and cross members.
Top caps + rail connectors — connect pipe to XR rails; bonded connectors (GM-BRC2 / GM-BRC3) secure and bond the rail to the pipe.
XR rails + UFO mid/end clamps — hold and bond the modules (see mounts hub).
Brace hardware — diagonal brace kits when wind/snow or span needs extra support.
Design Assistant — walk soil, tilt, and module size in IronRidge's tool (steps preserved below) before locking the BOM.

What to buy with ground mounts

Solar panels — frame thickness and module count drive clamp size, rail span, and pipe layout.
Solar panels by the pallet — bulk modules for larger ground arrays.
Solar panel mounts — XR rails, UFO clamps, bonding hardware that finish the rack.
Cable & wiring — PV wire, MC4, and longer home-runs from the array to the inverter.
Solar inverters — hybrid, micro, grid-tie, or off-grid conversion.
Solar batteries — storage when backup or off-grid autonomy is in scope.

Shop related gear

Solar panel mounts — roof, ground, and racking hub
Metal roof mounts — S-5! clamps when the roof is still the better path
Solar panels — modules to size with the rack
Solar panels by the pallet — bulk for larger ground arrays
Cable & wiring — PV interconnects and home-runs
Solar inverters — hybrid, micro, grid-tie, off-grid
Hybrid inverters — grid + battery platforms
Microinverters — Enphase IQ8 panel-level AC
Solar batteries — storage when backup is required
Solar power systems — kits and system browse

FAQ

Do I need a full IronRidge ground-mount kit on this page?

This leaf currently lists the IronRidge pipe hardware we stock (rail connectors and brace hardware). Most projects also need Schedule 40 pipe (local), top caps, XR rails, and module clamps from the mounts hub. Call 877-878-4060 with module count and site notes for a complete BOM.

2" vs 3" Schedule 40 pipe — which should I use?

Pipe size follows IronRidge Design Assistant output for span, snow/wind, and module layout. Match bonded rail connectors to the pipe you choose (GM-BRC2 for 2", GM-BRC3 for 3"). Do not mix connector size and pipe size.

Ground mount vs metal roof mount — how do I decide?

Use a metal roof mount when the roof is strong, unshaded, and warranty-friendly. Choose a ground mount when shade, orientation, roof load, or access makes the yard the better array location. Call 877-878-4060 with roof and site photos if you are deciding.

Can I use the IronRidge Design Assistant?

Yes — the steps and tool link below walk soil conditions, tilt, rails, clamps, top caps, and braces. Bring that output when you call so we can confirm what is in stock versus sourced locally.

Can altE help size a ground-mount BOM?

Yes. Share module model/count, site photos, soil/frost notes, and target tilt. Call 877-878-4060 — DIY and pro installers since 1999.

Questions about ground mounts, IronRidge pipe hardware, or a full racking bill of materials? Call an altE specialist at 877-878-4060 — DIY and pro installers since 1999.

IronRidge ground-mount hardware for pipe racks — bonded rail connectors and brace parts — so you can place the array where sun and structure allow, not only where the roof faces.

Need help choosing ground mounts?

Run the IronRidge Design Assistant (steps below), then match pipe size to rail connectors.
Browse solar panels and cable & wiring to complete the array path.
See the parent solar panel mounts hub for XR rails and clamps; compare metal roof mounts if the roof is still viable.
More DIY guides: DIY Solar Resources Library.
Call 877-878-4060 with site photos for a bill of materials.