What Minnesota's Clean Energy Bill Means for Solar Contractors

 

Last month, Minnesota’s Governor Walz signed a new bill that sets a goal of 100% clean energy production. This development is poised to stimulate a great deal of growth in the state’s solar market for nearly the next two decades. So what can installers expect to come?

How Minnesota’s 100% Clean Energy Bill will Impact Solar Demand

The new push for carbon-free electricity is targeting the utility sector, setting the following milestone goals:

 

●       By 2030: 80% for public utilities and 60% for other utilities

●       By 2035: 90% for all utilities

●       By 2040: 100% for all utilities

 

These targets have been set with the interests of all parties in mind, aiming to provide clean and affordable energy to citizens as quickly as possible, while allowing sufficient time for utilities to plan an efficient and responsible transition.

Many new jobs are expected to come to the energy sector, specifically in communities where carbon-based plants are being decommissioned. Solar is expected to make up a significant part of new additions to the energy grid, creating numerous opportunities for contractors working in utility installations. Of course, planning has only just begun, but solar installers can expect to see a steady increase in demand.

Top Solar Lead Companies can Help Drive Sales Among Minnesota’s Residential Customers

While the new bill is set to boost utility-scale solar directly, it does not include any new incentives for residential solar. Minnesota homeowners do, however, still have access to the Solar Sense program, as well as net metering compensation and tax benefits.

That being said, solar contractors may want to seek the aid of a solar marketing agency if they are looking to improve their performance in the residential sector. A top solar lead generation company like Grid Freedom can provide instant access to homeowners who have signed up for their first consultation.

These pre-qualified leads enable you to increase the number of solid prospects filling your calendar, minimizing the need to invest in raw leads that have yet to be screened or verified.  Every lead that comes from Grid Freedom has been produced via inbound marketing and screened via phone interviews with live agents. In addition, they are offered only to a single contractor, eliminating worry over the competition.

These criteria are rare among solar marketing agencies, who typically rely on a quantity-over-quality sales model. Maintaining the highest standards for all leads is what has made Grid Freedom one of America’s top solar lead companies. Bookings are available year-round, in Minnesota and every other state.

Get Confirmed Appointments with Homeowners at www.GridFreedom.com

 

Solar Contractors are Improving Spring Sales with Exclusive Pre-set Appointments

This spring is shaping up to be a bit challenging for solar contractors. Harsh winter weather is still sending snow and rain pouring down from coast to coast, pushing the ideal conditions for installation back even further. The economic crunch is squeezing household budgets tighter, and a wave of anti-solar regulations is going into effect.

Solar installers are doing all they can to combat these difficulties, including expanding their lead generation methods. Many have found purchasing exclusive pre-set appointments to be the best measure for ensuring a steady, reliable income through the season. Read on to learn why.

Appointment-Confirmed Leads Offer Greater Security

If you’ve yet to try lead purchasing for your business, you may not yet know what exclusive pre-set solar appointments are. These are the highest quality leads offered by agencies that specialize in solar lead generation. Instead of only receiving the contact information of a potential customer, you receive already-scheduled appointments with homeowners who have passed screening and want to meet with a contractor right away. Furthermore, the “exclusive” label means that you can rest assured the lead hasn’t been shared with any of your competition.

This arrangement is favored by contractors because it removes a large part of the uncertainty that surrounds every lead. There is no worry that they are paying for a lead that may be won over by another contractor or may not even be willing to book a consultation. The fact that the homeowner was already so certain they wanted to schedule an appointment is a big predictor of their readiness to buy.

When you invest in this type of lead, you maximize your chance of ROI and minimize wasteful spending on dead-end opportunities. You’ll be able to allocate your lead generation budget as efficiently as possible, which is likely a necessity after a long, hard winter.

Pre-Booked Appointments Fill Your Calendar

Great peace of mind comes from having weeks’ worth of appointments already booked out. Sourcing all of the pre-set appointments you can allows you to plan out the months more effectively, seeing how much extra work will be needed to find other leads - if any is needed at all.

It’s completely possible for a high-performing agency to supply you with all of the leads you need to satisfy your monthly quota. Achieving this kind of stability takes a massive amount of pressure off you and your team, allowing you to focus on providing great service instead of pushing customers too hard on a sale. When you have the breathing room to relax, your team has the opportunity to improve their methods, try new approaches, and deliver a more satisfying experience to homeowners. All of these effects can drive an uptick in sales, so don’t be surprised if you see a better closing rate.

Grid Freedom is the Ultimate Source of Exclusive, Pre-Set Solar Appointments

Now comes the question: where do contractors find these exclusive appointments?

While there are only a few agencies that provide truly exclusive, pre-set bookings, the one that is gaining the most traction is Grid Freedom. Years of dependable, high-quality lead supply has made Grid Freedom a favorite among contractors, and the word continues to spread.

We offer only 100% exclusive, pre-screened, already-scheduled appointments, settling for nothing but the best. As solar specialists, our team of lead generation experts is ready to tackle the challenges of this spring and set you up with all of the consultations you need.

Book Your Pre-Set Solar Appointments at www.GridFreedom.com

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 

Required Community Solar is Coming to California

Between all of the wildfire damages, blackouts, and ever-rising electricity prices, there is no shortage of reasons why Californians have come to believe that utility companies don’t have their best interests in mind. When it comes to policy, the state’s utilities have proven that they will invest their efforts in legislation that actually makes it harder for residents to access cleaner, more stable, and more affordable energy. 

This is why bill AB 2316 was developed. The bill requires utility companies serving over 100,000 customers to “enable ratepayers to participate directly in offsite electrical generation facilities that use eligible renewable energy resources”. Community solar projects fit this description to a tee. 

Newsom Greenlights Community Solar Requirement

On September 16th, 2022, Governor Newsom signed AB 2316 into law. Now, California’s largest utility companies must provide community renewable energy programs to their customers. These programs must also:

• ensure at least 51% of capacity serves low-income customers

• prohibit its costs from being paid by nonparticipating customers

• require that the construction of its community renewable energy facilities comply with specified prevailing wage requirements

• provide bill credits to subscribers

• prioritize the maximum use of state and federal incentives

• accelerate implementation to ensure that time- or quantity-limited federal incentives can be obtained for the benefit of subscribers

These are a long list of perks coming to California communities, and the bill’s emphasis on project acceleration means that we can expect a surge of projects on the horizon. 

Solar Lead Companies Can Help Contractors Access More Projects

While we wait for these community solar projects to come into development, California’s contractors can secure more work via solar lead generation companies. Top agencies can help contractors connect to residents that are serious about solar and ready to discuss the details of an installation. 

Grid Freedom is one of these solar agencies, delivering fully screened and prepared leads to contractors at fair rates. All leads come with their first appointment already scheduled, meaning contractors can jump right to planning a system with their new customers. No contracts or purchase minimums are required, keeping terms as favorable as possible for contractors.

Get More Opportunities via America’s Top Solar Lead Company: 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 

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 

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