Benefits of Installing a Carport with Solar Panels
Shade, Storage, and Solar Savings: Why Solar Carports and Ground Mounts Make Sense in Columbus
If you're running out of roof space or simply want more control over your solar layout, solar carports and ground-mounted systems are smart, flexible solutions. At BC Solar, we’ve designed and installed both options for homeowners, banks, farms, and commercial facilities across Columbus and surrounding areas.
What Is a Solar Carport?
A solar carport is a covered parking structure equipped with solar panels on top. It’s like putting a solar array on stilts, only smarter. These structures serve two purposes:
Generate electricity
Provide covered parking
Whether for residential driveways or large commercial lots, solar carports are a practical dual-use solution.
Benefits of Solar Carports
Protect vehicles from weather — hail, sun, snow, and debris.
Offset your utility bill with clean solar energy.
Avoid roof limitations — great when roof space is shaded, aging, or unsuitable
Ideal for EV chargers — power your electric vehicle right where it’s parked
What About Ground Mount Systems?
Ground-mounted solar works just like rooftop systems, just without the roof. Panels are installed on a racking system directly anchored into the ground.
They’re perfect for:
Large properties and open land
Farms and homesteads
Buildings with limited or complicated rooflines
Homeowners who want adjustable panel angles
Why Choose Ground Mounts or Carports in Columbus?
Here in Central Ohio, we get all four seasons—sometimes in one week. That means system design and structural resilience matter. At BC Solar, we use:
Heavier-duty steel racking to withstand snow and wind loads
Local permitting expertise to meet all city and township codes
Battery-ready inverters for future upgrades or off-grid capability
BC Solar’s Experience
We’ve installed ground mounts on rural acreage in Delaware County and solar carports for commercial clients in Franklin and Licking County. One recent client in Gahanna chose a three-bay solar carport to cover employee parking, power their facility, and run two EV chargers, all while cutting peak demand fees.
We don’t just sell panels. We design energy systems that protect your power, lower your bills, and add real property value.
FAQs
How much space do I need for a ground mount?
Each kilowatt of solar needs roughly 100 square feet. A typical 10 kW system needs about a quarter acre of open space.
Do solar carports qualify for the solar tax credit in Ohio?
Yes. Both carports and ground-mounted systems are eligible for the federal solar tax credit as long as they generate solar electricity.
Can I add battery storage to a ground mount or carport system?
Absolutely. Many of our clients do just that to protect against grid outages or rising electric rates.
Want to explore if a carport or ground mount is right for your home or business?
Call Brian Zaayer at BC Solar at (614) 442-9700 or visit bc.Solar is to start a conversation.
We’ll help you design a system that works with your land, your goals, and your budget—no pressure, just honest answers.
