How Long Does a Residential Solar Panel Installation Take?

If you're considering solar energy for your home in Columbus, one of the first questions you probably have is: "How long will this take?"

It’s a great question—and one we hear often at BC Solar.

Short Answer

Most residential solar panel installations take about 1 to 3 days.
But there’s more to it than just the physical installation.

Here’s a transparent breakdown of the full process, so you know exactly what to expect.

Step-by-Step Timeline

1. System Design + Site Assessment (1–2 weeks)

We start with a personalized site visit and roof assessment. We look at:

• Roof age and orientation

• Electrical panel capacity

• Energy usage

• Battery storage preferences

Then we design a custom system that fits your home and goals.

2. Permitting + Utility Approval (3–6 weeks)

Before we install anything, we apply for:

• Building permits from your city or county

• Interconnection approval from your utility company (like AEP Ohio)

This step can take a few weeks depending on your location and how fast the local agencies respond.

👉 At BC Solar, we handle all the paperwork so you don’t have to lift a finger.

3. Installation (1–3 days)

This is the part most people think of when they imagine “going solar.”

• Panels are mounted and wired

• Inverter and batteries (if included) are installed

• System is tied into your electrical panel

We treat your home like our own. Clean, respectful, and efficient.

4. Final Inspections + Permission to Operate (1–2 weeks)

After the install, we schedule:

• Final city inspection

• Utility inspection (if required)

Once you get Permission to Operate (PTO) from your utility, your system can go live.

Total Time From Start to Finish:

Usually 4 to 8 weeks
(though sometimes faster, depending on your municipality and utility)

What Makes BC Solar Different?

• Clear, frequent updates – You’ll always know what’s happening and why.

• Honest timelines – No false promises. Just real expectations.

• Hands-on service – We’re local, and we’re here before, during, and after your install.

FAQs

How long does the physical installation take?

Usually 1–3 days, depending on roof size and system complexity.

Why does permitting take so long?

Permits depend on your local jurisdiction and utility provider. We submit everything promptly—but we can’t control how fast they review it. That said, we follow up regularly to keep things moving.

Can bad weather delay my install?

Yes. Snow, high winds, or heavy rain can push back an install by a day or two. We’ll keep you posted every step of the way.

Do I need to be home during the install?

It helps to be available for access to your electrical panel, but we can often work while you're away. We’ll coordinate with you to make it easy.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re in Columbus or surrounding areas, we’d love to help you make the switch to solar. We’ll walk you through the entire process—with honesty and care.

BC Solar
📍 777 Busch Ct, Columbus, OH 43229
📞 (614) 442-9700
🌐 https://bc.solar