Are you looking to start a business in the growing solar sector? Solar is one of the most active activities today and with the development of alternative energies, this trend is destined to assert itself more and more.
In fact, alternative energy sources are in everyone's mind and this attention is destined to have a future. Oil prices continue to rise and environmental protection is the theme of the day that involves legislators and entrepreneurs alike. Two of the largest venture capital firms recently shifted most of their funding to firms that specialize in finding ways to save the environment and make money at the same time, and solar is at the forefront of this revolution.
Steps
Step 1. Find out how to get certified where you live
Many states require certifications and authorizations for most rebates and incentives. These certifications and authorizations can take up to two years to be granted, especially in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Make sure you know what you're getting into before you start.
Step 2. Create a business plan
At a minimum, your business plan should include funding options, as well as a way to find customers.
Step 3. Include costs, customers, contacts and contracts in the business plan
- The costs include the resources needed to start your business, how you intend to secure them with the contributions of your customers and in what time frame.
- Customers: Without a customer you have no business. You have to choose the target you will target, as well as how you intend to get customers. There are several target markets for a solar business. Do you intend to target residential or commercial customers? Will you sell to high-end or middle-class customers? These are questions you need to answer because you can't just start your business and think that customers will arrive, you have to target a specific market and then propose a coherent offer.
- The contacts refer to different types of subjects. These include the companies you will target that can help you start your business, including those that will guarantee capital and training. There are many sources when it comes to capital, including venture capitalists, banks, angel or informal investors, friends and family.
- The contracts. One of the most overlooked aspects of any business are contracts, which need to be adequate and defined. Drawing up contracts can be expensive, but lacking them can cause your business to go bankrupt, without you being to blame. This does not mean that you must have all the contracts signed before starting the solar business, but it is necessary to have a clear idea both on the necessary contracts and on how to obtain their signing and execution.
Step 4. Start your business
Some activities related to solar energy are:
- The installation - the installation of the entire solar thermal system.
- The sale of solar systems - sale of the systems to homeowners and businesses with the payment of a commission after installation.
- Solar-related manufacturing - manufacturing of panels and all other associated components, including panel support systems, inverters, etc.
- Negotiation of solar system components - sale of systems and components purchased from wholesalers and manufacturing companies.
- Solar Tax Credit Expert - primarily helps businesses navigate the solar tax credit maze to make sure they can get the right tax credits.
- Solar consultant - knows all aspects of the business, helps people and companies understand the solar business and how they can benefit from it.
- Solar system maintenance - annual check on installed systems to make sure they are working properly and to look for other ways to reduce electricity consumption.
- Energy consultant - focuses on all types of alternative energy and other ways to save energy, selling its services to homeowners and businesses.
Step 5. Carry out the installation
There are numerous types of solar systems, but this article refers to photovoltaic systems to be installed on the roof. These are the most widespread, as well as the most requested by individuals. Some other types of systems can be installed on the ground, such as those on poles. All systems work in the same way and all represent alternative solutions for electricity.
Step 6. Get a strong customer base
Basically, the only way to get customers for your solar business is to go around and explain the benefits of solar energy by showing potential customers pictures of different systems. Advertising is of little help, other than making your name known, because solar plants are sold through personal interaction, not yellow page ads.
Meeting potential customers can be done in many different ways. You will mostly be targeting the wealthiest people in your community, so you need to understand where they spend their time and what activities they like to do. Perhaps there is a house on display in your area where you could set up a coffee table to advertise your services. Or, you could visit some of the local clubs to distribute brochures or sponsor an event. The local Chamber of Commerce is a really great solution for procuring customers for installation activities. Here you will not only meet local entrepreneurs, but you will also be able to attract the attention of the newspapers. Don't forget about the press when starting your business - journalists are always on the lookout for important services and there aren't many PV companies around, so many may be interested in details about your business, which would give you a lot of publicity. free and you would have the opportunity to make yourself known
Step 7. Develop a website
It is crucial for the marketing of your service. No high-tech company can do much without a site, and contrary to popular belief, it doesn't require hefty costs. A helpful tip is to go to Elance.com or Guru.com and do a search for a web designer. You will receive many offers and you will be able to work with whoever you prefer. It is better to have a layout of the web page already and this can be easily prepared with Microsoft Word. Just go to other sites of solar companies and use them as a base.
Step 8. Use social media
This is a must do for any solar business. Social media obviously means Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, along with many others. You can open an account for free, then simply post updates on what you are doing and the progress of your business. It is not recommended to flood potential customers with unnecessary information, but it is good to provide them with discounts and even pictures of other installations you are making.
