THE SHORT ANSWER
Commercial solar becomes reviewable when the property authority, included meter, operating schedule, roof condition and utility assumptions are documented together. Begin with that decision packet—not a generic cost-per-watt claim.
Name every decision maker
Identify the property owner, tenant, account holder, property manager and final approval contact. Record lease, roof and access restrictions. A public introduction or preliminary quote does not establish authorization to install.
Define the load behind the included meter
Collect authorized bills or interval data, operating hours and planned equipment. Ask how the analysis handles daytime consumption, exports, demand-related charges and multiple accounts. Keep excluded meters visible.
Connect structural and trade responsibilities
Columbus requires structural support documentation for rooftop arrays and registered contractors for trade permits. [1] Name who provides drawings, submits permits, coordinates shutdowns and responds to corrections.
Review utility and commercial terms separately
For AEP Ohio accounts, verify the current interconnection and export-credit assumptions. [2] Separate installed price, financing, lease obligations and adviser-reviewed tax treatment. Origin can scope the next step after the property and decision boundary are clear.
Before your next conversation
- Identify owner, tenant, account holder and approver.
- Map the included and excluded meters.
- Provide operating hours and authorized usage data.
- Gather roof, structural and access records.
- Name permit, utility and customer-update owners.
Primary sources
- City of Columbus: Building and Zoning FAQ
Checked October 1, 2026. Columbus states that rooftop solar submissions require stamped structural drawings and that registered contractors obtain trade permits after the building permit.
- AEP Ohio: Renewable Energy and Net Energy Metering
Checked October 1, 2026. AEP Ohio requires an application and interconnection agreement and tells customers with a competitive supplier to confirm how exported electricity is treated.
Planning examples and questions are Origin’s editorial guidance, not a property-specific diagnosis, engineering design, tax determination or promise of savings. Manufacturer and utility references do not imply an affiliation with Origin.
Make the decision specific to your business.
Start a Columbus commercial inquiry with the company, property relationship and operating profile. Origin will confirm the next records needed.
Request a project quote →Scope, pricing and availability are confirmed for your property. A request is not a confirmed appointment.