With more homeowners embracing clean energy and seeking alternatives to rising electricity costs, solar panels have gone from niche to mainstream. You’ve probably seen panels popping up across neighbourhoods or heard from a friend who recently went solar. But while solar energy is gaining popularity, many people still don’t fully understand what installation companies do—or how much they handle behind the scenes.
Whether you’re considering a switch or just curious, here are 10 things most people don’t know about the best olar installation companies, especially those serving the Columbus area.
1. Not All Solar Companies Are Certified Installers
One of the biggest misconceptions is assuming all solar companies do the installation themselves. Some businesses focus solely on sales or act as middlemen, outsourcing the work to subcontractors. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the best solar installation companies that are licensed, bonded, and certified—especially by NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners).
Hiring qualified professionals can save you time, money, and future frustration in places like Columbus, where permits and inspections require strict compliance.
2. They Don’t Manufacture the Panels
It might come as a surprise, but most solar installer Columbus don’t manufacture the panels they install. Instead, they source equipment from trusted global brands and act as the bridge between the manufacturer and you, the homeowner.
What matters most isn’t who makes the panel but whether your installer understands how to match the right components—panels, inverters, batteries—to your home’s unique energy needs.
3. Local Experience Matters
Installing solar would be the same everywhere, but location makes a huge difference. Roof angles, shading from trees, weather patterns, and local regulations vary widely—this is where Columbus’s solar companies genuinely shine.
A locally experienced company will know how to design your system for optimal performance in Ohio’s four-season climate. They will also understand Columbus-specific building codes and permitting processes better than an out-of-town provider.
4. They Handle the Permits and Paperwork for You
Going solar isn’t just about installing panels; it’s about navigating a web of utility requirements, tax credits, rebates, and zoning regulations. The good news? Most installation companies handle all of that on your behalf.
They’ll coordinate with city inspectors, submit interconnection requests to your utility, and ensure you’re eligible for the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). For the homeowner, that means less stress and more confidence.
5. Warranties Can Vary—A Lot
Not all warranties are created equal. There are typically two types: equipment warranties from the panel or inverter manufacturer and workmanship warranties from the installer.
Many solar installer Columbus offer 25-year panel warranties but only 5–10 years on workmanship. Knowing what’s covered—and for how long—can help you avoid surprises if something goes wrong down the road.
6. Some Offer Community or Shared Solar Options
Don’t own your home or have a shady roof? You can still go solar. Some solar installer Columbus offer access to community solar programs, where multiple participants share the energy from a single, large-scale solar array.
This allows renters, condo owners, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs to benefit from solar savings without installing a system directly on their property.
7. Financing Is Often Built Into the Service
Worried about upfront costs? You’re not alone. Many of the best solar installation companies partner with banks or solar financing providers to offer flexible options like:
- Solar loans with low interest rates
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
- Lease-to-own plans
These options allow homeowners to switch to solar with little or no upfront cost while enjoying monthly savings.
8. Installation Usually Takes Just a Day or Two
Many people assume installing solar panels is a long, complicated project. But the truth is, depending on the system size, the physical installation typically takes one to three days.
The longer part of the process is usually the permitting, inspections, and utility approvals, which solar installer Columbus helps streamline by handling everything behind the scenes.
9. You Can Track Your Solar Performance in Real Time
Gone are the days when you had to guess how much energy your panels produced. Most modern systems come with apps or web dashboards that let you monitor:
- Real-time energy production
- Daily, weekly, and monthly performance
- Battery storage levels (if installed)
Best Solar installation companies often provide training or support to help you get comfortable with these tools, giving you total control over your home’s energy footprint.
10. They’re Helping Power a Greener Columbus
It’s easy to see installation companies as just another service provider—but they’re doing more than wiring up panels. Many are actively involved in environmental education, lobbying for clean energy legislation, and building community solar initiatives that make solar more accessible.
Through workshops, school programs, and collaborations with city planners, solar installer Columbus are playing a quiet but critical role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for the region.
Conclusion
When most people think about solar, they imagine panels on a roof and lower electricity bills. But behind the scenes, best solar installation companies do much more than meets the eye. From handling paperwork to providing long-term system support, they make the transition to renewable energy easier, smarter, and more impactful.
So, if you’re thinking about going solar, take the time to understand what your installer offers. Choosing from experienced, transparent solar installer Columbus can make all the difference between a frustrating experience and a genuinely empowering investment.
The more you know, the better equipped you will be to make the right call for your home, wallet, and planet.
FAQs
Q1. Are solar companies and installers the same thing?
Not always. Some companies only handle sales or financing, while best solar installation companies are licensed to design and install systems themselves.
Q2. Do solar installer Columbus provide maintenance?
Yes. Many solar companies Columbus offer ongoing maintenance, system monitoring, and service plans as part of their package.
Q3. Can I request a specific solar panel brand?
Usually, yes. Most solar installation companies carry multiple brands and can tailor the system to your preference or budget.
Q4. What happens if I move after getting solar panels?
You can typically transfer ownership of the system to the new buyer, and homes with solar tend to sell faster and for more money.
Q5. How long does the full solar process take?
While installation only takes a few days, the process—including permits and inspections—typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Florence Jones is a versatile writer covering tech and business. Her insightful articles offer clarity and depth, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.