Designing the Right EV Charging Site for Your Property

With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more common in Columbus, planning the right EV charging station for your home or business isn’t just convenient—it’s forward-thinking. Whether you’re adding a single residential charger or setting up a multi-stall commercial installation, a well-designed site ensures performance, safety, and longevity.

Here’s what you should know before installing EV charging equipment.

1. Start with Site Assessment

Before choosing hardware or signing a contract, evaluate:

• Electrical panel capacity — Can your existing service handle EV chargers?

• Parking layout — Will users have easy access to the charger without blocking others?

• Wiring path — Shorter, more direct routes reduce cost and complexity.

• Future scalability — Even if you’re starting with one charger, plan for more.

BC Solar starts every project with a walk-through and load analysis so you don’t overspend or overbuild.

2. Choose the Right Charger Level

• Level 1: Plugs into a standard 120V outlet. Slow—mainly for overnight charging at home.

• Level 2: Uses 240V power. Ideal for homes and commercial use (up to 25 miles of range per hour).

• Level 3 (DC Fast Charging): Much faster, but expensive and requires significant infrastructure. Best for fleets and public stations.

For most homeowners and small businesses, Level 2 strikes the best balance of cost and convenience.

3. Understand Local Codes and Permits

The City of Columbus, along with the International Building Code (IBC) and National Electrical Code (NEC), requires:

• Proper mounting and weatherproofing of outdoor equipment

• Load calculations and dedicated circuits

• Permits and electrical inspections

As a licensed and insured contractor, BC Solar handles all permitting and inspection coordination for you.

4. Plan for Smart Features and Load Management

Modern chargers can:

• Integrate with solar panels and batteries

• Adjust charging based on grid demand

• Let you monitor use from your phone

For commercial sites, load-sharing capabilities mean you can support more EVs with less infrastructure.

5. Build for the Long Term

Installing EV charging is an investment. Choose equipment with:

• UL listing and warranty

• Compatibility with your current and future EVs

• Expandability to add more ports or integrate solar later

BC Solar offers flexible, future-ready systems that grow with your needs.

FAQ

How much does it cost to install an EV charger in Columbus?
For residential customers, a Level 2 charger installation typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 depending on panel upgrades, wiring length, and location.

Do I need solar to install an EV charger?
No—but it’s a smart combination. Pairing solar with EV charging reduces your cost per mile and provides clean, local power for your vehicle.

Can I install multiple chargers at my business?
Yes. BC Solar can design load-managed systems to power multiple chargers without costly utility upgrades.

Your Columbus EV Charging Partner

BC Solar brings the same honesty, technical precision, and community focus to EV charging as we do with solar. Whether you're charging one car or a whole fleet, we’ll design a solution that’s right for your needs—and built to last.

Call us at (614) 442-9700 or visit bc.solar to schedule a site assessment.