California’s Biggest Cities Will Require Instant Online Solar Permitting as of 2024

The solar permitting process has long been a major obstacle for contractors. Red tape and case backlogs have often caused solar projects to be delayed for weeks or even months, creating instability in cash flow and greater hesitance among solar panel leads. Fortunately, many of California’s contractors will soon have a more efficient means for obtaining permits. 

Instant Online Permitting Soon Required for CA’s Larger Cities

This September, bill SB 379, the Solar Access Act, was signed into law. This new legislation will require automated online permitting to be used in cities with more than 5,000 residents, and counties with more than 150,000 residents (including all cities within those counties). 

These new rules will go into effect on different dates, depending on qualifications:

• September 30th, 2023: Cities & counties over 50,000 residents

• September 30th, 2024: Cities under 50,000 residents

New Software Systems Coming 

Of course, for the transition to go smoothly, an efficient system needs to be put in place. California’s cities and counties are permitted to use whatever programs will allow for the online submission and automatic processing of permit applications. 

However, the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has provided a free program already designed for this purpose: SolarAPP+. The web-based app can be smoothly integrated with existing local government permitting software. 

The adoption of SolarAPP+ and other automated online permitting tools will require investments that may be too large for certain municipalities. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has responded to this need with the CalAPP program, which will issue $20 million in grants to support the rollout.

How will solar panel lead generation be impacted?

Easing the flow of the permitting process is bound to make solar installation much faster and simpler. For residents who have been intimidated by the bureaucracy and long wait times, the transition to instant online permitting will remove much of the friction that keeps them from forging ahead with solar. 

Naturally, however, the buzz over the new change is bound to draw attention from leads that aren’t actually likely to buy. Contractors can filter for serious customers by working with an agency that delivers fully pre-screened leads, selected for their purchase readiness.

Grid Freedom is a top agency that provides contractors with confirmed appointments with thoroughly-vetted leads. Each homeowner has been evaluated by live agents via personal phone interviews, allowing for a true understanding of their eligibility and interest. 

Connect with CA’s Best Solar Customers at www.GridFreedom.com 

California Won’t See a NEM 3.0 Update Until After the Election - Expecting a Drop in Solar Energy Leads

California’s solar industry has been anxiously waiting as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) makes progress on NEM 3.0, an update to the state’s net metering policies. The planned changes have caused significant controversy due to the fact that they would slash compensation rates to a fraction of what solar customers receive under the current NEM 2.0 policy. 

CPUC made revisions to NEM 3.0 after receiving intense criticism from the community. Their latest draft came in May, and an update was planned for release by the end of August. This deadline came and went without any new developments, instead getting pushed again to the end of September. That deadline was then missed as well, leaving many wondering: What’s causing the hold-up?

NEM 3.0 Update Postponed to Avoid Voter Backlash

California’s energy crisis and rising costs are top of mind for voters now. The state’s regulators have grown nervous that releasing a new NEM 3.0 draft will cause heavy sway at the voting booths, angering citizens into voting against those they blame for an unfavorable change to the policy. 

Therefore, it has been decided that the update will not be released until after the election. 

This announcement has stirred up even more criticism, however, with many feeling that a hold is an act that prevents voters from having a fair and transparent understanding of where exactly candidates stand on solar. There are also fears that this move confirms the NEM 3.0 update will still majorly disadvantage solar customers. 

Expecting a Drop in Solar Energy Leads 

The uncertainty surrounding the state’s NEM policy has made many prospective solar customers wary of installing. Without a fair net metering rebate, they question whether or not it even makes financial sense to invest in an installation. 

Contractors may now be looking at even more difficulties in persuading solar leads to buy. The outlook for NEM is not strong, and it’s likely that the new policy is going to be a deterrent for homeowners worried about savings. 

Partnering up with a solar marketing company is advised for contractors who want to prepare for the decline in interest that may be coming. Top agency Grid Freedom has become the go-to source for solar leads that have already qualified as serious, purchase-ready prospects. Their screening process ensures that contractors can focus their efforts on customers who already have high certainty about going solar. 

Connect with CA’s Most Serious Residential Solar Leads at www.GridFreedom.com 

Now is the Time to Push Hard on Summer Leads

We’re well into summer now, and while some contractors have more business than they can handle, others need a bigger influx of customers before the season ends.

For contractors in the latter camp, it’s critical that they focus hard on generating residential solar leads now so that they’re financially set by fall’s arrival. Below, we go over why this mid-summer period is a critical point for seasonal sales, and offer a proven solution for finding new customers ASAP.

Schedules Still Have Room to Plan Big Projects

With more than a month left of true summer, homeowners still have some free time on their hands. Those with children don’t have to worry about school resuming until around the end of August, and pressures are still relatively low in many workplaces.

 

As soon as the transition to fall begins, however, their schedules are going to get a lot busier. That’s why many homeowners that are approached at the end of summer choose to postpone their installations until the next year.

 

Leads that are sourced right now still have enough time to go through the consultation and planning process without too many obstacles. They’ll be able to thoughtfully consider a solar proposal without any rush - something that can easily dissuade even the most interested customers.

Lead Times Can Still Accommodate the Best Weather

After a lead greenlights their installation, there’s still the matter of ordering the panels and scheduling the installation. These factors can add several weeks to the timeline for fulfilling a customer’s contract.

 

Deals made in late summer, therefore, run the risk of installation taking place during the arrival of autumn’s storm season. This can lead to project delays, which will further extend the time it takes for contractors to close an account. On the other hand, leads that are converted to confirmed buyers right now will give contractors plenty of time to complete the installation before the weather becomes a big concern.

Get Help Sourcing Residential Solar Leads ASAP

If you’re a contractor that needs to find many customers before summer wanes, you’ll need the help of a partner that can provide pre-screened, ready-to-meet leads. Grid Freedom is known as one of the top agencies capable of providing contractors with confirmed customer appointments immediately.

We generate our leads in-house and set them up for their first consultation with you. Our process fast-tracks the sales process while also allowing you to focus your efforts on the most promising customers. Sign up today to get access to the leads you need right now.

Find Ready Customers at www.GridFreedom.com

How Biden's Solar Tariff Pause Will Impact the Industry

Earlier this spring, the U.S. Department of Commerce kicked off an investigation into possible evasion of import tariffs by South Asian solar manufacturers. This was sparked by claims that these producers were circumventing AD/CV duties by hiding the fact that they used Chinese parts.

Immediate backlash erupted following the announcement, with many in the solar industry forecasting serious disruption to the supply chain and solar projects. Their grim predictions came true, as countless companies saw order cancellations soon after the investigation began. 

Almost 80% of the industry’s supply was effectively cut off as manufacturers went on the defensive. Some of the nation’s largest projects were faced with delays of more than a year, hindering the Biden administration’s goals to achieve a decarbonized energy grid by 2035. With tariffs expected to be raised up to 250%, even retroactively, America’s contractors feared that a stiff increase in panel pricing would come soon. 

Re-Opening the Flow of Solar Imports

Strong encouragement came from both sides of the political aisle to call off the DOC’s investigation, citing the harm to both the solar industry and the administration’s clean energy efforts. 20 governors, 22 U.S. senators, and 85 members of the House of Representatives spoke out.

In response to the overwhelming calls for action, President Biden announced that all tariffs applied to Southeast Asian solar cell products would be paused for a period of 24 months. So while the DOC investigation will still be active, these manufacturers can shelve their worry and get back to supplying America’s contractors. Projects that were threatened with disastrous delays can get back on track, and the industry as a whole can rest easy over possible price hikes. 

Biden’s actions included a spur to domestic solar production, invoking the Defense Production Act to fund American manufacturing of clean energy technologies. This move will help the U.S. build up its own resources, working to relieve the dependency on Asian production. 

Removing a Threat to Solar Panel Lead Generation 

Solar projects small and large were endangered under the looming consequences of tariff increases. With limited product availability and predicted price jumps, contractors were seeing customers shrink away from greenlighting their solar projects. 

Now, that threat has been sidelined. For the next two years, contractors and their customers can have peace of mind knowing that their solar products and project budgets are safe. 

Nevertheless, the tumultuous economy still presents difficulties for contractors seeking new opportunities. Top agency Grid Freedom is working to connect installers with homeowners who have already been screened and selected for their intent to go solar. Every lead has been vetted via live phone calls with our agents and offered with complete exclusivity.

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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

Will Washington's Blackouts Impact Solar Panel Lead Generation

Summer isn’t wasting any time in delivering scorching temperatures. Currently, the northwestern region is dealing with dramatic heat waves that run into the triple digits. The end of last month saw almost 40 deaths in Washington alone as a result of a sweltering streak that lasted several days. And the trouble is only beginning. 

Another hot spell is gearing up, with forecasts predicting Saturday temperatures as high as 106 degrees in the southeastern part of the state.

Washington Grid Power is Proving Unstable

The dangers of these extreme temps have pushed Washington’s demand for energy sky high. Utility provider Avista stated that in Spokane alone, they’ve seen a 30% increase in power load, attributing the demand spike to the city’s population growth as well as the unusually high temperatures. 

During the last days of June, Avista had to resort to rolling blackouts to manage the energy supply. The company reported that tens of thousands of customers were subjected to power outages over a period of days.

Blackout Avoidance will Drive Solar Interest

Many of the same energy customers experienced blackouts more than once in this period. Looking toward the next heat wave and the others likely to follow, these residents are worried how they will make it through further shut offs that leave them without refrigeration or A/C. 

Given that last month’s heat was deadly for so many, the fears over losing power again are more than understandable. Washington’s solar contractors can actually expect the anticipation to result in more solar customers entering the market with haste. These homeowners will want to secure grid-independent power access to keep their households safe and comfortable no matter how extreme the summer gets. 

Contractors who want to get in direct contact with these ready-to-buy customers will find Grid Freedom to be the perfect resource. With full live screening and consultation scheduling already taken care of, Grid Freedom is able to fast track the process of finding and meeting solar buyers. The agency’s complete exclusivity terms also guarantee that contractors won’t need to waste time fighting against competition to convert their leads.

Connect with Washington’s Newest Solar Customers at www.Gridfreedom.com

How to Generate Solar Panel Leads on Facebook

Facebook is a part of many people’s daily lives, and now a major source of solar panel leads for contractors who use smart marketing strategies. In this post, we provide you with some quick tips for getting the most out of Facebook as a solar lead generator.

Build an Engaging Brand Page

If your contracting business has yet to set up a Brand Page on Facebook, it’s time to get it done. These pages are now a standard facet of any company’s online presence, and they make it easy to engage with customers right on the platform they use for everyday socializing. Potential customers can more easily find your business, and quickly reach out via message to inquire about your services.

One of the best ways to cultivate engagement with your Brand Page is to keep your page active and inviting. By posting photos, videos, promotions, etc., you can project the image that your company is a busy and lively organization that is ready to take on work. You’ll get an extra boost in approachability if you incorporate a personal touch in your content, such as photos of your team and helpful video how-to guides.

Boost Posts and Run Targeted Ads

If you don’t have a ton of followers yet, you’ll need to pay to increase your reach. You can do this in the form of “boosting” posts that you make on your Facebook Brand Page, or you can run dedicated Facebook Ads. 

When you set up an ad on Facebook, you start by selecting your marketing goal. You can choose to gear your ad toward goals such as increasing brand awareness, fostering engagement, generating new leads, or converting leads. From here, you’ll refine your audience targets by age, gender, location, and other qualifiers. You can also choose where to run your ad across Facebook-owned channels, as well as your budget and time restrictions. 

Once you’ve set the parameters for your ad or boosted post, you’ll be able to access analytics and see how well it’s performing. These insights can help you fine tune your advertising strategy to focus on what works best.

Be Active and Helpful in Local Facebook Groups

Facebook is full of groups for community members that want to discuss certain topics. Becoming active in local groups associated with home improvement and sustainability is a great way to connect with new customers and raise brand awareness. 

Simply offering your expert advice on occasional posts can be enough to establish your company’s credibility and build your reputation as the right professional to turn to for all things solar.

Team Up with Other Facebook Businesses

You may already collaborate with other businesses for events and promotions, but is this being reflected on Facebook? Every time you partner up with another company, it’s mutually beneficial to tag each other in Facebook posts that spread the news. 

This could be as simple as sharing photos of your collaboration and each of you thanking or recommending the other to your followers via a tag. Your company will be able to expand its audience to include that of your partner, opening up a whole new network of potential customers.

Supplement Your Solar Panel Leads When Necessary

Sometimes even the best Facebook marketing may not get you all the bookings you need to satisfy your bottom line. When this happens, it’s always best to reach out for help. 

Here at Grid Freedom, we work overtime to ensure that contractors like you have access to enough leads all year long. You’ll never have to worry about dry spells when you come to us as your backup lead source. Our leads outperform competitors due to their complete exclusivity and intensive pre-screening. You can be confident that you’re only getting leads who we’ve certified as serious and enthusiastic customers.

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