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 

Fed Up: California's Power Crisis is Driving Solar Installation Leads

California just survived an unprecedented heat wave. For a full week, record temperatures were reached throughout the state. Sacramento saw scorching 116° days, and Death Valley topped out at 127°. Even the normally-cool Bay Area sweltered: San Francisco reached 97°, and San Jose baked at 109°. 

These temperatures always cause tension for the residents who have to suffer through them, but utility companies’ calls for power conservation during this period sparked serious discontent. Californians were asked to minimize energy usage at hours when temperatures hit their peak - a request seen as not only inhumane but offensive considering these companies’ underwhelming efforts to improve the state’s energy crisis. 

Californians Can’t Count on Big Energy to Fix the Grid

California’s big utilities may have invested more in infrastructure maintenance and electricity generation, but they’ve pushed hard against opportunities for residents to take power into their own hands. 

As of February 2022, PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E had together funneled $1.7 million toward the Affordable Clean Energy for All coalition, which is behind the push for the pending NEM 3.0 update. These changes are set to seriously reduce the financial benefits of going solar, keeping residents more dependent on grid energy. Though this is at odds with the goal of reducing strain on the state’s energy grid, it’s well in line with the intent to keep profits as high as possible. 

This combined with other lobbying efforts has proven that California’s top utilities hardly see grid sustainability as a priority. Citizens will continue to face ill-timed calls for conservation and the threat of rolling blackouts if they remain reliant on these corporations. 

As they realize this, more homeowners aim to remove themselves from the equation. They want the independence and peace of mind that comes with solar, even in the face of lowering incentives. This attitude is pushing an increase in solar installation leads for contractors. 

Help New Solar Leads Seize Their Power

Disgruntled homeowners are coming into the solar market with major emotional motivation right now. Their anger toward big utilities and frustration with the energy supply has put many in a frame of mind where they want to install solar ASAP.

Contractors can jump on these solar sales leads most effectively by partnering with the right generator. Working with an agency that screens lead fully before delivery ensures that contractors connect with homeowners that are truly serious about solar adoption. 

Grid Freedom is one of the only agencies in the industry that puts all leads through intensive phone screenings with live agents. Our process ends with the scheduling of their first consultation, perfectly preparing highly-suitable leads for the final pitch. We make certain that you’re meeting with homeowners who have demonstrated real enthusiasm and readiness to take action.

Find Solar Installation 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

Maryland Aims to Expand Low-Income Community Solar Incentives

Incentives for community solar have been rapidly growing, especially in America’s Northeast. This includes Maryland, where legislators have finalized two bills supporting community solar. The effort is a part of a recent push to expand the state’s community solar pilot program. Maryland has been working to increase the program’s capacity and widen access to low and middle-income communities. 

Two Bills Boosting Community Solar

HB 1039 and HB 440 are the two bills that have successfully passed. 

HB1039 creates a property tax exemption for community solar projects, applying to both municipal corporate and county taxes. To qualify, projects must supply at least 50% of their generated electricity to low and middle-income families. Moreover, the rate at which this electricity is provided must be at least 20% lower than the base electricity rate such households would normally pay. 

HB 440 increases the maximum capacity of community solar projects. Limits would rise from 2 MW to 5 MW, more than doubling the potential capacity of the state’s sites. The bill also simplifies land requirements for project sites.

The bills have been fully confirmed by Maryland’s General Assembly. They are now being passed to Governor Larry Hogan for the signature that will put this legislation into law. There is currently no estimated date of signing, but Maryland’s solar industry is eagerly awaiting news. 

Growing Maryland’s Solar Energy Leads

Expanding the state’s community solar program is great news for contractors looking for new installation work. But it’s not enough for those who focus on residential solar. Those that are having a difficult time finding all of the rooftop solar customers they need can get support through Grid Freedom. 

Pre-screened, fully exclusive leads are supplied to contractors with no binding contracts or minimums. Grid Freedom’s installer-friendly terms have made it a go-to source for companies that need solar energy leads in Maryland, as well as other states. Membership is free, and contractors can have full assurance knowing each lead is safe from competition. 

Find Exclusive Solar Opportunities at www.GridFreedom.com

Diverse Solar Contractors Can Gain an Edge Via SEIA's Diverse Suppliers Networking Event

As a rapidly expanding industry, more and more solar businesses are arising under diverse ownership. This is creating a wealth of economic opportunities for underrepresented groups, both in terms of career options and community representation. 

Encouraging diversity in solar has become a priority in the industry, especially under the current presidential administration. Leaders are taking action to cultivate opportunities for diverse individuals and businesses throughout the solar sector.

One of these is the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). As part of their latest effort to help boost Solar's diverse companies, SEIA will be hosting its Diverse Suppliers Virtual Networking Event on June 23rd at 2PM EST.

What Does This Digital Networking Meeting Have to Offer?

There will be three key speakers at the event, addressing the importance of pursuing more diverse partnerships in the industry. These speakers include:

• Dana Sleeper, The Sleeper Group

• Tom Donahue, President, Donahue & Sons

• Monique M. Dyers, P.E., Principal & CEO, Ensight Energy Consulting, LLC

The event will also shine a light on SEIA’s Diverse Suppliers Database, a recently-launched resource that helps supply chain buyers find diverse-owned businesses to collaborate with. This resource has become a highly useful tool for solar businesses, as tracking and improving solar diversity is becoming a necessary part of compliance in certain markets. If you have yet to be listed in the DSD, you can add your business information here. 

Attending This Zoom Event

This event is open to anyone who represents a diverse-owned business or is looking for guidance on how to find diverse-owned suppliers. It will facilitate connections between members throughout the solar supply chain, laying the foundation for relationships that strengthen diversity industry-wide.

If you’re interested in attending this virtual networking event, you can register here. It will take place on June 23, 2022, at 02:00 PM in Eastern Time (the US and Canada) via ZOOM. 

Solar Lead Companies Improve Opportunities for All

Diverse installers can find more sale opportunities and reduce competition pressures by partnering with the right solar lead companies. Agencies that work to deliver only the most valuable, viable leads can help installers increase the efficiency of their lead sourcing, and close more deals every month. This can be a vital leg up in establishing your business's financials and reputation.

Grid Freedom is one of the most trusted suppliers for contractors who need leads they can count on. We put all of our leads through an in-depth screening process that sorts out which homeowners are really ready to install. Contractors from all over the USA can access as many leads as they need, at any time. 

Grow Sales Numbers at www.GridFreedom.com

Drought & Wildfire Season Will Spark Solar Panel Lead Generation

Entering summer, our worsening climate has become a major worry. Reports warning of looming troubles are filling news headlines from the international to local level. People are responding to these concerns in various ways, one of which includes the pursuit of residential solar installations. In this post, we examine how the two big problems of the season are pushing more homeowners toward solar. 

Extreme Drought is Pushing People Toward Green Living

Drought has become a worldwide problem. In America, approximately half of the lower 48 states (almost 89 million citizens) are experiencing drought conditions. Most of the counties in the West have received official “Drought Disaster” designations from the USDA. 

Such extremity has prompted calls for local residents to take water-saving measures, making changes to habits such as bathing frequency, toilet flushing, lawn watering, and dishwashing. Having state and city officials plead for these lifestyle changes has brought the issue to the forefront of people’s minds. More and more citizens are recognizing the serious consequences of climate change and resource scarcity. 

This is motivating many to transition to greener practices, including the adoption of eco-friendly technologies. Homeowners who are aiming to reduce their own resource consumption are seeking out not just water-saving installations, but also other sustainable features like solar panels. 

Wildfire Season is Bringing Grim Blackout Forecasts

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently announced that utility customers can expect more blackouts throughout the 2022 fire season. 

Worsening weather conditions and dryness created by the drought are set to increase the risk of fire sparked by utility infrastructure. In California, it’s expected that the number of preventative power shutoffs (PSPS events) will peak in mid-September. Extreme heat is also expected to overwhelm electricity demands, causing widespread grid failure. 

People living in wildfire-prone regions have come to expect this volatility, and their tolerance is wearing thin. Without air conditioning or refrigeration on the hottest days, residents have to endure conditions that can cause heatstroke, and even result in significant losses as food and medication spoils. Being unable to charge devices also poses a risk for citizens who rely on electronics for notice of evacuations and road closures.  

Many of the affected customers already experience power instability through the winter months. From last Christmas to January 5th, more than 350,000 residents in California’s Sierra region were without power due to a winter storm. Many of these citizens were forced to go without heating, lighting, and even warm meals during this period. While PG&E partnered with local agencies to provide warming centers and food supplies to the affected areas, many of these resources were out of reach for customers who lived in more rural zones or lacked access to transportation. 

Year-round incidents like these have diminished confidence among residents that their utility providers can be counted on. Basic necessities can be gone at a moment’s notice, causing disruption at best, and serious danger at worst. 

Citizens who have been suffering through these conditions are seeking solutions that give them continuous, dependable energy, even when the grid is down. Now at the start of summer, a number of these homeowners want to get solar installed before the risk of blackouts is highest.

Climate Pressures are Driving Solar Lead Generation

With these concerns increasing demand for solar, it’s possible to find many solar customers right now. The key is zoning in on those who are serious and fully ready to make a purchase this season.

Grid Freedom helps contractors like you directly connect with customers who want to buy solar now. We’ve already put in all of the work to attract and screen every lead, ensuring that you only meet with those who’ve been verified as keen and eligible buyers. Each lead comes on a 100% exclusive basis, with their first consultation already scheduled. 

Find Leads Ready for Installations at www.GridFreedom.com 

Get Instant Business Buying Residential Solar Leads

When your business has hit a slow period, there’s not much time before cash flow can become a problem. You need to secure new leads fast, but using the standard marketing methods may not get you, customers, in the short time needed. 

For this reason, many solar contractors in your shoes go straight to buying residential solar leads. Instead of risking a lengthy period during which marketing yields no solid prospects, they ensure that they get concrete opportunities before finances are at risk. 

In this post, we review why buying solar leads creates a fast track to sales, giving you instant business the moment they’re acquired. 

Skip the Lead Generation Process

The first way that buying leads shaves time off the sales journey is by allowing you to skip the solar lead generation process entirely. Absolutely no marketing work is required from your team since the lead has already been produced by a third-party agency. That effort is absorbed by their staff completely, freeing up your people to focus on actually making sales. 

Qualified Leads Eliminate Need for Screening

When you make sure to buy high-quality leads, you cut the risk of leads fizzling out. Agencies that meet the highest standards of lead integrity put them through an intensive screening process before they ever reach your hands. 

That means that you not only get the security of pursuing solar leads already verified as dependable, but you can check off screening from your list of pre-sale duties. 

Pre-Set Appointments = No Nurturing Required

Depending on which agency you choose to source from, even the final step of lead preparation can be taken care of for you. The best agencies only deliver leads who have already been scheduled for their first consultation appointment with you, the purchasing contractor. 

Your team won’t have to convince a customer to agree to a meeting, and there won’t be any need for coordinating what date works for them. All of that is already settled, leaving only the matter of making your pitch and closing the sale. 

Grid Freedom Connects You with Ready Customers

Purchasing your leads from Grid Freedom gives you a direct path to the moment of sale with serious, pre-screened homeowners. Our process eliminates all but the most eligible and enthusiastic customers, passing them on to you only after they’ve been secured for their first consultation. 

You can skip all of the preliminary work required in traditional lead production, saving you valuable time when you need to land sales quickly. Our agency has become the go-to source for leads that provide instant value and ROI. 

Get Your Immediate Customer Appointments at www.GridFreedom.com   

Shut Down the Need for Solar Leads to Shop Around

 

After spending a considerable amount of time meeting with a homeowner, you may think you’ve hit all of the hot points in your sales pitch. Money savings, energy independence, improved home value, etc. - so you start to wind down to the big ask. 

When that moment comes, how often do you hear: “I think I need to get another quote first…”?

If you’re like most contractors, it probably happens quite often.

This stall is one of the most common barriers to turning a prospect into a sale. And the worst part is that it’s hard to argue with. Since solar is such a big investment, you can’t deny that homeowners ought to weigh their options well before taking the plunge. But this hanging point can be the point of no return if you don’t respond correctly. Below, we offer some effective methods for salvaging your pitch. 

Identify What They Want to See

Before concluding your meeting, ask them what it is they’re hoping to find in other quotes. Ask them to list what their top priorities will be when they’re evaluating. 

Getting the customer to identify these points is important because, in a lot of cases, they don’t really know the answer. Saying they want to get other quotes can be a reflexive response that simply comes from general uncertainty, not an actual interest in going through the same process with other contractors. 

Guiding the conversation in this direction will do two things: 1. It will help the customer form a more sensible plan for how to judge contractor bids. 2. It will likely make them realize that your bid already has everything they’re looking for. 

Cite Past Customer Decisions

The main incentive to get another quote is to see if a better deal is out there. You can clear up the mystery by informing homeowners that many other past customers who went looking eventually came back to your offer. They found that your company was truly the best team for the job, offering the best value for money.

Of course, this should be done with tact and without pressure. It’s not a rebuttal, but instead, just a small seed planted in their mind before they explore what’s out there. Invite them to circle back after a few weeks and see what they found. Even better, offer to help them review other bids if they need help making sense of the details. 

Your confidence, openness, and support will go a long way toward making them feel that you are a dependable and trustworthy authority. This is the type of security a customer needs to get that good “gut feeling” about moving forward with you. 

Minimize the Threat of Competition with Exclusive Solar Leads

While using the techniques outlined above will certainly help keep your customers from seeking out other contractors, the best way is to start from leads that have been isolated from other proposals all along. 

When you limit your sourcing to only exclusive solar leads - those that haven’t been shared with other contractors - you’ll begin the customer relationship with greater control and ease of communication. 

Avoid the urgency that comes from other contractors zoning in. Give your clients a pressure-free experience that allows them to feel comfortable about your team and your product. Lead exclusivity creates the best environment for making a sale that the homeowner feels happy and confident about.  

Grid Freedom specializes in supplying contractors with their own exclusive leads. Once we’ve delivered one of our pre-screened, top-quality leads, it’s never shared again. We preserve the unique connection you have with the homeowner so that you can focus on building rapport and supplying the information they need. All leads are offered with no contracts or purchase minimums necessary, keeping risk out of the equation. 

Find Zero-Competition Leads at www.GridFreedom.com