It Just Got Easier for States to Launch Solar Battery Distribution Incentives

As more states aim to ramp up their energy storage capabilities, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) has unveiled an initiative that could simplify the expansion of solar battery distribution programs nationwide.

With growing interest in transitioning from pilot projects to large-scale distributed power plant (DPP) programs, SUN’s latest

move offers local governments a tool to kickstart legislative action, aiming to make solar batteries widely accessible through incentives. By drafting model legislation for state governments to use, SUN is transforming the way local governments can pursue energy distribution and grid management.

Giving the Boost Needed to Move Beyond Pilot Programs

Currently, solar battery distribution programs in many states exist in a fragmented, pilot-project phase. Often, these are very

limited in scope and lack the structured frameworks necessary for expansion. Large-scale rollouts of distributed battery

incentives are therefore a big leap. 

SUN aims to address these challenges directly by offering model language and an organized framework that local

governments can adopt and adapt. The non-profit has provided states with a legislative template to help them draft the bills necessary to bring solar battery incentives to a broader range of residents.

Additionally, they’ve drafted a model approach for states to advance distributed power plants (DPPs)—aggregations of behind-the-meter distributed energy resources

(DERs) like solar batteries—into standard, regulated programs that utilities can operate. 

The model policy and approach were made to tear down obstacles that have historically slowed down DPP adoption, such as inconsistent regulatory policies

and the need for standardized operating practices across jurisdictions. These templates provide the necessary blueprint for

utilities to operate DPPs within existing energy systems, enabling DERs to contribute to peak load reduction, grid resiliency,

and other essential services in coordination with local utilities.

As each state will face unique regulatory conditions and energy needs, SUN’s model legislation is designed to be flexible.

Local governments can adjust details to reflect their specific energy goals and policy structures, allowing similar programs to be implemented across diverse regulatory landscapes. States will be able to design DPP programs that integrate smoothly with local energy policies, grid structures, and community energy needs.

Building a Foundation for Widespread Solar Battery Incentives

Traditionally, crafting effective legislation requires extensive research, resources, and regulatory navigation—challenges

that have often left state legislators struggling to put forward comprehensive bills. SUN’s model policy simplifies the task by outlining definitions, program requirements, and eligibility criteria that state officials can use to draft bills with little extra research.

The policy establishes clear parameters around essential components, such as:

• Grid Events and Grid Services: These define when batteries are used to support grid operations, from frequency regulation to peak load shaving, ensuring the DERs provide energy precisely when the grid needs it most.

• Compensation Models: By providing examples of performance payment structures, the model ensures that compensation for battery owners is transparent and consistent, with no hidden disincentives for participation.

• Low-Income Customer Incentives: Acknowledging the need for equitable access, the model includes provisions for higher upfront payments for low- and moderate-income (LMI) customers, as well as those in environmental justice communities.

With these provisions, SUN’s model legislation empowers states to structure solar battery incentive programs around

transparent compensation and performance metrics, making it easier for DERs to participate effectively within the grid. 

Moreover, the framework empowers third-party aggregators to help streamline customer enrollment, enabling a seamless

process for those looking to join. By standardizing the participation process, the model also aims to encourage private investments, reducing utility reliance on fossil fuel-powered peaker plants during high-demand periods and ultimately lowering costs for all ratepayers.

Grid Freedom: Solar Lead Generators Help Contractors

Succeed Despite Policy Barriers

While SUN is working to make pro-solar battery incentives accessible across the country, many states are still a long way from

rolling out supportive policies. For solar installation contractors, this means operating in what is often a challenging environment. 

However, that doesn’t mean contractors are left to fend for themselves. Grid Freedom provides essential support by delivering

high-quality, pre-qualified solar leads, helping contractors grow their businesses and reach interested homeowners,

regardless of current policy limitations.

In a market where many states still lack robust solar programs, connecting with ready-to-buy customers becomes essential.

Grid Freedom pre-screens and delivers exclusive solar company leads, giving contractors an edge by ensuring they’re

engaging with homeowners who are prepared to move forward. 

As more states adopt policies based on SUN’s model legislation, the demand for solar battery installations is bound to grow.

In the meantime, contractors can stay competitive with the steady pipeline of opportunities that Grid Freedom offers.

This partnership will lay the groundwork for a thriving business when more solar-friendly policies arrive.

Start Sourcing from America’s Best Solar Leads Company: GridFreedom.com 

CPUC Okays More Fees: Will This Push CA’s Utility Bills Even Higher?

 

On May 9th, 2024,  the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced its approval of new flat rate charges for electricity consumers. As part of an effort to overhaul the state’s electricity pricing structure, the decision introduces income-based fixed charges for residential customers while simultaneously adjusting usage rates. 

As Californians grapple with already high living costs, these changes are yet again raising questions about affordability, equity, and the impact on the state's solar market. Below, we discuss what went into the CPUC’s decision, and how it’s expected to impact solar uptake. We also take a look at how the right solar lead provider can help contractors endure demand fluctuations in the wake of CPUC policy revisions. 

New Flat Rate Charges Coming to Utility Bills

The CPUC's decision to implement fixed charges dramatically changes how electricity costs are calculated. Under the new plan, residential customers will pay a flat fee alongside traditional usage-based rates. 

Although the state’s top utilities proposed charges ranging from $49 to $74, the CPUC decided the following:

• The flat rate will be $24.15 per month, with low-income customers eligible for discounted flat rates of $6 or $12.

• Electricity usage rates will now be 5-7 cents lower. 

The Solar Industry is Wary of CPUC's Motivations

The CPUC justifies these changes as a necessary step towards a more equitable and sustainable energy system. According to them, the flat rate charges are intended to ensure that all customers contribute fairly to the maintenance of the electric grid, regardless of their energy consumption. 

Additionally, by lowering usage rates, the CPUC hopes to incentivize customers to adopt energy-efficient practices and technologies, including rooftop solar installations and accompanying storage systems. This dual approach aims to stabilize utility revenue.

These claims have been met with skepticism. The memory of the CPUC’s NEM 3.0 cuts still looms large. Critics argue that the new fixed charges will disproportionately impact low- and middle-income families, potentially discouraging the adoption of rooftop solar and other electrification measures. Many feel that this is yet another case of CPUC working in the economic interest of IOUs. 

Stephanie Doyle, California state affairs director for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), voiced these concerns, stating:

 

“While the final charges are lower than what investor-owned utilities wanted, these are still new costs coming out of the pockets of California families that are already struggling with the high cost of living in the state. Any future changes to the fixed charges must thoroughly consider the impact of rooftop solar and storage adoption and electrification measures that are critical to meeting the state’s climate goals. It’s clear that there are better ways to reduce California’s extremely high utility rates and encourage electrification, and SEIA will continue to push for those policies going forward.” 

What’s the Fallout for Households and Solar?

California’s solar sector has already had a tough enough year thanks to NEM 3.0 and other anti-solar decisions by the CPUC. So the ripple effects of this new change have become a source of added anxiety. 

The introduction of flat rate charges is expected to have a mixed impact on California’s electricity consumers. Those in higher income brackets will feel the pinch of the new charges the least. Conversely, lower-income households will likely experience even more of a burden due to rising energy bills. 

For the solar industry, the implications are equally complex. The CPUC asserts that the new charges will promote the adoption of solar energy by making it more affordable to invest in rooftop installations. Lower usage rates could make solar-generated electricity more attractive, potentially offsetting the fixed charges. Obviously, in the face of inflated utility bills, solar becomes especially enticing. But with added financial burden and reduced net metering compensation, some customers may feel as though they still can’t afford solar. 

Solar Lead Generators Keep Sales Moving Forward

By connecting contractors with homeowners who have already qualified as top solar prospects, solar lead generation companies like Grid Freedom ensure that contractors can find the customers they need, no matter what’s going on in the market. 

Contractors can get a steady stream of pre-scheduled solar leads, relieving the worry of when they’ll find their next sale. Grid Freedom delivers confirmed appointments with prospects who have demonstrated clear intent to install solar ASAP. 

Find California’s Most Prepared Solar Buyers at www.GridFreedom.com 

There’s Now a Brighter Tomorrow for Maryland Solar Lead Generation

 

Maryland’s solar market is poised for an upturn, thanks to a recent bill signing. On May 9, 2024, Governor Wes Moore

signed into law the Brighter Tomorrow Act (SB 783), which will go into effect June 1st. 

This new law expands the reach and affordability of solar power, targeting benefits specifically for low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents. As such, Maryland’s contractors can expect to see more customers enter the market, from demographics that were once financially held back. 

More About the Brighter Tomorrow Act

SB 783 was introduced in February 2024, following a series of amendments through the Maryland General Assembly. Written

with a holistic approach, the Act seeks to not only make solar energy more accessible to the state’s population but also to

make it a cornerstone of Maryland's energy infrastructure.

It introduces several initiatives aimed at reducing solar installation costs and improving energy equity across the state. One key example is the establishment of a residential solar grant program, managed by the Maryland Energy Administration, which will provide significant subsidies (up to $7500) to qualifying households for solar adoption​. These grants will reduce the initial cost barrier that often discourages LMI families from taking the solar leap. 

Furthermore, SB 783 paves the way for automated, digital solar permitting. This modernization is expected to streamline approvals for solar installations, reducing red tape delays and costs​. The simplification of the permitting process means that contractors can undertake more projects in less time.

These combined benefits are expected to make solar adoption a much easier process for the average Marylander, in turn boosting sales for contractors.

To Capitalize on the Uptick, Contractors Need Support from a Solar Lead Provider

With lowered barriers to entry for potential customers, solar companies can expect increasing demand. And while that sounds

like good news, it does come with a drawback: all of the buzz inevitably results in many more inquiries from customers who

aren’t actually prepared to go solar anytime soon. While they’re casually scoping out the landscape, contractors are investing

valuable resources into trying to nurture and convert real sales. 

Having the help of the right solar lead generation companies can make a big difference here. An agency that puts leads through diligent screening can ensure that only the most serious customers make it onto contractors’ calendars, minimizing time wasted on consultations that don’t bring fruit. 

Additionally, with installations now taking less time to complete, contractors will need faster identification and booking of customer meetings. Solar lead generators that require customers to commit to their first appointment can provide this directly, empowering contractors to make the most of the latest streamlining in permitting. 

Grid Freedom is one of the only agencies in the industry that follows this full-service lead generation model. Contractors get the greatest advantage when efficiency is becoming all the more critical to success. 

Discover Maryland’s Best Solar Lead Generation Service: GridFreedom.com

Is 2024 the Year You Should Change Your Solar Lead Provider?

 

As we ease into 2024, the solar industry is facing a changed landscape. Rapid and dramatic changes have hit the industry, affecting market dynamics in many states, and therefore, impacting the number of customers looking for solar installations.

These conditions are making it difficult for many contractors who’ve relied on sub-par solar lead generators to supplement their income. The stakes are higher now - contractors can’t afford to lose any more money or time on dead-end opportunities.

If you’ve been disappointed in the quality you’ve been seeing from your solar lead provider, this year is when that strain is going to become even more painful. Transitioning to a superior supplier will be an essential move for ensuring your revenues stay abundant. 

Let’s discuss further why 2024 is a pivotal year for the solar sector, and why it’s time for solar contractors to partner with better solar lead generation companies. 

The Changing Landscape of the Solar Industry

2024’s solar industry is witnessing a unique transformation. Multiple factors are converging to suppress demand in the residential market.

Across various states, there has been a trend towards adopting time-varying or avoided cost rates for net energy metering. This shift is designed to better align the compensation for solar generation with times of peak demand, addressing the "duck curve" phenomenon. However, this change in compensation rates has often led to considerable reductions in the value of credits for solar energy fed back into the grid. 

Some states have implemented additional charges for solar customers, such as residential fixed charges or minimum bill increases. These changes have affected the overall economics of installing and operating solar energy systems, making them less attractive to homeowners.

One of the most significant developments is the introduction of California's NEM 3.0, which caused an 80% decline once it took effect in 2023. The steep drop in demand among would-be solar customers is only expected to continue, as the incentive to go solar has been slashed. Several other states, such as Arizona, North Carolina, Idaho, and Wisconsin, have either reduced or canceled their net metering programs or have proposed to do so. 

Simultaneously, technological advancements in solar energy systems have enhanced their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This progress not only appeals to a wider market but also intensifies the competition within the industry. 

As a result, solar contractors are now operating in a market that is more dynamic and competitive than ever before.

The Need for Dependable Lead Providers

In such an unstable environment, the value of high-quality leads cannot be overstated. With poorly-performing providers, contractors are vulnerable to significant drops in revenue. 

Chances are that the tough market will make it so that you rely on agency-sourced leads to fill your calendar. But if those leads have a low payoff rate, a full schedule may yield little income. 

The key for solar contractors is not just in acquiring a large number of leads, but in consistently securing those that are high in quality and well-targeted. This is where the role of a reliable lead provider becomes crucial.

A good supplier understands the changing dynamics of the market and adapts their strategies to align with these changes. They have honed their process to account for factors that could impact a customer’s willingness or ability to make an investment as big as solar. Their expertise in identifying potential customers who are genuinely prepared to pursue an installation can make a big difference in the efficiency and success rate of sales conversions.

Making the Switch in 2024

In 2024, choosing the right lead provider is not just about maintaining business as usual - it's about finding ways to adapt and thrive in a tumultuous time. You’ll have the best success by upgrading your lead provider to one that has a proven ability to deliver sale after sale. 

Grid Freedom is a trusted partner among contractors looking for security in this troubled market. Our agency delivers leads in all 50 states, using the industry’s most effective lead generation and screening methods to find the most promising customers in your area. 

We connect you to homeowners who are not just considering solar but are ready to take action, with confirmed appointments pre-booked. Lock in meetings with residents who’ve proven they’re worth your time. 

Learn more about our superior leads at GridFreedom.com 

5 Products Every Solar Installer Should Own

Solar installation is demanding work, but having the right equipment at your disposal can make all the difference. Below, we recommend 5 of the best products for solar contractors and discuss how they can make your days on the rooftops all the easier. 

Solbari

Solbari Outback Travel Hat UPF50+

The sun may be what provides us with our livelihoods, but it can also be our arch nemesis. Sunburns can come easily after even short periods in the sun, making red, sore skin a frequent sight among crews that aren’t properly outfitted.

The Solbari Outback Travel Hat offers full UPF50+ sun protection for the head and face, as well as the neck - a commonly neglected point of serious exposure. Mesh panels allow for cooling ventilation, and a removable chin strap prevents the hat from blowing off. A toggled drawstring on the back enables adjustment for a perfectly snug fit. 

At $49, the Outback is one of the best investments that can be made for your kit of protective gear. It comes in multiple sizes and four attractive color options.

Ariat

Ariat Rebar Evolution Hooded Sun Shirt

Sun protection doesn’t stop at hats! The right long-sleeved shirts can protect the entire upper body from harmful UV exposure, and even keep you cooler while you work. Ariat’s Rebar Sun Shirts are a great example of this. 

Their Climate TEK cooling system results in a lightweight fabric that deflects solar rays and dissipates body heat. The 100% polyester fabric is ultralightweight, and cut to allow greater flexibility at the arms. A built-in hood adds further coverage. Regularly retailing at $45, the shirts are available in standard and big & tall sizes, as well as four different colors. 

Harbor Freight

BAUER Heavy Duty Jobsite Backpack

Having all of your gear portable and within easy reach is a must when you’re working on rooftops. That’s why having all of it stored in a backpack is one of the simplest and most efficient solutions. You’ll be able to transport it hands-free, allowing for safer ladder ascents. 

BAUER’s Heavy Duty Jobsite Backpack is a popular pick for contractors of many types, prized for its durability and wealth of organization features. Its myriad of pockets, clips, and compartments enables quick finding of the tools you need. The backpack is available at Harbor Freight at a regular price of $70, but HF’s frequent sales make it easy to snag it at a discount. 

NoCry

NoCry Lightguard+ Non-Slip Work Knee Pads

Installations are hard on the knees, especially when you don’t have a good pair of knee pads in your kit. Unfortunately, it’s tough to find ones that are not only comfortable and well-fitting but also not abrasive to some of the more delicate roofing surfaces we come into contact with.

NoCry has hit the sweet spot with its Lightguard+ Non-Slip Work Knee Pads. Made with soft EVA foam and non-skid leather, these pads provide all of the protection you need with an exterior that doesn’t damage client rooftops. Contractors have raved that they’ve actually been able to “lose track of time” while working in the NoCrys - something that otherwise never happens due to discomfort. At a normal retail price of just $20, this pair is also one of the more affordable options on the market. 

Amazon

Knipex 13 96 200 SB Pliers

Every contractor needs a good set of pliers, and this all-purpose pick from Knipex will cover multiple aspects of solar installation. Featuring 6 different functionalities, these needle-nose pliers are capable of crimping, stripping, cutting, wire handling, and gripping components of various sizes. 

Contractors value this piece in their toolkit for the fact that it’s capable of replacing at least 4-5 separate tools. At $60, they’re on the pricier side, but they’re backed by excellent functionality and a durable German construction that can be depended on for a lifetime. 

Grid Freedom is America’s #1 Provider of Exclusive Pre-set Appointments

Having the right tools at hand doesn’t just pertain to equipment. It also extends to resources that can help your business keep sales flowing.

Here at Grid Freedom, we’ve built a reputation as one of the most reliable partners for contractors seeking immediate bookings for pre-set solar appointments. Our intensive lead generation and screening process ensures that you can get directly connected with quality customers who have already been confirmed for their first consultations. 

No competitors, no question of commitment. Just easy scheduling that fills your workdays with eager customers. 

Sign Up at GridFreedom.com to Start Booking Exclusive Pre-set Solar Appointments