How Solar Contractors are Dealing With Supply Chain Troubles

It’s no secret that America’s solar industry relies heavily on manufacturing from China and other Asian nations. Even though solar PV cell technology was developed in America, China was quickly able to dominate the market with unbeatably-low prices thanks to cheap labor of dubious ethicality. Now, China has a firm grip over 80% of the global polysilicon supply.

Straining Contractor Budgets

This has left America’s solar contractors in a precarious position. Already, import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration had elevated costs for PV panels. While this policy was formulated with the intent to re-spark American manufacturing, it required placing a greater cost burden on the shoulders of contractors. 

It came not long before the start of the pandemic, which practically shut down the Chinese supply chain for months. Even after the initial turmoil, logistics have still suffered greatly, continuing to drive up pricing and delay shipping fulfillments. 

A survey of Chinese manufacturers showed a 20-40% price increase for solar panels over the first half of 2021. In the first quarter of the year, America’s contract prices for solar experienced a 15% jump over last year’s position. 

Contractors are struggling to afford the panels and racking equipment they sell. Many have had to increase the prices on solar systems as a result, but price hikes during the pandemic’s economic fallout only further depress already-meager sales numbers.

Recruiting Help for Lead Generation

How are some contractors pulling ahead despite all of these setbacks? Refining their lead generation process has proven to be an effective method for finding customers that are capable and willing to pay the current rates for solar systems. 

Actually implementing this change is tough to pull off alone, however. That’s why countless contractors across the country have chosen to outsource the work to agencies that specialize in quality lead curation. 

Grid Freedom is one of the top choices in the industry. Offering unbeatable screening, appointment-setting, and complete exclusivity, the agency is able to deliver customers that have the highest level of sale security for contractors. No obligations such as purchase minimums or contracts also keep terms in the favor of installers. 

Boost Your Customer Supply at www.GridFreedom.com