Monday 20 August 2018

Top 3 Signs Your Solar Marketing Efforts Aren't Working

Does it feel like you’re just spinning your wheels when it comes to solar marketing? If so, then you’re not alone. Marketing is a struggle for many solar installers. To make things worse, many often don’t know how to tell if and how their marketing strategy is in need of improvement.


In this post, we’ll share with you the top 3 signs your solar marketing strategy is falling flat, plus some helpful tips and solutions.

1. Your Conversion Rate is Practically Zero

This may seem like an obvious sign, but sometimes it’s not always clear to contractors that it’s their tactics that are keeping leads from biting. Many find some other explanation, such as “it’s the slow season”, “it’s the recession”, or “there’s too much competition”.

The truth is, there are always interested buyers to be found. You just need to be using the right methods to reach them. Do the advertising materials you use properly address homeowner’s biggest needs? Are you targeting places where people interested in solar are likely to be found? If not, then it could be the reason why the leads aren’t coming through.

2. The Leads you do get are Often Flaky

Maybe you’re reeling in leads, but when the time comes for your sales team to reach out; those leads are wishy-washy at best. They avoid committing to appointments or deadlines, and they keep dodging opportunities to seal the deal.

If this sounds like a large number of your leads, the problem lies in your marketing. It’s attracting the wrong type of leads - the kind that are just window shopping. Your marketing strategy should be designed to target and attract homeowners who are serious about going solar. This involves using high-quality materials, offering valuable information, and focusing on areas where serious solar buyers go.

3. You Spend More on Acquiring Leads than You Earn Back

Investment is a necessary part of solar marketing - you have to spend money to make money. But when your marketing budget exceeds what you’re actually earning, then it’s clear that your leads are costing you more than they’re worth.

This is indicative of an inefficient marketing system that’s begging for some optimization. You might be spreading your marketing efforts too thin, spending money on advertising in numerous places rather than a few impactful venues. It’s worth checking every aspect of your marketing system to see where spending might not be yielding good returns.

Overhaul Your Marketing by Purchasing High Quality Solar Leads

What if you could find an expert team to handle all of the marketing hassle for you? That’s where solar lead companies can be invaluable partners for your business.

When you buy high quality solar leads from trusted agencies like Grid Freedom, you can get connected with buy-ready homeowners without worrying about any of the marketing efforts. Go to www.Gridfreedom.com to learn more about how buying leads can simplify how your solar business lands new customers.

Monday 6 August 2018

The 6 States Most Serious About Solar

As we progress further into the 21st century, much of America has embraced sustainability as a modern standard. This shift has led many states to implement programs and policies that incentivize solar adoption. Below, we’ve profiled the 6 states that are the most serious about their solar standing.

1. Massachusetts
Though New England may not be the first place you’d think of when it comes to solar power hotspots, the region has been leading the way in expanding solar energy. Massachusetts homeowners don’t have to pay any sales tax on their solar systems and can enjoy the benefits of net metering. Additionally, a 5kW solar system can earn as much as $1,700 per year for homeowners through performance payments (SRECs). MA’s current Renewables Performance Standard (RPS) has set a goal for 25% of the state’s electricity sold to come from sustainable energy sources by 2030.

2. Rhode Island
The nation’s tiniest state is one of its biggest solar champions. It offers a number of incentives to people who install solar power systems, including rebates, performance payments, and exemptions from property and sales taxes. The state government also expanded its RPS law, aiming for a 38.5% benchmark by 2035.

3. Oregon
Oregon’s lawmakers have been committed to increasing the state’s solar capacity by creating incentives for its citizens to embrace solar energy. Homeowners especially get significant help covering the costs of going solar. The Oregon Energy Trust rebate takes $3,300 off the starting price of a residential solar system, and tax credits eliminate $6,000 more over the first four years. Overall, Oregon has the best solar carve-out in the country, and its RPS is ambitious, striving for 50% by 2040.

4. New Jersey
New Jersey is one of America’s solar leaders thanks to a number of pro-solar policies and incentives. The state government has expressed its dedication to clean energy and is working toward a 22.5% RPS by as early as 2021. Specifically, 4.1% of all the electricity must come from solar panels, making solar an integral part of the state’s sustainability plan. Homeowners are offered net metering benefits, and can currently earn well on SRECs.

5. New York
New York is another state that has consistently leads the way in solar adoption. The state’s homeowners can save as much as 40% on the price of their new solar systems, and the payback time for a 5kW system is only 6 years on average. Additionally, residents get to save through net metering and exemptions from property and sales taxes. With an RPS target of 50% by 2030, New York has one of America’s best RPS laws.

6. California
Given that California is where the solar industry established its roots, it’s no surprise that the state remains committed to its longstanding solar ambitions. It’s no longer the nation’s solar leader, but it still has plenty of policies and incentives to keep its rank as a solar heavyweight. California’s RPS of 50% by 2030 ties New York’s for the third best in America. Homeowners earn credits for their solar system’s production thanks to an updated net metering program, and they also get a 100% solar property tax exemption.

Make the Most of Your State’s Solar Standing
Are you a solar contractor located in one of these states? Capitalize on solar interest with the best solar installation leads possible. Grid Freedom offers top quality lead generation services for solar installers in all of the states above, as well as the rest of America. With our help, you can connect with more homeowners who are serious about going solar. Visit www.Gridfreedom.com to learn more.