How Long Does a Solar Carport or Ground Mount Installation Take?

Installing a solar carport or ground-mounted system is a smart way to power your property without relying on your rooftop. But a common question we hear is:

"How long does the whole installation process take?"

Here’s the short answer:
Most BC Solar carport and ground-mount projects take 3 to 6 weeks from start to finish. The actual build? Just 2 to 4 days. The rest of the time is permitting and utility approval.

We’ll explain what happens in each phase and how we keep you informed every step of the way.

Step-by-Step Timeline

1. Site Evaluation & System Design (Week 1)

• We visit your property to assess space, shading, soil conditions, and utility access.

• Our team designs a custom solution — whether you need single-vehicle coverage, a multi-bay commercial array, or an off-grid ground system.

2. Permitting & Engineering (Weeks 2–4)

• We handle all local permitting, zoning compliance, and engineering reports.

• This can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks depending on local municipality workloads.

3. Utility Approval (Often overlaps with permitting)

• We submit interconnection applications to your utility company (AEP, South Central Power, etc.).

• Approval times vary, but we start early to avoid delays.

4. Construction & Installation (2–4 days)

• We dig foundations, set posts, and mount your solar panels and inverters.

• Trenching, conduit, and wiring are completed quickly by our in-house crew.

5. Final Inspections & Activation (Week 5–6)

• City or county inspectors verify code compliance.

• Once your utility gives the green light, we turn the system on.

You’ll Always Know What’s Next

At BC Solar, we believe in transparency and communication. You’ll never be left wondering what stage we’re in. You’ll get:

• A detailed project timeline

• Updates after each milestone

• Direct access to your project manager

We don’t cut corners, but we also don’t let paperwork slow us down. Our goal is to build a solar solution that’s reliable, approved, and built to last.

FAQs

How long does construction take once permits are approved?
Most solar carport or ground-mount installations take just 2 to 4 days of on-site construction.

Can I still use my driveway or parking area during construction?
In most cases, yes. We work in sections or coordinate around your schedule to minimize disruptions.

What if I'm in a township or HOA?
We’ve worked with dozens of zoning boards and HOAs around Columbus. We’ll handle the paperwork and keep it compliant.

Can I install a ground-mounted system without batteries?
Yes. But we specialize in battery-ready systems — even if you don’t add storage right away, we’ll design with future flexibility in mind.

Thinking about a carport or ground mount system?
Call BC Solar at (614) 442-9700 or contact us for a custom evaluation.