Are Solar Ground Mounts Storm-Safe?

If you’re considering solar for your property in Columbus or anywhere in Central Ohio, one question probably comes up fast:

Are ground-mounted solar systems safe during storms?

The short answer? Yes.
At BC Solar, we design and build every ground mount system to handle the specific wind and snow conditions of your property.

What Makes a Solar Ground Mount Storm-Safe?

Here’s what we do to ensure your system is built to last—even through Ohio’s tough winters and unpredictable storms:

• Site-Specific Engineering:
  Every install is engineered using real data from your property’s location, including wind speeds, snow loads, and soil type.

• Heavy-Duty Racking:
  We use commercial-grade racking systems with reinforced steel or aluminum supports. These aren’t flimsy frames—they’re built to handle high winds and weight loads without flexing or failure.

• Deep Anchored Footings:
  Your racking is secured with either ground screws, driven piles, or concrete footings—whichever best suits your site’s soil. These foundations ensure the system stays in place, even in saturated or shifting ground.

• Wind Load Compliance:
  All BC Solar ground mount systems comply with the International Building Code (IBC 2021), which includes rigorous standards for wind and snow resistance.

• Ongoing Performance:
  You don’t just get a system that survives the storm. You get one that keeps working without issue for years afterward.

How Do I Know It’s Safe for My Yard?

We conduct a site assessment before installation. That includes:

• Checking topography and shading

• Performing a geotechnical review (if needed)

• Determining optimal footing type and depth

• Customizing the layout to reduce wind exposure

This level of planning means your solar system won’t just look good—it’ll stay secure and functional for decades.

FAQs

How much wind can a solar ground mount withstand?
Typical ground mounts are rated for 90–120 mph winds, depending on your location. We size all mounts to meet or exceed Ohio’s local code requirements.

Do I need to worry about flooding or soil shifting?
We take soil type and drainage into account. For flood-prone areas, we raise the mount height and use deeper anchoring systems.

Can the panels be damaged by hail?
Solar panels are tested to withstand 1"–2" hail at speeds of up to 76 mph, matching what’s common in Ohio storms. Combined with proper racking and tilt angles, they’re remarkably resilient.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a solar ground mount, you don’t have to choose between performance and protection. At BC Solar, we make sure you get both.

With expert engineering, top-tier materials, and a no-corners-cut approach, your system will be built to stand firm—no matter what the Ohio weather brings.

Want to explore a solar carport or ground-mounted system that fits your land and goals?
Give Brian and the BC Solar team a call at (614) 442-9700 or visit https://bc.solar to start your quote.