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

Is There a Big Difference Between Solar Lead Companies?

 

Outsourcing to solar lead companies can be a great way for contractors to take the pressure off and establish a reliable supply of sales. However, it’s important for contractors considering this option to realize that the key to success lies in choosing a high-quality agency. 

Not all lead agencies follow the same set of practices, and many have wildly varying standards for the leads they sell to contractors. Certainly, there is a big difference between solar lead companies, and installers should know how to recognize the ones that are worth buying from. Below, we’ll look at a few of the most important criteria and discuss how compromises can result in disappointment.

Lead Generation Methods

How an agency generates their leads is the defining factor of their value. Many companies take a shortcut when it comes to lead generation, sourcing from third parties rather than doing the work themselves. 

These third parties are often generic mass lead suppliers that pass on leads without much investigation into whether or not they’re actually real or worthwhile prospects. This means that many agencies are simply middlemen who have little control over the quality of leads they sell to contractors. 

The most effective agencies take full responsibility for the leads they deliver. That includes every part of the generation process, from finding the leads to vetting them. Top contenders use strategic inbound marketing to attract homeowners who are genuinely interested in solar and are researching how to take the next step. 

Naturally-attracted leads already offer a better chance of success over cold leads that have been sourced via random phone calls or data scrapes. But the best agencies go farther by implementing a personal screening process conducted via conversations with live agents. Using human interaction to assess a lead’s viability allows the agency to determine who’s committed and who’s just window shopping. The highest commitment level is verified by agencies that take the initiative to set the first appointment for the contractor - however, this is a very rare service. 

Lead Distribution

An agency’s approach to lead distribution can dramatically dilute the quality of the leads they offer. If those leads are not sold on an exclusive basis - meaning that they aren’t just sold to a single contractor, then multiple installers will be competing for the customer’s business. 

This hardly seems fair for contractors that are already paying money to access a lead. It would be more understandable if the price of the lead were lowered accordingly, but many agencies still sell these shared leads at a price far too inflated.

It’s crucial for contractors to know that lead exclusivity can also be affected by the agency’s generation method. Many mass lead suppliers sell the same leads to multiple agencies - so while an agency itself may be selling only to one contractor, the fact that the lead was already widely distributed up the chain means that there may still be other competitors who’ve gotten ahold of it. 

Contractual Obligations

A good solar marketing company works in the interest of contractors. And because they offer leads worth coming back for, they don’t need to resort to terms that milk installers for every penny they can get.

Unfortunately, too many agencies impose unscrupulous terms such as purchase minimums and binding contracts, often forcing contractors to buy more leads than they want. This can be especially frustrating when contractors realize that they’ve been strong-armed into buying sub-par leads. Most small to mid-sized installers can’t afford to absorb such hits without some financial pain.

Choose the Best Solar Lead Company in the Industry

As lead outsourcing becomes a more popular solution, the agencies most favored by contractors are growing in reputation. Grid Freedom is one of the top picks of America’s installers, preferred for its in-house lead generation, uncompromising screening standards, and appointment-setting. 

This agency offers the most convenient and effective lead service for contractors, minimizing all the work and uncertainty that comes with traditional solar lead generation. Leads are delivered ready to meet, with no threat from competitors and no strings attached. 

Get Top Quality Leads at www.GridFreedom.com

 

The Current State of Dirty Power's Replacement with Solar

America has long relied on dirty power sources to generate much of its electricity. However, recent years have seen a push to phase out some of these sources in favor of more sustainable solar. The current presidential administration’s focus on combating climate change has especially ramped up this effort. 

But exactly how much progress has been made? And what work is left to be done? We review the current state of dirty power replacement below.

Coal Mines are Dwindling, Overall

From 2008 to 2020, the number of active American coal mines has dropped from over 1,200 to just 410. Over 151 additional mines are currently idle. This means that we’ve seen a 62% decline in active coal mines over the span of just 13 years.

While this sounds like tremendous progress, some of it was reversed in the past year. 2021 saw a 15% increase in coal mine production, and if production demands continue to rise, some of those idled mines could be reactivated.

That being said, there are still plans for another huge cull. Over 240 mines were set to be shut down, as of October 2021. COVID-19’s pressures may force more closures on top of that.

 

So what’s being done with the properties where these mines are located? A growing number are being converted into solar fields. These installations are utility-scale projects that are capable of powering their surrounding communities.

Transitioning Labor

Closing the mines in favor of solar has put miners in a position where their employability is in jeopardy. Luckily, some of the mine closures have been coordinated to offer employees transitional training, often into the solar field itself. This means that Solar's workforce has been getting a boost as well.

 

Some communities that were once dependent on coal employment have taken training into their own hands, with local programs and even public schools offering classes and certification paths for people interested in careers as solar installers.

No Clean Power Payments/Dirty Power Fines

Clearly, we can expect to make some major headway in the next few years. But the trend may be slower than originally predicted. Much of this can be attributed to the conflict in Washington, D.C.

 

When the Biden administration first conceived the Build Back Better bill, there was talk of including payments and fines that would incentivize the switch to solar and other renewables. Utility companies that were still dependent on dirty power sources would be fined proportionally, while those that prioritized clean power would receive payment rewards.

 

Unfortunately, these plans never came to fruition, as opponents of the bill have forced out much of the legislation that would penalize dirty power use and production. This is going to hold back some of the progress we would have otherwise seen following the BBB’s passing. The solar industry will have to find other ways to win the business of utilities that are dragging their feet.

The Great Replacement is Boosting Solar Panel Lead Generation

The transition to solar is not just sparking business at the utility level. Between all of the buzz about clean energy, solar panel lead generation is expected to rise in the residential sector as well.

 

Contractors who want to streamline their generation process by targeting only the most qualified, serious leads can do so by partnering with Grid Freedom. We curate top-quality leads through live screening that selects for true sale-readiness. All leads are scheduled for their first appointment, allowing contractors to jump straight to the consultation stage.

Find Ready Solar Buyers at www.GridFreedom.com

Does Your Winter Sale Strategy Focus on Exclusive Solar Leads?

Winter is a tough time for those of us working in the residential solar industry. Homeowners have plenty of reasons to put off going solar until next spring or summer: unfriendly weather, holiday expenses, too little time. With all of these factors at play, contractors can experience quite a drought in solar panel sales. 

That’s why forming a smart winter strategy is so critical for staying afloat. With the right marketing tactics and focus, you can get the highest possible number of sales through the season’s freeze. 

In this post, we examine why concentrating your efforts on exclusive solar leads is one of the most effective strategies for maintaining a stable winter income. 

Exclusive Leads Cut Out Competition

One of the biggest losses of customers comes from competition. Other contractors are also feeling the winter pinch, so they’re pursuing the same leads with fervor. They’ll undercut prices and offer deals that you may just not be able to compete with.

Worse yet, when homeowners experience pestering from multiple contractors, they’re likely to fatigue fast. They can get so stressed by the countless phone calls and messages that they decide to back out of going solar altogether. 

These effects make it clear why focusing on exclusive leads will give the best rate of success. When you don’t have to worry about other contractors swiping customers from under you or annoying them into resistance, you’re free to build a trusting relationship that helps homeowners feel good about making a deal. You won’t have to quote unsustainable prices, and you can pitch without pressure. 

Leads From the Right Agency are Prepped for Sales

The best winter marketing strategy goes beyond simply finding exclusive leads. It also works to ensure that those leads are primed for talks with your sales reps before you even make contact. This can be done by working with a lead generation agency that personally screens exclusive leads and schedules consultations for the ones that make the cut. 

Companies like Grid Freedom reach out to leads via live phone calls, determining the lead’s qualifications and laying the groundwork for an eventual sale. The result is a wealth of leads that are not just competition-free, but also guided further into the sales process and prepared for the next step. 

Get Appointments with Exclusive Solar Leads at www.Gridfreedom.com 

Will Florida's New Legislation Bomb Rooftop Solar Sales Leads?

Florida’s sunny weather makes the state ripe with opportunities for solar. But the local industry is under threat from the forces employed by fossil fuels and big utilities.

 

Like in many states where solar is gaining traction, Florida has recently introduced legislation that is intended to thwart the industry’s growth. The latest move has been to propose a cut of net-metering rates, which are currently one of the greatest incentives for residential installations.

 

Also included in the bill are additional charges that claim to collect a “fair-share” owed by solar households, despite the fact that the “fair-share” theory has been debunked many times over.

Who’sBehind This Legislation?

The Environment Florida Research & Policy Center (EFRPC), has reported which special interests are behind the new legislation. These include Edison Electric Institute EEI, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), and Koch Industries. Each group has ties to investor-owned utilities and major fossil fuel corporations.

 

According to the EFRPC, Florida’s top investor-owned utilities (Florida Power & Light (FPL), Duke Energy, & Tampa Electric Company) have had a history of working with these groups to suppress solar throughout the state.

 

“These tactics include donating to the campaigns of state political figures and parties, employing an army of lobbyists, funding a deceptive 2016 anti-solar ballot initiative (rejected by voters) that would have inserted language imposing barriers to rooftop solar into the state constitution, and unsuccessfully pressuring the state Public Service Commission (PSC) in September 2020 to roll back net metering rules.”

What Happens to Solar Sales Leads if Florida Axes Net Metering?

SaveSolar.org cites that 93% of Floridians support net metering. Their website is enabling residents to write directly to the state legislature, urging them to vote against this bill. But even knowing that the people want solar benefits, there is no guarantee that the legislature will vote in their favor. Special interest lobbying is powerful, and there is a great incentive for lawmakers to disregard public demand.

 

If this anti-solar bill is passed, Florida’s installers can expect to see a major dip in solar sales leads. The financial incentive for residents will be dramatically reduced, and they can expect a much slower ROI on their installations.

 

Contractors will likely have a much harder time generating the leads they need to maintain a profitable business. Fortunately, they can prepare for a market slump by partnering with a lead agency early.

 

Solar marketing companies like Grid Freedom can supply contractors with a consistent stream of customers who are fully prepared to buy solar. Such an arrangement can provide the security that contractors need when organic leads are scarce.

Find Florida Solar Customers at www.GridFreedom.com

More Time Bought: California's C-10 Solar + Storage Licensing Requirement is on Hold

Earlier this year, California’s solar contractors were made the subject of hostile legislation. The Contractor State License Board (CSLB) moved to bar C-46 contractors from installing projects combining solar panels with energy storage equipment.

CSLB’s decision requires all crew members working on a solar + storage project to be licensed as a C-10 electrical contractor, or a state-approved electrical apprentice (subject to stipulations). This is true even for workers that do not handle the electrical part of the installation in any way. 

Countless Contractors Ineligible for a Growing Market

Understandably, California’s contractors have greatly protested against the ruling. These limitations would cut many off from the ability to take on solar + storage projects, eliminating a huge source of income. The potential losses will grow exponentially as the demand for solar storage steadily rises.

 

To demonstrate the impact further, consider this statistic: only 22% of all the state’s recent solar installations were performed by contractors that met the new requirements. Getting a C-10 license entails 4 years of on-the-job journeyman level experience (or higher), passing an electrical exam, and completing a CA apprenticeship program.

 

As such, it is not realistic or feasible for many contractors to meet the new licensing requirement for years after it goes into effect, let alone before. Citing this unfairness has prompted postponement and reconsideration of the ruling, buying contractors more time.

Pausing & Re-evaluating the C-10 Requirements

In response to the uproar, the board of the CSLB has voted to put the rule change on hold. They have also agreed to consider a new legislative languation that satisfies both solar contractors and union electricians, drafted by the parties themselves. This new version of the rule must be agreed upon, written, and proposed by the next CSLB hearing in March 2022.

 

After that, CSLB will either assess the newly-proposed terms or go about processing the original version of the ruling. Legal requirements will stretch the timeline for activation by about a year or a year and a half, giving C-46 contractors much more time to continue legally earning via solar + storage projects.

A Solar Marketing Company Can Help Contractors Prepare

Whether the licensing requirements update according to CSLB’s original terms, or a proposed compromise, change is coming for California’s solar contractors. They will need to make the most of the next 12-18 months in order to gain a better footing by the time a new rule is made official.

 

This means generating more income for greater financial security, building a safety net in case the new terms seriously handicap their ability to take on new projects. Working with a solar marketing company like Grid Freedom can simplify this effort, giving contractors direct access to qualified leads rather than requiring them to hunt them down themselves.

 

Grid Freedom pre-screens leads via in-depth phone conversations designed to identify only the most capable buyers. Interested customers are set up with their first consultation appointment, available to the contractor who purchases the lead. Customers are never shared with competition, ensuring a pressure-free experience for both contractors and homeowners. These conditions create the best chances for a sale that’s much needed in these uncertain times.

Grow Your Income Now with Verified Customer Bookings - Visit www.GridFreedom.com