Most solar contractors count on solar installation leads heading directly to them the moment they realize they’d like to get a system. However, this may not always be the case.
Homeowners preparing to go solar are often eager to make it happen. But in the process of researching, they realize that their home’s current roof may not be in good enough shape to support a new installation. In fact, it’s a common speedbump encountered by solar buyers. A need for roof repairs keeps 20% of all solar projects from being completed by the original installer.
That’s because the average rooftop only has a lifespan of about 15-20 years. Compare this to the 15-30 year lifespan of a typical solar system, and it becomes quite apparent why so many existing roofs will expire too soon for an installation to be made.
The result of this
unfortunate trend is two different scenarios: a. Solar contractors end up
having to turn over installation work to roofing contractors, or b. Homeowners
go straight to roofing contractors.
More
and More Roofers are Getting in on Solar
Because roofers are coming into contact with an increasing number of customers who are preparing for solar systems, a vast number of them are becoming hybrid companies. They’re expanding their services to cover some or all aspects of solar, from sales to installation. This is allowing roofers to compete in the solar market, and do it with a distinct advantage.
For example, GAF Energy has recently made moves to help
their roofing partners become solar companies in their own right. These roofers
are learning how to process permitting paperwork, design solar systems, and set
up electrical connections and panel racking. They’ll be able to provide
everything that homeowners need to replace their roofs and outfit them with
solar.
Staying
Competitive Requires Ingenuity
Solar contractors who don’t want to lose leads to these roofers will need to adapt. A long-term solution would be to expand their own services to cover roofing as well. But this requires a significant investment in staff training, licensing, and establishing supplier connections.
There’s another option that will help contractors get leads before roofers step in. Working with a solar marketing agency that offers 100% exclusivity allows contractors to secure leads without worry that any other contractors - roofing or solar - are also competing for them. Grid Freedom is one of the few agencies that never shares leads with others, preserving the investment quality of every single lead.
