A solar energy system that is directly installed on solar racking systems, which are attached to an anchor in the ground and wired to connect to an adjacent home or building. Ground-mounted systems may be appropriate when insufficient space, structural and shading issues, or other restrictions prohibit rooftop solar.

An area of land or other area (e.g., parking lot canopy, landfill, brownfield, etc.) used for a solar collection system principally used to capture solar energy, convert it to electrical energy or thermal power and supply electrical or thermal power primarily for off-site use. Principal solar energy systems consist of one or more freestanding ground- or roof-mounted solar collector devices, solar-related equipment and other accessory structures and buildings, including light reflectors, concentrators, and heat exchangers, substations, electrical infrastructure, transmission lines and other appurtenant structures.

An energy system that consists of one or more solar collection devices, solar energy-related "balance of system" equipment, and other associated infrastructure with the primary intention of generating electricity, storing electricity, or otherwise converting solar energy to a different form of energy.

A set of solar collection devices designed to capture sunlight and convert it to electricity primarily for off-site consumption and use; some electricity may be used by an on-site building or structure.

A photovoltaic array that is suspended over an area designated for another use, such as parking.