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 

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

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.

Sign Up Free to Access Full-Service Solar Panel Lead Generation

Convincing Retirees that Solar is a Smart Investment

 

Retirees are a huge portion of the homeowner population. Baby Boomers account for 42% of homeowners nationwide, and for many members of the generation, the pandemic pushed them into early retirement. 

Given the prevalence of retirees among homeowners, it’s important that contractors consider how effective their marketing methods are in appealing to this demographic. In this post, we review some of the common trends you’ll see among retirees, and evaluate how they can be leveraged in your sales pitch. 

Use Financial Strategy to Alleviate Affordability Concerns

With only their savings, pension, and/or social security to rely on for funding the rest of their lives, retirees can feel uneasy about making a big purchase like solar. As a contractor, you’ll need to walk them through the financial moves that can help them afford it and maximize their returns. 

Government incentives and traditional financing may not be enough for these buyers. Zero-down loans will be far more helpful, than even those that offer zero-payment, deferred-interest periods. 

Talk About Home Value Boosts 

Whether retirees aim to sell their home, or they’re planning on making it a part of their estate, the boost solar will give to their home’s value is a key point to discuss. Retirees may be a lot more amenable to solar if they have the assurance they can recoup their investment when they put their homes on the market. 

Many will also see solar as a wealth-building investment for the inheritance they pass on to their loved ones. Their home will only appreciate in value as solar becomes more of an essential item for real estate buyers. 

Speak to the Desire for an Elevated Lifestyle

It’s also interesting to note that many entering retirements actually look to upgrade their homes. While a large portion of retirees tend to downsize, about 22% express an intention to move up. This is motivated by a desire to finally live the lifestyle they’ve always wanted, in the type of home they’ve always dreamed of. 

These retirees want ample space, in a home that has no shortage of luxuries. They want to finally have a home that has all the bells and whistles. For these customers, adding a sleek new solar installation can be quite a draw. 

Though this particular subset of retirees will be less concerned about budgetary constraints, they will still find appeal in lowering their energy bills. This type of buyer will also find great satisfaction in the self-sufficiency solar systems provide them. 

Empower Your Solar Panel Lead Generation

Converting retirees into enthusiastic solar buyers is made a lot easier by leveraging the points above. But by and far, the quickest path to purchase comes when your leads have already been hand-selected for their viability. 

Here at Grid Freedom, we specialize in attracting and pre-screening leads, and helping contractors find customers worth pursuing. All of our leads are supplied with their first appointment already scheduled, leaving you fully prepped for the sale. 

The reliable ROI of our leads has made Grid Freedom one of the most trusted agencies in the country. Join free to see the caliber of leads you can acquire on a regular basis. 

Get Meetings with Homeowners at www.GridFreedom.com

Making Up for Project Losses with a Solar Marketing Company

 

Despite the immense growth of the sector as a whole, many individual contractors have reported some serious hardships in the past few years. Sales dropped for numerous companies, either through rough patches or the entirety of the recent timeline. 

In response, more and more contractors are seeking outside help. Turning to a solar marketing company has emerged as a top strategy for rebounding. 

If you’ve found yourself in these same shoes, you’ll find that working with the right agency can more than makeup for the losses you’ve experienced. Below, we discuss the topic in further detail, from the causes of recent sales struggles to the necessary qualities of a successful agency partnership. 

What’s Been Keeping Contractors Down?

The answer to this question is varied and complex. It’s no secret that the pandemic wrought havoc on the global economy, stalling production and delaying shipments for extended periods of time. The construction industry is still suffering the blow to material supplies, which has, in turn, halted much of the new construction and renovation that solar contractors rely on for new business. 

Add to that the fact that job losses and inflation have seriously cut the budgets of would-be buyers, and it’s clear why there’s such a scarcity of residential solar opportunities. 

But the problem had roots before the pandemic even hit. The Trump administration enacted tariffs that raised the prices of many foreign solar product imports. Controversy over foreign manufacturing is still causing trouble today, with the U.S. Department of Commerce announcing an investigation of tariff circumvention by solar manufacturers. 

Surveys have found that within just one week of this announcement, hundreds of solar contractors have reported an extreme impact on their finances. Around 200 companies claimed that they have had solar panel deliveries delayed or outright canceled in response. Pivoting to domestic sources won’t be much of a solution either, as American manufacturers are stating that their own production abilities are being significantly hindered due to the use of Chinese components. 

It seems that from all sides, contractors are experiencing a serious squeeze. Whether from the domains of supply or demand, hard pressures are creating obstacles to making consistent sales.

How Solar Agencies Help

Working with a proven solar marketing company can give contractors quickly, secure access to customers who are actually ready and able to buy. 

Companies that can deliver quality leads adhere to the industry’s top standards for solar lead generation, using attraction-based marketing and implementing targeted screening that accurately assesses a homeowner’s suitability. Once the most promising leads are selected for sale, their viability should be maximized via complete exclusivity  - meaning that after the lead is sold to one contractor, it’s never sold again. 

This may seem like a basic expectation for paid leads, but sadly, a vast number of agencies do not offer exclusivity. They will sell leads that are being accessed by multiple contractors, tanking the likelihood of anyone closing.

Agencies that stick to the right principles are few and far between. But Grid Freedom has quickly become well-known for its dedication to policies that put contractors first. All leads sold by Grid Freedom are 100% exclusive and already qualified via a live screening procedure that ends with the scheduling of the first appointment. 

This system fast-tracks sales for contractors, allowing them to quickly make up for lost numbers. When you purchase leads from Grid Freedom, you are able to source as many (or as few) as you need, giving you the flexibility to adapt to your organic sales performance. 

Get Top Prospects from a Trusted Solar Marketing Company

Visit www.GridFreedom.com

Are You Addressing the #1 Obstacle to Converting Residential Solar Leads?

 
These days, it’s hard to find homeowners that wouldn’t like to go solar. Recent research has found that a majority of households (67%) want to adopt. This widespread interest can be attributed to increasingly high costs of living, strained in large part by exorbitant energy bills. 

Given the popular desire, one would expect contractors to have an easy time converting residential solar leads. But as all contractors know, this just isn’t the case. 

Getting a homeowner to become a paying customer requires more than serious interest, it also requires that they have the clear financial ability. With the economic pressures facing most Americans right now, fewer and fewer homeowners are in a position to afford large investments. 

Upfront Costs are the Biggest Barrier

According to a survey performed by Rocket Homes, nearly 75% of homeowners report that the upfront costs of solar are what keep them from buying. Further supporting that sentiment is the fact that over 43% of respondents say the costs of going solar are too high to justify the benefits. 

Clearly, the actual cost of going solar is the greatest challenge contractors face in converting leads. So how can you make sure that your business properly addresses this problem?

Helping Homeowners Afford Solar

If you want to make a convincing pitch, your services will have to go beyond mere permitting and installation. Your company will need to act as a partner in funding as well. Homeowners who feel confident that your company will be able to help them obtain enough financial resources will be far more likely to take the plunge. 

Tax Incentives

Informing customers about federal and state tax incentives is the first step to improving affordability. Make sure that you have up-to-date information printed about the Solar ITC and any applicable credits in your state. The Department of Energy provides a handy factsheet: the Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.

Customers should be given clear instructions on how to file for these benefits when the time comes to file their taxes. Keep in mind that this is a complicated topic that can be hard for many people to understand on the first go. Your sales reps may need to put extra effort into breaking down how these tax incentives work.

Acquiring Financing

Helping homeowners find favorable solar loans is critical because it can help bridge the gap left over after tax deductions are factored in. And unlike tax credits, loans can actually alleviate the pressure of coming up with the upfront costs. 

You’ll want to establish firm ties with local banks that provide solar/home improvement financing, as well as other institutions. We’ve compiled a list of the best financing options to show your residential solar leads. This list includes Lending Club, SunTrust Bank, and Mosaic. The latter is an especially appealing option for those worried about upfront costs, as their Power customers Switch ZERO loan allows customers to skip payments for the whole first year. 

Get Help Finding Conversion Ready Leads

While employing the strategies above will certainly help you succeed in converting more solar buyers, the most success lies in working with leads who have already been screened for their readiness to buy.

Here at Grid Freedom, we specialize in providing contractors like you with leads that have already been put through an intensive vetting process. After being generated via techniques that attract only those with real interest, we talk to the leads ourselves, using live phone discussions to assess their suitability as solar customers. Only those who are truly qualified are then scheduled for their first appointment, which is when your sales reps can be dispatched to make their offer. 

Our leads are 100% exclusive and come with no strings attached. You’ll never be subject to exploitative fine print terms or binding contracts. 

 

Sign Up FREE at www.GridFreedom.com 

Preparing for Installation Season: A Solar Marketing Company Can Help

The arrival of March is awakening spring weather, sending sunbeams and growing warmth throughout the country. If you’re a solar contractor, you know that this shift is what heralds the coming of the high season for solar installations. With ideal conditions and a more active mindset, spring marks the time that homeowners start to seriously consider purchasing rooftop panels. 

While this period may seem like a natural boon for contractors, the truth is that it can be difficult for smaller firms to capitalize on the rising interest. Titan companies are often more effective at marketing to prospective customers, and they can more easily afford to offer low quotes. This competition frequently leaves more modestly-sized firms with few viable leads to pursue. 

In this scenario, turning to a solar marketing company can help even the playing field for small to mid-sized contracting teams. Below, we review how agency assistance can allow you to effectively prepare for the coming busy period and ensure you get your fair share of sales. 

Filling Out Your Calendar

Organically generating a sufficient number of leads on your own can be extremely difficult when you have limited resources and manpower. Combine that with the fact that most interested customers will likely gravitate toward the big competitors, and it’s likely that your spring calendar may end up having a few bare patches. 

A solar marketing company can provide you with the leads you need to fill out those empty days. The most effective track, in this respect, is to choose a company that delivers leads that have already been scheduled for their first consultation. This guarantees that you will have booked appointments ready. Now, with a full schedule of prospects to pitch to, you’ll be laying the groundwork for a highly productive installation season. 

Improving Lead Quality

Of course, having leads in hand isn’t a guarantee that you’ll end up with the sales you need. That’s why it’s imperative that the quality of your leads is as high as possible. Choosing an agency that only delivers leads that meet certain standards is a great way to confirm that every customer you pursue presents a solid chance of purchase. 

Such standards can include pre-screening by an agent via a live conversation with the lead, as well as in-house inbound generation, appointment scheduling, and lead exclusivity. The latter is an especially important point since you don’t want to invest in leads that may still be swiped away by the competition. 

Minimizing Your Workload

Having a small solar installation business usually means that you don’t have the staff or funding to power giant marketing campaigns. Most of your employees are probably busy with installations, and you may only have a few office workers to field calls and follow up with leads. 

Pushing hard on lead generation can therefore easily result in a tired, stressed-out them that’s been stretched too thin. And without the right marketing skills and techniques to leverage, all of that effort may not even yield proportional results. 

By outsourcing the task of lead generation to a solar marketing company, you can practically eliminate the entire workload when it comes to marketing and nurturing leads. This leaves your team feeling fresh, unburdened, and ready to take on all of the new installations coming your way. 

Make This High Season a Success with America’s Top Solar Marketing Company

The benefits of partnering with an agency are clear. But how can you make sure you find one that’s dependable in time for spring’s activity? 

Contractors across America have already decided upon Grid Freedom as the ultimate choice for solar marketing. This is because no other agency offers the same level of exceptional value: 100% exclusive leads that have been generated in-house, thoroughly pre-screened, and scheduled for their first appointment. 

You’ll never have to contend with binding contracts or unfavorable terms. Just buy the number of leads that you need, whenever you need them. 

We work hard to provide you with customers that will help your business thrive. Our team is already putting in the extra effort to secure the season’s growing number of new prospects. 

Get All of the Quality Leads You Need at www.GridFreedom.com

Why More Solar Panel Leads are Coming to Mississippi?

Mississippi’s solar market has been growing at a steady rate, helped by the greenlighting of utility-scale projects and incentivizing policies. Now, the residential sector is getting a further boost thanks to an update to the state’s net metering program.

So just how dramatically will the new changes impact solar customers? Will we see more solar panel leads sprout from a rise in demand?

What’s New for Mississippi’s Net Metering

While the base net metering rate hasn’t changed (remaining at 2.5 cents/kWh), the program has been expanded to provide more accessibility to low/middle income (LMI) households. Now, there’s no cap on the amount of LMI customers who are eligible for an extra 2 cents/kWh in compensation. To qualify as LMI customers, households must meet or fall below 250% of the federal poverty line.

Added to the program is a new $3,000 rebate that will be issued upon purchase of solar residential systems ranging from 3-6 kW.

Systems for commercial facilities and community applications will be subject to a different set of rules that are still in development. However, this is a high priority for the Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC), which aims to stimulate the community solar market in particular.

Solar Will Become Far More Affordable for Mississippi Homeowners.

It’s been well established that Mississippi households are among some of the most energy-burdened in America. The average electricity bill in the region is $138, second only to the Pacific states.

Mississippi’s low electricity rates are offset by lower incomes, less energy-efficient homes, and a climate in which air conditioning is a must. Low-income electricity usage is higher than the national average, putting vulnerable households in a position where they are paying 12-14% of their total income just for power. Even those who have more wealth still experience undue strain when it comes time to pay their utilities.

As such, the expanded net metering and the upfront cash rebate can go a long way toward helping Mississippi's residents secure more affordable energy. Contractors will likely be seeing far more solar panel leads arise as homeowners find it easier to make the investment. 

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) confirmed this positive forecast in its official statement responding to the program update:

“We commend the Mississippi Public Service Commission for updating its net metering rules and expanding solar access in Mississippi. The net metering program now covers Mississippi households that are 250% of the federal poverty line and below, which will help even more Mississippians experience the cost-saving benefits of solar energy.

While we are disappointed that the Public Service Commission did not offer the full retail rate for net metering, the order will move Mississippi’s solar policy forward, and SEIA will continue to advocate for straightforward and smart policies that grow the solar industry. As we’ve seen in Arkansas, easy-to-understand net metering programs can encourage rooftop solar adoption and provide benefits to all ratepayers.”

Make the Most of Mississippi’s Solar Lead Bump

Contractors who want to secure their fair share of the new influx of customers can do so by partnering with Grid Freedom. Our agency supplies exclusive, pre-screened solar panel leads on an as-needed basis for contractors throughout the United States. Leads are delivered ready to meet, with buyer qualifications verified and consultation appointments already scheduled.

Get More Solar Panel Leads at www.GridFreedom.com