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

 

Arizona's Solar Access Fee is Gone - Can We Expect to See More Solar Panel Lead Generation

Arizona’s homeowners and solar contractors are celebrating a recent change that will make solar more affordable. The new update will contribute to a positive uptick in solar panel lead generation throughout the state.

No More Exploiting Solar Customers

The Arizona Corporation Commission has just rescinded a grid access fee that was deemed unfair and exploitative. It was originally enforced by the Arizona Public Commission, charging the average solar homeowner $100 per year under the pretense that they were more expensive for grid providers to supply energy to. 

However, this was untrue. Representatives from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) testified that contrary to the claims made by APS, solar customers did not cost more to service, and the grid access charges did not recoup any lost revenues. It was also proved that solar customers did not displace grid expenses to other households. 

A SEIA official praised the charge revocation: 

“We are at a point in our country where we need to focus on deploying more clean energy and unnecessary utility charges and fees can be a major deterrent to potential solar customers. This change will more fairly recognize the benefits of local solar adoption and we hope we can expand solar accessibility to even more Arizonans.”

Bringing More Solar Buyers to the Market

With the grid access charge gone, homeowners can now save hundreds more on utility costs over the years that their solar systems are operational. Over the 25-30 year lifespan of a typical solar system, they can expect to see an average savings of $2500-$3000 just on the grid access fee alone. This means that solar customers can look forward to a much greater and more rapid ROI. 

Such a boost in the financial gains brought by solar is sure to attract more buyers. Contractors can ensure that they connect with those who are serious about installing by sourcing their leads through www.GridFreedom.com. 

This service generates leads in-house, personally screening them for purchase-readiness via live phone calls with agents who are experts in identifying strong solar customers. All leads are scheduled for their first appointment, then delivered only to a single contractor. The process gives installers the best footing to secure a sale. 

Find Sale-Ready Solar Customers at www.GridFreedom.com

Could Solar Tariffs be on Their Way Out

On January 23rd, 2018, the Trump administration placed tariffs on imported solar cells and modules. These tariffs were set to be active for a period of 4 years. Now that the end of that term is drawing near, the solar industry is pushing hard for these tariffs to be phased out.

What Has Been the Impact of the Tariffs?

There was a positive intention behind the creation of the solar tariffs. By increasing the cost of importing solar equipment, the tariffs could incentivize domestic production and help it become more competitive. 

Unfortunately, the tariffs created challenging conditions that only became more painful once the pandemic began. Building up American solar manufacturing takes time, so the immediate effect was merely to raise the prices of solar hardware, and thus, solar installations as a whole. 

This meant that many homeowners who could once afford to go solar were now priced out. Solar sales leads dropped, putting a great deal of contractors in worse financial shape. Supply chain bottlenecks created by the pandemic were exacerbated by the tariff cost pressures, introducing even more strain. 

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates that the tariff imposition has caused the U.S. solar industry to miss out on 62,000+ jobs, $19 billion in private sector investment, and over 10 GW of solar deployment. SEIA’s president, Abigail Hopper, cites that the tariffs have also failed in their goal of jump-starting American solar manufacturing: 

“The U.S. has collected $2.6 billion in Section 201 solar tariffs, but not one cent of that helped the domestic manufacturing industry. In fact, America lost 6,000 solar manufacturing jobs over the last four years when the petitioners promised we’d create more than 45,000 jobs.”

Closing the Chapter on S.201 Tariffs

President Joe Biden is currently assessing whether to renew, revise, or get rid of the tariffs. At a recent USITC hearing on the matter, SEIA testified regarding the failure of the tariff program and imploring the administration to phase it out. 

Biden’s grand clean energy goals have been heavily referenced as reason to discard the tariffs. SEIA argues that they are a major obstacle to achieving the solar-powered energy conversion that has been planned for the coming years. 

Resigning Tariffs Will Boost Solar Sales Leads

For now, solar contractors can only wait and see whether or not the tariffs will continue to drive up the costs of solar. But there is strong optimism that the current pro-climate administration will move to discard them. 

Resulting equipment price drops will go a long way toward facilitating more solar sales. But in the meantime, solar contractors who are struggling to find enough customers can get help from Grid Freedom. As an elite provider of top quality, affordable leads, we’ve helped contractors maintain success even through these tough times.

Find Ready Solar Customers at www.GridFreedom.com