Is There a Big Difference Between Solar Lead Companies?

 

Outsourcing to solar lead companies can be a great way for contractors to take the pressure off and establish a reliable supply of sales. However, it’s important for contractors considering this option to realize that the key to success lies in choosing a high-quality agency. 

Not all lead agencies follow the same set of practices, and many have wildly varying standards for the leads they sell to contractors. Certainly, there is a big difference between solar lead companies, and installers should know how to recognize the ones that are worth buying from. Below, we’ll look at a few of the most important criteria and discuss how compromises can result in disappointment.

Lead Generation Methods

How an agency generates their leads is the defining factor of their value. Many companies take a shortcut when it comes to lead generation, sourcing from third parties rather than doing the work themselves. 

These third parties are often generic mass lead suppliers that pass on leads without much investigation into whether or not they’re actually real or worthwhile prospects. This means that many agencies are simply middlemen who have little control over the quality of leads they sell to contractors. 

The most effective agencies take full responsibility for the leads they deliver. That includes every part of the generation process, from finding the leads to vetting them. Top contenders use strategic inbound marketing to attract homeowners who are genuinely interested in solar and are researching how to take the next step. 

Naturally-attracted leads already offer a better chance of success over cold leads that have been sourced via random phone calls or data scrapes. But the best agencies go farther by implementing a personal screening process conducted via conversations with live agents. Using human interaction to assess a lead’s viability allows the agency to determine who’s committed and who’s just window shopping. The highest commitment level is verified by agencies that take the initiative to set the first appointment for the contractor - however, this is a very rare service. 

Lead Distribution

An agency’s approach to lead distribution can dramatically dilute the quality of the leads they offer. If those leads are not sold on an exclusive basis - meaning that they aren’t just sold to a single contractor, then multiple installers will be competing for the customer’s business. 

This hardly seems fair for contractors that are already paying money to access a lead. It would be more understandable if the price of the lead were lowered accordingly, but many agencies still sell these shared leads at a price far too inflated.

It’s crucial for contractors to know that lead exclusivity can also be affected by the agency’s generation method. Many mass lead suppliers sell the same leads to multiple agencies - so while an agency itself may be selling only to one contractor, the fact that the lead was already widely distributed up the chain means that there may still be other competitors who’ve gotten ahold of it. 

Contractual Obligations

A good solar marketing company works in the interest of contractors. And because they offer leads worth coming back for, they don’t need to resort to terms that milk installers for every penny they can get.

Unfortunately, too many agencies impose unscrupulous terms such as purchase minimums and binding contracts, often forcing contractors to buy more leads than they want. This can be especially frustrating when contractors realize that they’ve been strong-armed into buying sub-par leads. Most small to mid-sized installers can’t afford to absorb such hits without some financial pain.

Choose the Best Solar Lead Company in the Industry

As lead outsourcing becomes a more popular solution, the agencies most favored by contractors are growing in reputation. Grid Freedom is one of the top picks of America’s installers, preferred for its in-house lead generation, uncompromising screening standards, and appointment-setting. 

This agency offers the most convenient and effective lead service for contractors, minimizing all the work and uncertainty that comes with traditional solar lead generation. Leads are delivered ready to meet, with no threat from competitors and no strings attached. 

Get Top Quality Leads at www.GridFreedom.com

 

The Current State of Dirty Power's Replacement with Solar

America has long relied on dirty power sources to generate much of its electricity. However, recent years have seen a push to phase out some of these sources in favor of more sustainable solar. The current presidential administration’s focus on combating climate change has especially ramped up this effort. 

But exactly how much progress has been made? And what work is left to be done? We review the current state of dirty power replacement below.

Coal Mines are Dwindling, Overall

From 2008 to 2020, the number of active American coal mines has dropped from over 1,200 to just 410. Over 151 additional mines are currently idle. This means that we’ve seen a 62% decline in active coal mines over the span of just 13 years.

While this sounds like tremendous progress, some of it was reversed in the past year. 2021 saw a 15% increase in coal mine production, and if production demands continue to rise, some of those idled mines could be reactivated.

That being said, there are still plans for another huge cull. Over 240 mines were set to be shut down, as of October 2021. COVID-19’s pressures may force more closures on top of that.

 

So what’s being done with the properties where these mines are located? A growing number are being converted into solar fields. These installations are utility-scale projects that are capable of powering their surrounding communities.

Transitioning Labor

Closing the mines in favor of solar has put miners in a position where their employability is in jeopardy. Luckily, some of the mine closures have been coordinated to offer employees transitional training, often into the solar field itself. This means that Solar's workforce has been getting a boost as well.

 

Some communities that were once dependent on coal employment have taken training into their own hands, with local programs and even public schools offering classes and certification paths for people interested in careers as solar installers.

No Clean Power Payments/Dirty Power Fines

Clearly, we can expect to make some major headway in the next few years. But the trend may be slower than originally predicted. Much of this can be attributed to the conflict in Washington, D.C.

 

When the Biden administration first conceived the Build Back Better bill, there was talk of including payments and fines that would incentivize the switch to solar and other renewables. Utility companies that were still dependent on dirty power sources would be fined proportionally, while those that prioritized clean power would receive payment rewards.

 

Unfortunately, these plans never came to fruition, as opponents of the bill have forced out much of the legislation that would penalize dirty power use and production. This is going to hold back some of the progress we would have otherwise seen following the BBB’s passing. The solar industry will have to find other ways to win the business of utilities that are dragging their feet.

The Great Replacement is Boosting Solar Panel Lead Generation

The transition to solar is not just sparking business at the utility level. Between all of the buzz about clean energy, solar panel lead generation is expected to rise in the residential sector as well.

 

Contractors who want to streamline their generation process by targeting only the most qualified, serious leads can do so by partnering with Grid Freedom. We curate top-quality leads through live screening that selects for true sale-readiness. All leads are scheduled for their first appointment, allowing contractors to jump straight to the consultation stage.

Find Ready Solar Buyers at www.GridFreedom.com