Could Solar Installation Leads be Going to Roofers First

 Most solar contractors count on solar installation leads heading directly to them the moment they realize they’d like to get a system. However, this may not always be the case. 

Homeowners preparing to go solar are often eager to make it happen. But in the process of researching, they realize that their home’s current roof may not be in good enough shape to support a new installation. In fact, it’s a common speedbump encountered by solar buyers. A need for roof repairs keeps 20% of all solar projects from being completed by the original installer. 

That’s because the average rooftop only has a lifespan of about 15-20 years. Compare this to the 15-30 year lifespan of a typical solar system, and it becomes quite apparent why so many existing roofs will expire too soon for an installation to be made.  

The result of this unfortunate trend is two different scenarios: a. Solar contractors end up having to turn over installation work to roofing contractors, or b. Homeowners go straight to roofing contractors.

More and More Roofers are Getting in on Solar

Because roofers are coming into contact with an increasing number of customers who are preparing for solar systems, a vast number of them are becoming hybrid companies. They’re expanding their services to cover some or all aspects of solar, from sales to installation. This is allowing roofers to compete in the solar market, and do it with a distinct advantage. 

For example, GAF Energy has recently made moves to help their roofing partners become solar companies in their own right. These roofers are learning how to process permitting paperwork, design solar systems, and set up electrical connections and panel racking. They’ll be able to provide everything that homeowners need to replace their roofs and outfit them with solar.

Staying Competitive Requires Ingenuity

Solar contractors who don’t want to lose leads to these roofers will need to adapt. A long-term solution would be to expand their own services to cover roofing as well. But this requires a significant investment in staff training, licensing, and establishing supplier connections. 

There’s another option that will help contractors get leads before roofers step in. Working with a solar marketing agency that offers 100% exclusivity allows contractors to secure leads without worry that any other contractors - roofing or solar - are also competing for them. Grid Freedom is one of the few agencies that never shares leads with others, preserving the investment quality of every single lead. 

Get Competition-Free Leads at www.Gridfreedom.com

The New Solar ITC Extension will Bring a Decade of Increased Solar Panel Leads

Just before the Trump administration left the White House, Congress approved a small extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) as part of a COVID-19 relief bill. This prevented the credit from dropping to 22%, maintaining 2020’s 26% rate for another two years. After that, 2023 would bring the fall to 22%, and 0% for residential projects the following year. This gives homeowners a chance to save as much as possible on solar installations while they’re struggling through the economic pressure of the pandemic. 

Despite the good this extension has done, it’s still not enough. If American households are going to ease their energy burdens and make the switch to green power, they will need far more time and assistance to make it happen. Especially now that President Biden has announced the ambitious goal of halving U.S. emission rates as soon as 2030. 

This has prompted a proposal to extend the Solar ITC by another 10 years. The initiative is currently included as part of the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion package that also includes $100 billion for power grid upgrades. In addition, the plan aims to make separate solar energy storage installations eligible for the credit too. The current ITC only covers storage installations if they are included as part of a larger installation of a general solar panel system.

Extending the ITC will Have a Profound Impact on Solar Sales

The U.S. Treasury predicts that the ITC extension will make it possible for the nation to achieve 100% clean energy use by 2035. Countless households will be able to afford to go solar, or even augment the usefulness of their existing solar systems by adding on a solar battery. Instead of being priced out of solar, millions of Americans will be able to affordably access a better class of utility that will reduce their lifetime energy costs as a whole. 

Contractors can ensure they get their fair share of these new leads by working with an agency that removes all of the usual barriers. Grid Freedom specializes in delivering high quality leads that have already been screened and isolated from the competition. Partnering with Grid Freedom gives contractors the chance to source as many leads as they need at any given time.

Open Up a New Pipeline of Solar Panel Leads at www.Gridfreedom.com

With Housing Costs on the Rise, Solar is More Important Than Ever

When the pandemic first hit, analysts were predicting that it would send the housing market downward. With so many Americans struggling to pay rent in a battered economy, logic dictated that landlords and homesellers would have to lower their prices. But the reality turned out to be far different. 

Last year, U.S. housing gained ~$2.5 trillion in value. That’s the biggest gain in a single year since 2005. 

One of the big contributing factors to the spike in home sales was the offering of low interest rates by mortgage lenders. In an effort to keep financing customers coming in, lending banks dropped their interest rates to rock-bottom percentages that were too good to pass up. Those who were still employed and otherwise financially capable were quick to jump on the opportunity. 

But this brief offering of favorable loans doesn’t change the fact that housing costs in general have become unsustainable for average Americans. The old rule of thumb was that households shouldn’t spend more than 30% of their income on housing rent or mortgage payments. Any more than that qualifies as suffering a cost burden. And yet, 38 million+ residents pay more than 30%. In fact, over a quarter of that number are stuck paying over 50% on housing alone.  

It’s clear that the nation’s nesidents need solutions to reduce the rest of their living costs. Without much government intervention on the rising housing cost burden, they’re looking for other solutions to minimize their monthly spending and offset rent/mortgage expenses. 

Solar has become the answer for many homeowners trying to make living more affordable. With solar installations capable of slashing or entirely eliminating energy bills, homeowners stand to reduce their cost of living by hundreds of dollars per month. 

Contractors can attract more solar installation leads by speaking directly to this need. With marketing campaigns focused on cost of living reduction enabled by solar installations, customers will be able to see solar as a savings tool instead of yet another expense. 

If you’re looking for a direct way to connect with solar leads, Grid Freedom can help. Our team hand picks leads who have been personally verified as interested and capable solar buyers.

Find Solar Installation Leads at www.Gridfreedom.com

Is Your Solar Marketing Company Attuned to the Current Market

Between government stimulus and vaccination ramp-ups, there’s hope in sight for the American economy. But it still remains that many of the people who would usually be solar customers are struggling. If you’re working with a solar marketing company to drum up new leads, you’ll only have success if that company understands the current market conditions and has made sure their methods are still effective in these troubling times. 

Unfortunately, the vast majority of solar lead agencies haven’t adapted their lead generation strategy, which in many cases, wasn’t strong to begin with. This post gives a quick overview of the major pitfalls common among marketing companies, and why you should look for an agency that does better.

Cold Approaches are Falling Flat

It’s no secret that contacting leads cold has always been hit-or-miss. But now, the success rate is lower than ever. A far greater portion of the populace is unable to afford going solar, and the general uncertainty has made many households postpone the thought of making any big investments. 

Agencies that are able to get a high number of viable leads right now are the ones that put their focus on identifying homeowners that are genuinely interested in solar and actively contemplating a purchase. They will use inbound marketing, a strategy that focuses on attracting leads who are seeking out information about going solar.

Minimal Screening Lets Duds Pass

Slacking off on screening means that contractors end up eating the cost of leads that were never actually viable. Far too many agencies get their leads in, only to limit their screening to only the verification of contact information and current address. They don’t take the time to actually determine the lead’s readiness and ability to buy. 

With far fewer homeowners actually in a position to purchase solar, this means that many unfit leads slip through the agency’s system and are put up for sale to contractors, even when a bit of investigation would reveal that they aren’t worth paying for. An ideal solar marketing company will make sure to have staff vet leads via personal phone calls where they assess lead quality through human conversation.

Shared Leads are Swarmed by Competition

It’s not uncommon for budget lead companies to sell shared leads - leads that are bought by more than one contractor. This arrangement already presents problems in normal circumstances, but now, when contractors are already competing over a staggeringly low number of leads, it becomes even more ineffective. 

Contractors are in a position where they need to spend their marketing dollars wisely. Investing them in leads that they need to compete over is far too risky. Instead, contractors can get the highest ROI by purchasing only from agencies that sell their leads on an exclusive basis.

Grid Freedom Delivers Top Leads Even in Today’s Tough Market

If you’re looking for a trustworthy solar marketing company that has a market-tested process, consider Grid Freedom. We avoid all of the unsuccessful tactics listed above, using only methods that get results - even when times are tough.

Get Sale-Ready Leads at www.Gridfreedom.com

Does 2021 Offer a Better Method for Solar Panel Lead Generation

In 2020, solar contractors contended with a huge market dip that no one could have predicted. All of the optimistic forecasts went out the window as the pandemic dried up customer pools and caused problems with manufacturing and sourcing. Contractors had to buckle down and recalibrate their operations for maximum efficiency. 

But with a new presidential administration and mass vaccination rollouts, this transition period calls for a new approach. Let’s discuss what’s now the best strategy for solar panel lead generation.

This Year is About Scalable Solutions

Thanks to the vaccination effort, majority immunity among the American population will lead to a significant restoration of market activity. The diminished need for business restrictions and social distancing will mean that more people can get back to work, and they’ll also feel more comfortable resuming in-person meetings with solar contractors. 

Also spurring this year’s momentum is the bevy of pro-solar policies and programs enacted by the Biden administration. As these initiatives take hold, there will be a large influx of demand for solar installations. 

These conditions make it necessary for contractors to prepare for a recovery period that grows gradually into one of great intensity. Therefore, contractors must take care to establish a scalable lead generation process now, so that they can both snare the leads they need to get back on solid ground, and make the most of the extreme activity when customers become abundant.

Purchased Leads Perfectly Accommodate Steady Growth

Many contractors have found that purchasing leads from a reputable solar marketing company has proven to be an excellent solution for this set of circumstances. It works well for two main reasons: superior lead quality and as-needed availability. 

The best agencies implement an intensive curation process that delivers only the most serious and capable leads, meaning that contractors have assurance that they’re only investing in the most promising customers. This security is a major help in times when solid customers are few and far between. 

But as customer numbers grow and demand surges, the flexibility becomes an extra benefit. Agencies that require no purchase minimums or contracts enable contractors to source as many (or as few) leads as they need at a time, enabling them to easily control the amount of customers on their plate. 

Of course, these benefits are only available if contractors choose reliable solar marketing agencies that have high standards and favorable terms. Grid Freedom, for example, has become well-known for its effective lead screening and contractor-friendly terms. All leads have the highest sales potential, and contractors are never locked into agreements. 

Solar contractors who are looking for a nimble, easy, and effective solution for their lead generation will find that Grid Freedom offers the best service on the market. 

Get All the Solar Sales You Need at www.Gridfreedom.com

Why There's Hope for More Solar Installation Leads in Spring 2021

After a hard 2020, it may be difficult to see things getting better anytime soon. However, solar contractors can expect business to start picking back up this spring, thanks to a few recent changes. Let’s take a look at the biggest developments that can be expected to create more solar installation leads.

Coronavirus Vaccinations

By January 15th, 12,279,180 Americans had received the COVID vaccine. The vaccine program is being rolled out in stages, with at-risk groups and essential workers being among the first to get access. It is expected that the general population will be able to get vaccinated sometime in the middle of spring. 

The gradually-increasing immunity of the country’s population will bode well for solar contractors, as lockdown restrictions will ease, allowing recovery of employment rates and overall economic health for U.S. households. People will be increasingly open to considering solar installations as infection risks lower and financial stability is regained.

The Solar ITC was Renewed

The latest coronavirus stimulus package issued by the federal government included terms that extended the Solar ITC. Instead of the percentage lowering as was scheduled, the 26% credit will be stretched through another 2 years.

 

This means that homeowners who would have been priced out by the previously-planned drop will still be able to afford an installation. Solar contractors can use the recent renewal to remind homeowners that the 26% rate won’t be available forever. Combining the ITC with one of the recently-launched financing programs like PowerSwitch ZERO gives homeowners an affordable opportunity to go solar, even with the pandemic’s pressures still in play.Biden’s Climate Plan

President Joe Biden is introducing the largest climate plan in the nation’s history. It will include significant funding for solar programs that spur innovation research and promote the widespread adoption of solar. We can also expect to see moves that improve trade terms, making solar equipment more affordable to source - and therefore more affordable for the end buyer. 

Biden’s heavy focus on clean energy promotion paired with solar-friendly policies are likely to help solar in its recovery, giving it much-needed momentum after a difficult year. 

Lead Opportunities will Grow in Spring

Though challenges persist, spring is poised to bring more customers back into the market. The timing of the changes cited here makes it so that we will see the first effects during the season. 

If you’re looking to take advantage of these dynamics, you can do it the easy way by getting leads delivered to you via Grid Freedom. Our agency does all of the legwork to source the best leads available, sparing your staff the work of marketing, screening, and scheduling consultations. We’ll give you spring’s most profitable leads without any effort required on your part.

Get the Solar Installation Leads You Need at www.Gridfreedom.com

How to Convert this Season Last Solar Installation Leads

Between the pressure of the pandemic, holiday celebrations, and the natural lull of the cold season, it’s been a rough time for contractors. This has left many not only struggling to find solar installation leads, but also in urgent need of closing those they are able to pick up.

To help you make sure you can seal the deal on those precious few leads before the year is over, we’ve given you a few talking points that will increase your chance of securing a sale.

Now is the Time to Get the Most out of the Solar ITC

While Congress is currently considering a proposal that will extend the 26% rate of the solar ITC for two additional years, there’s no guarantee that it will be passed.

Homeowners who want to be sure that they get the full 26% tax credit for the value of their solar installation need their installation to begin before the year’s end. Otherwise, they risk the eligible percentage dropping to just 22%.

Your Team has More Time to Devote to Their Installation

With fewer solar installation leads available, it’s likely that your team has ample time on hand. This can be a major perk for homeowners that would like to get their solar installations completed ASAP.

Let customers know that this space in your calendar won’t last forever. As soon as things pick up in the spring, it will be more difficult for them to get an installation scheduled and completed promptly. Your crew will have more on their plate, potentially delaying installation finishes by weeks or months.

New Lifestyles Demand More Energy

The pandemic saw dramatic lifestyle shifts as huge numbers of Americans either lost their jobs or were forced to work from home. Children also began to occupy the home 24/7 once countless schools switched to remote learning. These moves sent the average home energy bill spiking by 22%.

While some of these trends will be reversed as people return to work and school, there will still be plenty of people who permanently stay remote workers. Homeowners who anticipate that their energy bills will continue to be elevated can relieve their budget by getting a solar installation ASAP. The sooner they get it done, the sooner they’ll be able to cut that inflated monthly charge from their expense list.

Get Leads Ready to Make a Deal at www.Gridfreedom.com