Can I use a personal loan to finance the trenching and concrete work for my ground solar array?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the primary advantages of using an unsecured personal loan. You receive the funds as cash, which you can use for any and all project-related expenses, including site preparation, excavation, trenching, pouring concrete foundations, and even landscaping work after the installation is complete.

Is financing a ground-mount system different than a standard rooftop solar loan?

It can be. Many dedicated 'solar loans' offered by installers are structured specifically for the equipment and labor of a rooftop system. They may not easily accommodate the significant 'soft costs' of a ground mount. A personal loan is more flexible, as it's not tied to specific line items, making it ideal for the more complex nature of a ground solar power installation.

How large of a ground solar array can I finance with a personal loan?

Our lending partners offer personal loans up to $100,000. This is typically sufficient to cover even very large residential ground-mounted systems (e.g., 20kW or more), depending on local installation costs. The final loan amount you qualify for will depend on your credit profile, income, and overall debt load.

Do I need a final quote from an installer before I apply for a loan?

It's highly recommended. While you can apply to get a sense of what you might qualify for, having a detailed, professional quote is crucial for determining the exact loan amount you need. For larger loans (over $35,000), many lenders will require a copy of the installer's contract or quote as part of their final underwriting process.

Can I finance a pole-mount solar system with this type of loan?

Yes. A personal loan can be used for any type of non-rooftop solar installation, including standard ground mounts, pole mounts, and solar trackers. The flexibility of the funds allows you to finance whichever system design is best for your property.

What happens if the project costs more than I borrowed?

This is why it's wise to build a small contingency (5-10%) into your loan amount. If you do face a significant cost overrun, you would either need to cover the difference out-of-pocket or apply for a separate, smaller personal loan, which is not always ideal. Planning accurately upfront is the best strategy.

Loans for Ground-Mounted Solar Panel Systems

For property owners with the space for a ground solar array, a personal loan offers a straightforward way to finance the entire project without using your home as collateral.

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Financing a ground solar array has unique challenges.

Standard solar loans are built for simple rooftop installs and don't cover costs like trenching or concrete foundations.
A personal loan provides a lump sum you can use for every part of your ground-mount project, from excavation to the final connection.
Your project is larger and more expensive than a typical rooftop system, and lenders seem hesitant.
We connect you with lenders who understand large home improvement projects and can offer loans up to $80,000 or more.
You need to pay your installer in stages, but traditional financing is too slow or rigid.
Once approved, your funds are deposited directly into your account, giving you the cash-in-hand flexibility to pay contractors on your schedule.
You don't want to use a home equity loan (HELOC) and put your property on the line for your energy project.
Our marketplace focuses on unsecured personal loans, which don't require you to use your home as collateral.

Why Use a Personal Loan for Your Ground Solar Array?

When you've decided to install solar panels on the ground instead of your roof, you're making a significant investment in your property's energy independence. A ground-mounted solar system often offers better orientation for sun exposure and can be scaled larger than a rooftop setup. However, this type of installation comes with a different set of costs and complexities that many standard financing options aren't designed to handle.

An unsecured personal loan is an excellent tool for financing a ground solar array. Unlike secured loans or HELOCs, it doesn't require your home as collateral. You receive the full loan amount as a lump sum of cash, giving you total control over how you pay for materials, labor, and associated 'soft costs' like trenching, concrete work for the foundation, and electrical upgrades. This flexibility is crucial for ground-mount projects, where unforeseen site preparation costs can arise.

Furthermore, the application and funding process is typically much faster than with equity-based lending. You can often check your rate without affecting your credit score, compare offers from multiple lenders, and receive funds in just a few business days. This speed allows you to lock in pricing with your installer and get your project started sooner, capitalizing on your investment in clean energy without delay.

Estimating Your Ground-Mount Solar Project Cost

15 kW Solar Panels & Inverter High-efficiency equipment	$22,500
Ground Mounting Racks & Hardware Steel racking for 40-50 panels	$8,000
Foundation & Site Prep (Concrete, Posts) Excavation and materials	$6,500
Trenching & Electrical Work (50-100 ft) Conduit, wiring, labor	$4,000
Installation Labor & Permits Professional installation crew	$9,000

Estimated monthly

$882/mo

Based on a $50,000 loan with a 7-year term at 11.99% APR.

See Your Real Numbers

Find out what loan amount and monthly payment you could qualify for. Checking your rate is free and won't impact your credit score.

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How the Loan Process Works

A Simple Path to Funding Your Solar Installation

1
Complete a Quick Application
Our online form takes just a few minutes. Tell us about your project and financial situation without any impact on your credit score.
2
Compare Your Loan Offers
If you qualify, you'll see personalized loan offers from our network of lenders. Compare APRs, terms, and monthly payments side-by-side.
3
Select Your Best Option & Get Funded
Choose the loan that works for you, complete the final verification, and the funds are deposited directly into your bank account, often within 1-3 business days.
4
Build Your Solar Array
With cash in hand, you can pay your installer and get your ground-mount solar system built, moving one step closer to energy independence.

Loan amount: $5,000 – $100,000
APR: 7.99% – 35.99%
Term: 24 mo – 84 mo

Your actual rate depends upon credit score, loan amount, loan term, and credit usage and history. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 0.99%-8.99% of your loan amount, which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.

Financing Options: Personal Loan vs. Alternatives

When planning your ground-mounted solar panel installation, you have several ways to pay for it. While installer financing or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) are common, an unsecured personal loan offers a unique blend of speed, flexibility, and security that makes it a compelling choice for many homeowners.

Comparing Your Financing Choices

Feature	Unsecured Personal Loan	HELOC	Installer Financing
Collateral Required	No	Yes, your home	Varies (often secured by panels)
Funding Speed	Fast (1-5 business days)	Slow (weeks to months)	Moderate
Covers 'Soft Costs'?	Yes (trenching, permits, etc.)	Yes	Often limited to equipment/labor
Interest Rate	Fixed	Variable	Fixed (can be high)
Flexibility	High (use funds as needed)	High (draw as needed)	Low (tied to one installer)

What Lenders Look For

Good to Excellent Credit: A credit score of 640 or higher is typically needed for the most competitive rates, though some partners work with scores starting in the high 500s.
Verifiable Income: Lenders need to see that you have a steady, reliable source of income sufficient to cover the new loan payment alongside your existing obligations.
Low Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Your total monthly debt payments (including your potential new loan) should ideally be less than 40-50% of your gross monthly income.
Detailed Project Quote: For a large loan, many lenders will want to see a formal quote from your solar installer detailing the scope and cost of the ground-mount system.
Positive Credit History: A history of on-time payments and responsible credit management demonstrates to lenders that you are a low-risk borrower.

To strengthen your application, gather all project documentation, including quotes and permits, before you apply. Paying down high-balance credit cards can also quickly improve your DTI ratio and credit score.

Find Out What You Qualify For

It takes just two minutes to see your personalized loan options without any commitment or impact to your credit score.

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Example scenario

Our property wasn't suited for rooftop solar, so we planned a large ground array in the back field. The personal loan was perfect—we got the cash fast and it covered everything, from the concrete piers to the final inspection. No lien on our house, just a simple monthly payment.

Mark & Susan P.·Homeowners, Upstate New York

Tips for a Smooth Ground-Mount Solar Financing Process

Financing a significant home improvement project like a ground solar system requires careful planning. Avoiding common pitfalls can save you time, money, and stress. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind as you move forward:

Get At Least Three Installer Quotes: Don't just compare the final price. Look at the equipment they specify, their warranty, and their experience with ground-mounted solar panel systems in your area. A detailed quote is your most important tool.
Over-Budget Slightly: Ground-mount projects can have surprises, like hitting rock during trenching or needing extra concrete for the foundation. Securing a loan for slightly more than your quote provides a crucial buffer.
Confirm All Permit and Utility Requirements: Before you sign any loan documents, ensure you or your installer has confirmed all local zoning permits and have a clear interconnection agreement plan with your utility company.
Understand Your Total Cost of Ownership: Factor in potential future costs, such as landscaping to repair your yard after trenching or periodic panel cleaning, when assessing the project's overall financial impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a personal loan to finance the trenching and concrete work for my ground solar array?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the primary advantages of using an unsecured personal loan. You receive the funds as cash, which you can use for any and all project-related expenses, including site preparation, excavation, trenching, pouring concrete foundations, and even landscaping work after the installation is complete.
Is financing a ground-mount system different than a standard rooftop solar loan?
It can be. Many dedicated 'solar loans' offered by installers are structured specifically for the equipment and labor of a rooftop system. They may not easily accommodate the significant 'soft costs' of a ground mount. A personal loan is more flexible, as it's not tied to specific line items, making it ideal for the more complex nature of a ground solar power installation.
How large of a ground solar array can I finance with a personal loan?
Our lending partners offer personal loans up to $100,000. This is typically sufficient to cover even very large residential ground-mounted systems (e.g., 20kW or more), depending on local installation costs. The final loan amount you qualify for will depend on your credit profile, income, and overall debt load.
Do I need a final quote from an installer before I apply for a loan?
It's highly recommended. While you can apply to get a sense of what you might qualify for, having a detailed, professional quote is crucial for determining the exact loan amount you need. For larger loans (over $35,000), many lenders will require a copy of the installer's contract or quote as part of their final underwriting process.
Can I finance a pole-mount solar system with this type of loan?
Yes. A personal loan can be used for any type of non-rooftop solar installation, including standard ground mounts, pole mounts, and solar trackers. The flexibility of the funds allows you to finance whichever system design is best for your property.
What happens if the project costs more than I borrowed?
This is why it's wise to build a small contingency (5-10%) into your loan amount. If you do face a significant cost overrun, you would either need to cover the difference out-of-pocket or apply for a separate, smaller personal loan, which is not always ideal. Planning accurately upfront is the best strategy.

Personal loan disclosure

Money Savvy is not a lender. We are a marketing service that connects consumers with participating lenders. Rates, amounts, and terms vary by lender, your credit history, and other factors.

Loan amounts: $1,000 – $100,000
Repayment terms: 3 – 84 months
Min APR: 5.99%
Max APR: 35.99%
Origination fees: 0% – 10% of the loan amount
Late fees: May apply; vary by lender

Representative example: A $10,000 loan with a 36-month term at an 18.99% APR would have an approximate monthly payment of $366.39 and a total cost of $13,190.04, including interest and a $500 origination fee.

Your actual APR depends on your credit score, income, and other factors. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.

California residents: California Financing Law disclosures available upon request.

Ready to Power Your Property with a Ground Solar System?

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