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

How the New Rollout of SolarAPP+ Will Change Installation Projects

The U.S. Department of Energy recently rolled out its Solar Automated Permit Processing (SolarAPP+) tool, a platform that allows municipalities to expedite approvals of residential solar installations. 

More than 125 communities have already adopted SolarAPP+ for their permitting, and the DOE has set a goal to enroll 60 additional cities by March of 2022. These efforts are in-step with the national effort to achieve 100% clean electric power by 2035. 

So how will this rollout affect how contractors get through the permitting process? When the software becomes available in your area, what can you expect to change?

Standardizing the Review Process

SolarAPP+ is streamlining permit reviews by making them all conform to a simplified and standardized process. It automatically runs compliance checks, ensuring that system designs are safe and up to code. 

The current codes used by the system are the 2017 National Fire Protection Association 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) for rooftop PV permits, 2018 I-Codes (International Residential Code, and International Building Code) for rooftop PV permits, and CA Title 24 Modifications. The system’s review includes inspection checklists and supports state and local license verification. 

Updates to the system’s code library and functions are pending. The app will be expanded to support permits for residential main panel upgrades, reroofing, new home construction for rooftop PV and residential storage, solar thermal, multifamily PV storage, and residential EV charging.

Enhancing Speed and Capacity

SolarAPP+ speeds up approvals so that municipalities can process 5-14x the volume of permit applications. Compliant “cookie-cutter” systems will get automatic approval, allowing contractors to kick off projects right away. More complex projects will still be sped through the review process thanks to automatic checks and returns for corrections. 

With long waits for permit approvals no longer an issue, solar contractors will be able to fit more installations into their monthly calendars. This creates a great opportunity for growth, as contractors can scale up with increased sales.

 

Enjoy More Solar Sales Leads

A faster, less complicated permitting process will only make solar more appealing to residential customers, resulting in more customer conversions overall. But contractors can also bump up their sales by directly sourcing solar sales leads that have been verified as ready buyers. 

Grid Freedom supplies sale-ready leads to contractors at affordable rates. All leads come with their consultation already scheduled, ensuring that no extra nurturing is necessary to secure a meeting.

Get Customer Appointments at www.GridFreedom.com