Exclusive Pre-set Solar Appointments can Help Contractors Weather Slashed Solar Incentives

 

After numerous cuts to solar incentives across the nation, 2024 has brought tough conditions for contractors.

Incentive reductions have been a trend from coast to coast, with several states choosing to reduce compensation for those

who return their excess energy back to the grid. 

This has dealt a big blow to local markets, in some cases plummeting demand for installations. So how can contractors cope? In this post, we examine how sourcing exclusive pre-set appointments is becoming a lifeline for solar businesses in affected areas. 

Hacking Away at Solar Support

In California, the adoption of Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0) has drastically reduced the financial benefits of solar.

This new policy effectively reduces the value of electricity exported to the grid by 75% compared to previous rates.

Its rollout brought on an 80% contraction in the state’s solar market, and companies have reported sales decreased by as

much as 30% compared to previous years​. Many contractors were forced to shut their doors. Around 17,000 jobs were lost

due to the steep drop in demand. 

Idaho followed suit soon after, cutting its own NEM program and adding a monthly charge for solar customers. The state’s main utility, Idaho Power, also covers territory in Oregon. There it also attempted to achieve similar reductions, and despite official rejection, is continuing to pursue rate reductions. 

In West Virginia, Mon Power and Potomac Edison also pushed for their own revisions, aiming to halve the original 1-to-1 compensation rate. Negotiations instead ended with a 21% drop in the compensation rate, set to go into effect on January 1st, 2025.

Arizona’s own solar compensation policy has been rife with conflict over the past years, with program cuts being re-voted every election cycle. Its latest vote saw a 10% reduction, though 37% was originally proposed. 

Finding Certain Sales Requires Stronger Leads

Such instability has made homeowners increasingly wary of investing in solar, translating to lower sales numbers for contractors. Long-term, the outlook isn’t great: projections warn of a potential contraction in nationwide solar installations due to elevated interest rates and slowed legislative support for incentives.

If contractors want to ensure a healthy revenue stream moving forward, it’s time to leverage more targeted lead-generation methods. Teaming up with a supplier that can deliver booked appointments with customers who have been confirmed as enthusiastic prospects is one of the best ways to sidestep current sales struggles. By focusing on informed leads that demonstrate a real commitment to going solar, contractors can lose less time to customers who will be scared off by recent incentive cuts. 

Grid Freedom is one of the few agencies in the industry capable of delivering leads of this caliber, 100% exclusive and competition-free. Installers have come to rely on us for solid sales opportunities, not just for lead quality, but also for our pro-contractor terms and business model. 

Contractors pay no extra fees, subscription dues, or other tacked-on charges - a problem that is all too common among other lead dealers. Moreover, our service requires no contracts or minimums, leaving one free to source leads at the frequency and number they actually need. With this resource, installers can breathe easier knowing that paying customers can be found and converted quickly, even as the market slows. 

Meet Install-Ready Customers: Book Pre-set Solar Appointments at www.GridFreedom.com 

Is 2024 the Year You Should Change Your Solar Lead Provider?

 

As we ease into 2024, the solar industry is facing a changed landscape. Rapid and dramatic changes have hit the industry, affecting market dynamics in many states, and therefore, impacting the number of customers looking for solar installations.

These conditions are making it difficult for many contractors who’ve relied on sub-par solar lead generators to supplement their income. The stakes are higher now - contractors can’t afford to lose any more money or time on dead-end opportunities.

If you’ve been disappointed in the quality you’ve been seeing from your solar lead provider, this year is when that strain is going to become even more painful. Transitioning to a superior supplier will be an essential move for ensuring your revenues stay abundant. 

Let’s discuss further why 2024 is a pivotal year for the solar sector, and why it’s time for solar contractors to partner with better solar lead generation companies. 

The Changing Landscape of the Solar Industry

2024’s solar industry is witnessing a unique transformation. Multiple factors are converging to suppress demand in the residential market.

Across various states, there has been a trend towards adopting time-varying or avoided cost rates for net energy metering. This shift is designed to better align the compensation for solar generation with times of peak demand, addressing the "duck curve" phenomenon. However, this change in compensation rates has often led to considerable reductions in the value of credits for solar energy fed back into the grid. 

Some states have implemented additional charges for solar customers, such as residential fixed charges or minimum bill increases. These changes have affected the overall economics of installing and operating solar energy systems, making them less attractive to homeowners.

One of the most significant developments is the introduction of California's NEM 3.0, which caused an 80% decline once it took effect in 2023. The steep drop in demand among would-be solar customers is only expected to continue, as the incentive to go solar has been slashed. Several other states, such as Arizona, North Carolina, Idaho, and Wisconsin, have either reduced or canceled their net metering programs or have proposed to do so. 

Simultaneously, technological advancements in solar energy systems have enhanced their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This progress not only appeals to a wider market but also intensifies the competition within the industry. 

As a result, solar contractors are now operating in a market that is more dynamic and competitive than ever before.

The Need for Dependable Lead Providers

In such an unstable environment, the value of high-quality leads cannot be overstated. With poorly-performing providers, contractors are vulnerable to significant drops in revenue. 

Chances are that the tough market will make it so that you rely on agency-sourced leads to fill your calendar. But if those leads have a low payoff rate, a full schedule may yield little income. 

The key for solar contractors is not just in acquiring a large number of leads, but in consistently securing those that are high in quality and well-targeted. This is where the role of a reliable lead provider becomes crucial.

A good supplier understands the changing dynamics of the market and adapts their strategies to align with these changes. They have honed their process to account for factors that could impact a customer’s willingness or ability to make an investment as big as solar. Their expertise in identifying potential customers who are genuinely prepared to pursue an installation can make a big difference in the efficiency and success rate of sales conversions.

Making the Switch in 2024

In 2024, choosing the right lead provider is not just about maintaining business as usual - it's about finding ways to adapt and thrive in a tumultuous time. You’ll have the best success by upgrading your lead provider to one that has a proven ability to deliver sale after sale. 

Grid Freedom is a trusted partner among contractors looking for security in this troubled market. Our agency delivers leads in all 50 states, using the industry’s most effective lead generation and screening methods to find the most promising customers in your area. 

We connect you to homeowners who are not just considering solar but are ready to take action, with confirmed appointments pre-booked. Lock in meetings with residents who’ve proven they’re worth your time. 

Learn more about our superior leads at GridFreedom.com 

Why Your Year-End Leads Should Only be Qualified Solar Appointments

 

As 2023 draws to a close, solar installers are facing the annual challenge of meeting their year-end targets. In

these final weeks, the focus should shift to a strategic approach to lead generation, one that focuses on

sourcing well-qualified solar appointments. 

The Year-End Time Crunch

December is a crucial period for solar installers, filled with a rush to finalize projects and secure new ones for

the upcoming year. But prospecting new leads at this time can also be quite challenging since the holidays and

seasonal wind-down can cause some customers’ interest to fade. 

Sifting through unqualified leads is inefficient and costly at the best of times. Now, at the year’s end,

it’s doubly impractical. The best way to make it through is to focus on getting leads that have already been

identified as high-potential opportunities.

Shortcut to Sales with Pre-screened, Exclusive Solar Appointments

Directly sourcing qualified leads from a professional agency allows contractors to skip all the inefficiencies of

typical prospects. Instead, these leads offer a streamlined path to sales right when it’s needed most. 

But apart from prior screening, exclusivity is key. Look for an agency that not only thoroughly vets solar

customers, but also isolates them from competing contractors. This ensures that there’s no chance of a rival

business swiping the installation for themselves. 

Finally, agencies that deliver pre-scheduled appointments provide the strongest foundation for making a sale

quickly. You’ll be connected with a customer who’s been fully taken through the nurturing process, and are ready

to take action. 

Grid Freedom Delivers Immediate Solar Appointments

With the right agency, securing appointments can be as fast as you need to wrap up your year-end goals.

Grid Freedom offers contractors immediate access to as many leads as they need, already scheduled and confirmed

for their first consultation. 

For over 10 years, solar contractors across America have relied on Grid Freedom for quick, high-quality customer

connections. We’ve delivered over 400,000 exclusive and qualified appointments, with homeowners who’ve

passed through our rigorous screening phase. Our agency is committed to helping contractors get through seasonal

crunch points, as well as maintain a steady income all year long. 

Book 2023’s Last Leads at GridFreedom.com 

5 Products Every Solar Installer Should Own

Solar installation is demanding work, but having the right equipment at your disposal can make all the difference. Below, we recommend 5 of the best products for solar contractors and discuss how they can make your days on the rooftops all the easier. 

Solbari

Solbari Outback Travel Hat UPF50+

The sun may be what provides us with our livelihoods, but it can also be our arch nemesis. Sunburns can come easily after even short periods in the sun, making red, sore skin a frequent sight among crews that aren’t properly outfitted.

The Solbari Outback Travel Hat offers full UPF50+ sun protection for the head and face, as well as the neck - a commonly neglected point of serious exposure. Mesh panels allow for cooling ventilation, and a removable chin strap prevents the hat from blowing off. A toggled drawstring on the back enables adjustment for a perfectly snug fit. 

At $49, the Outback is one of the best investments that can be made for your kit of protective gear. It comes in multiple sizes and four attractive color options.

Ariat

Ariat Rebar Evolution Hooded Sun Shirt

Sun protection doesn’t stop at hats! The right long-sleeved shirts can protect the entire upper body from harmful UV exposure, and even keep you cooler while you work. Ariat’s Rebar Sun Shirts are a great example of this. 

Their Climate TEK cooling system results in a lightweight fabric that deflects solar rays and dissipates body heat. The 100% polyester fabric is ultralightweight, and cut to allow greater flexibility at the arms. A built-in hood adds further coverage. Regularly retailing at $45, the shirts are available in standard and big & tall sizes, as well as four different colors. 

Harbor Freight

BAUER Heavy Duty Jobsite Backpack

Having all of your gear portable and within easy reach is a must when you’re working on rooftops. That’s why having all of it stored in a backpack is one of the simplest and most efficient solutions. You’ll be able to transport it hands-free, allowing for safer ladder ascents. 

BAUER’s Heavy Duty Jobsite Backpack is a popular pick for contractors of many types, prized for its durability and wealth of organization features. Its myriad of pockets, clips, and compartments enables quick finding of the tools you need. The backpack is available at Harbor Freight at a regular price of $70, but HF’s frequent sales make it easy to snag it at a discount. 

NoCry

NoCry Lightguard+ Non-Slip Work Knee Pads

Installations are hard on the knees, especially when you don’t have a good pair of knee pads in your kit. Unfortunately, it’s tough to find ones that are not only comfortable and well-fitting but also not abrasive to some of the more delicate roofing surfaces we come into contact with.

NoCry has hit the sweet spot with its Lightguard+ Non-Slip Work Knee Pads. Made with soft EVA foam and non-skid leather, these pads provide all of the protection you need with an exterior that doesn’t damage client rooftops. Contractors have raved that they’ve actually been able to “lose track of time” while working in the NoCrys - something that otherwise never happens due to discomfort. At a normal retail price of just $20, this pair is also one of the more affordable options on the market. 

Amazon

Knipex 13 96 200 SB Pliers

Every contractor needs a good set of pliers, and this all-purpose pick from Knipex will cover multiple aspects of solar installation. Featuring 6 different functionalities, these needle-nose pliers are capable of crimping, stripping, cutting, wire handling, and gripping components of various sizes. 

Contractors value this piece in their toolkit for the fact that it’s capable of replacing at least 4-5 separate tools. At $60, they’re on the pricier side, but they’re backed by excellent functionality and a durable German construction that can be depended on for a lifetime. 

Grid Freedom is America’s #1 Provider of Exclusive Pre-set Appointments

Having the right tools at hand doesn’t just pertain to equipment. It also extends to resources that can help your business keep sales flowing.

Here at Grid Freedom, we’ve built a reputation as one of the most reliable partners for contractors seeking immediate bookings for pre-set solar appointments. Our intensive lead generation and screening process ensures that you can get directly connected with quality customers who have already been confirmed for their first consultations. 

No competitors, no question of commitment. Just easy scheduling that fills your workdays with eager customers. 

Sign Up at GridFreedom.com to Start Booking Exclusive Pre-set Solar Appointments

Why Pre-Set Solar Appointments are Key to Preventing Summer Overload

 

Depending on where you are, summer may already be in full swing. And that means that customers are calling. After waiting months for the weather to improve and tax season to end, homeowners across the nation are rushing to get solar installations up ASAP. 

While you may appreciate the boom in business, this sharp spike in demand can actually cause a lot of disruption. If you don’t manage your schedule effectively, you even stand the chance of making less money than you could have. 

Luckily, preventing this problem can be done simply. By changing your lead generation strategy to focus on sourcing exclusive pre-set appointments, you can easily streamline your summer for more efficient work and cash flow. We go over the hows and whys below. 

Minimize Dead-end Investments

Time is limited during the summer, and you’ll need to carefully choose how you spend it if you want to make the highest possible number of sales before the season’s end. That discretion should include your choice of leads to meet with. Leads that have already been scheduled for their first appointment stand out as the best option when you’re dealing with a demand crunch.

Exclusive pre-set solar appointments have two key features:

1. They’re isolated from competing contractors

2. They’re already scheduled for their first consultation

This combination helps you avoid wasting time on leads that don’t result in sales. You don’t have to worry about another contractor winning the sale, and you don’t need to invest any time in attracting the lead, screening them, or convincing them to meet. You’ll lose far less time pursuing leads that fall flat, allowing you to make the most of your summer schedule. 

A Planned Calendar Enables Better Resource Planning

It’s tough to effectively prepare your inventory and team when you don’t have a solid grasp of when you’ll have confirmed appointments. Switching to pre-set consultations will give you the ability to fill out your calendar well ahead of time, making it far easier to forecast your ordering and staffing needs. 

Having this foresight will also help you shrink down those installation timelines, freeing up room to squeeze in more before the busy season ends. 

Maximize Your Summer Profits with Exclusive Pre-set Solar Appointments

Summer doesn’t have to be a stressful time for your business. Sourcing pre-scheduled solar consultations will empower you to optimize your entire operation, with better earnings as a result. 

But therein lies the next challenge: where can you find such high-quality solar leads? 

Grid Freedom is a top solar marketing agency that pairs contractors with customers who have gone through rigorous screening and committed to their first scheduled appointment. All leads are delivered to one contractor only, on a completely exclusive basis. 

Unbound by contracts or restrictions, you’re free to buy only the exact number of leads you need to meet your summer quotas, ensuring your budget is spent efficiently. Partnering with Grid Freedom will prove to be the ultimate level-up for your summer sales strategy. 

Get Summer’s Best Pre-set Solar Appointments at GridFreedom.com 

Everything You Need to Know About May’s RE+ Southeast Clean Energy Conference

If you’re a solar contractor in the southeastern U.S., you won’t want to miss May’s RE+ Southeast Conference. This major networking event will take place May 16th-18th, giving pros a chance to grow regional business opportunities while learning about important developments affecting the market. Below, we highlight some of the key workshops and presentations on the agenda. 

What’s On the Schedule?

The entire schedule for RE+ Southeast can be found here. A variety of workshops, presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions are planned. Here are the most noteworthy of each day. 

May 16th 

Solar 101 Workshop 

One day prior to the official conference kickoff, SEIA will be hosting a workshop that provides a complete overview of the region’s solar landscape, arming you with the information you need to make the most of everything covered at RE+S. 

May 17th

IRA – The Renewable Energy and Economic Development Boom: Forecasts and Predictions

A discussion of the beneficial impacts anticipated from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), spanning from clean energy deployment, manufacturing developments, and electrification.  Experts assess how states are responding, and how IRA funding can be used. 

State Briefings

A number of briefings will be held, dedicated to several states in the region: Arkansas, the Carolinas, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennesse, Virginia, and the Gulf states (Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi). These briefings will review the current market conditions for each state and evaluate the issues they’re faced with. 

Adapting to Climate Change: Strengthening the Southeast through Resilience

Strengthening the Southeast’s power grid is discussed in the context of the region’s severe weather events. Policy and technical solutions are discussed, including wider market reform and mass deployment of renewable energy infrastructure. 

Quick Talk: New Approaches for Clean Energy Workforce Development

Reviewing the need for collaboration between government entities and contractors in growing the clean energy workforce. Training, certification, and incentive programs are highlighted, as well as strategies for sourcing IRA funding. Experts analyze how these efforts actually reduce costs for solar contractors. 

May 18th

Carbon Reduction in the Carolinas

Panelists outline how the industry can meet the goals set by House Bill 951, which requires reducing carbon emissions levels by 70% (from 2005 levels) by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Also discussed are Duke Energy’s newly proposed programs working toward 100% clean energy.

Third-Party Ownership – Does it Make Sense in the Southeast?

Industry leaders share their thoughts on the viability of solar lease or power purchase agreements (TPO) as an alternative to traditional solar financing. Pros and cons, regulations, and opportunities are all covered topics. 

The Evolving Rooftop Solar Landscape

Net metering developments in Georgia, North Carolina, and Arkansas are reviewed, as well as the wider debate on customer compensation for solar generation. Issues are considered in the context of both power grid demands and state net-zero goals. 

How to Attend RE+ Southeast

If you wish to attend RE+, submit your registration here. Early bird registration and exhibitor signup has closed, but standard admission is open until May 15th. 

The event takes place in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia World Congress Center: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Will RE+ Southeast Help Me Find More Solar Appointments?

Much of the information offered at RE+ will be useful in understanding regional customer demands and challenges. With the insights gleaned at the conference, you’ll also be able to effectively leverage resources that can potentially drive up your total sales numbers. 

But if you’re looking for a direct path to generating more leads, it’s best to seek the help of a trusted solar marketing agency. Grid freedom is known as a top provider of qualified solar appointments, allowing contractors to focus only on leads who have already committed to meeting. 

All leads are screened and signed up for exclusive solar appointments, meaning that you are the only contractor who they’ll be put in touch with. This reduces threat of competition and allows you to make a deal without putting undue pressure on the homeowner. Enjoy higher closing rates and see your lead generation budget achieve excellent ROI. Signup is free, and no extra fees or contracts are required. 

Book Meetings with Qualified, Exclusive Solar Buyers at www.GridFreedom.com