NREL Explains What Drives Solar + Storage Adoption

On August 23rd, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) gave a webinar presentation hosted by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The presentation focused on what key factors propel the value of solar plus storage for residential customers and the outlook on adoption in the coming years. 

Solar + Storage Adoption is Based on Variable Value

Conclusions were drawn based on NREL’s extensive research into solar storage in terms of market growth and customer benefits. In a 2020 study, NREL cited that storage deployment is “driven by a combination of capacity and energy value”. The more residential customers can get out of adding storage to their PV systems, the more they will adopt and optimize their storage capacity.

A more recent report found that values are significantly influenced by local utility rate structures. NREL assessed a community in Arizona in which all households were enrolled in an experimental distributed generation (DG) rate program. The DG rate structure was intended to reduce grid demand during peak periods. However, the demand surcharges that resulted canceled out almost all solar + storage customer savings. 

That being said, individual household savings varied across the board, depending on factors such as peak-time usage, total demand, home size, and the size of their PV system. Therefore, certain households stand to gain much more out of solar + storage installations than others. 

NREL also found that storage adoption is heavily dependent on PV pricing. Fortunately, the prices of both PV systems and storage augmentations have shown a continual decline. The cost of solar storage in particular has dipped by almost 10%. 

Forecasting sees tremendous opportunities in store for the residential solar + storage market, especially in new construction. NREL estimates that 0.96 million new homes will be built every year between 2017 and 2030.

Leveraging NREL’s Insights 

Given the factors above, it’s critical that solar contractors make customer education a priority. Those who are affected by demand-based rates should be informed of how this can impact their solar + storage savings. If the customer would benefit from switching their utility rate structure and is free to do so, this should be encouraged. 

Customers who are locked into a demand-based rate structure that invalidates most of the cost incentive may not be the best prospects to pursue. But new construction is fertile territory for new opportunities. Contractors can win these projects by demonstrating to builders that their contribution will avoid delays and will improve a home’s market appeal. Given the extreme prices seen in real estate at the moment, construction companies have a strong concern that building homes with excessively high values can price out otherwise willing buyers. 

Leads for Solar Contractors

Clearly, finding ample solar + storage customers still presents challenges. Contractors can enjoy more success by partnering with a lead generation agency capable of delivering a steady supply of legitimate residential buyers. 

Grid Freedom is a favored firm in this domain. With 100% exclusive leads that have been personally screened for purchase potential and scheduled for their first appointment, Grid Freedom meets the highest standards of quality. Contractors across America return to the agency as a dependable source of customers, even as the solar industry experiences volatility.

Find Residential Solar Leads at www.GridFreedom.com  

Solar Lead Generation Companies Help Florida Contractors Survive the Storm Season

For most solar contractors in the United States, summer is a time of peak activity. Pleasant, dry weather makes it an ideal time to install rooftop systems without interruption. However, in Florida, summer tends to bring a slowdown. 

The subtropical climate creates rather volatile conditions, and all of the resulting storms make it a challenge to maintain a consistent installation schedule. Homeowners are also less willing to consider solar during this period since it often strikes them as a bad idea to install right when their rooftop is about to receive battering. 

Harsh Weather Still in Store for 2022

The chaos of the storm season can cause a lot of trouble for contractors who need to keep sales rolling in. And at this point, it’s only going to ramp up. 

NOAA has predicted that 2022 will have an especially active storm season and that most of this activity is going to come now that we’ve passed the middle of August. Forecasts estimate a total of 14-22 storms before the arrival of November 30th. Of that, NOAA expects that 2022 has 3-6 major hurricanes in store for the Atlantic. So while the majority of the country will be enjoying a placid end to summer, Florida is bracing for a pummeling. 

Solar Lead Partnerships Make Up for Lost Sales

Savvy contractors who want to combat the season’s depressive effect on their sales numbers are reaching out for help. They’re partnering with solar lead generation companies that are able to provide a steady influx of solid sale opportunities.

This resource is not just useful for maximizing the number of installations made through the storm season - it’s also highly effective at making up for the slump after the season has passed. 

Late fall and winter will bring many of Florida’s solar prospects back into the market, and the right lead agency can help contractors zone in on the ones that will pay off. Delivering a more streamlined sale experience to contractors can help them regain their financial footing far more quickly than if they depended on organic generation methods.

Grid Freedom is a Top Source for Florida Solar Leads

Many of Florida’s contractors have already chosen Grid Freedom as their go-to source for residential solar leads. The agency has become one of the preferred companies in the industry, thanks to its delivery of high-ROI leads that have been put through the most rigorous screening process available. 

All Grid Freedom leads are generated in-house and provided to only one contractor, eliminating any concerns about lead-sharing with competitors. The agency employs inbound generation methods, focusing on attracting residents who show an active interest in solar and serious intent to move forward with installation. 

These qualities make Grid Freedom leads the most suitable for contractors who need fast-tracked, dependable sales. Florida’s installers can learn more by visiting the website and signing up for a free membership.

Get Sale-Ready Leads at www.GridFreedom.com