Do I Need to Remove Trees for a Solar Carport or Ground Mount System?

Short answer: Possibly — but only if it’s necessary to make solar worth your investment.

At BC Solar, we believe in smart placement, not unnecessary disruption. Here’s how we approach tree-related questions when installing solar carports and ground-mounted solar systems in Columbus and nearby areas.

Why Full Sun Matters

Solar panels work best when they get direct sunlight most of the day. Heavy shading — especially from tall, nearby trees — can significantly reduce how much electricity your system produces. That affects your savings and your system's return on investment.

But not all shade is a deal-breaker.

How We Evaluate Shade Before Making Any Decisions

We use solar-specific tools — like a solar pathfinder or shade analysis software — to assess:

• Seasonal sun angles

• Tree height and location

• Shading impact during peak solar hours (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Overall site production over the year

Our goal is data-backed decisions, not guesswork.

What If Trees Are In the Way?

If shading is significant, we’ll walk through all your options:

• Trimming a few branches to allow better sun access

• Positioning panels in sunnier zones of your property

• Raising panel height with ground-mount racking

• In rare cases, recommending full removal of trees

We’ll always explain why — and whether it’s worth it — before suggesting tree removal. Some homeowners prefer to keep their trees and install fewer panels. Others choose to clear space to get maximum output. It’s up to you.

What About Solar Carports?

Carports give you an advantage: they’re elevated and can often be oriented for optimal sunlight.

If your driveway or parking area is already sunny, there’s usually no need to touch surrounding trees. But if overhanging limbs block peak hours, trimming may still be helpful.

FAQs

Do I need to remove trees before BC Solar visits my property?

No. We’ll assess your site as-is, and let you know if any trees are affecting production. There’s no obligation to make changes unless you want to proceed.

Will solar still work if I have some shade?

Yes, though with reduced efficiency. We can design systems that factor in partial shade, including using optimizers or microinverters to minimize production losses.

Can BC Solar help with tree removal?

We don’t remove trees ourselves, but we can refer trusted local arborists if it becomes part of the plan.

Want an honest assessment of your property?

We’ll never pressure you to remove trees or overbuild. Our team designs each system for your goals — clean energy, long-term savings, and smart design.

Call us at (614) 442-9700 or schedule your free consultation.