Building a Smart Approach to Low/Middle Income Solar Panel Leads
Everyone deserves access to clean, affordable energy. But for most low to middle income (LMI) households, the expense of installing their own solar system puts it out of reach. Contractors are in a position to help more LMI households go solar, but the realities of running a business limit how much they can do.
At least that’s what’s been thought. Many contractors don’t bother targeting LMI homes because they need to turn a profit - especially in this difficult economy. But there are actually plenty of ways that contractors can earn well while serving LMI customers. Below, we review the strategies that can help you make LMI solar panel leads quite lucrative. You’ll be able to grow your company’s income while aiding disadvantaged households in their quest to live greener and reduce their utility bills. It’s a true win-win outcome. Explore Opportunities in Community Solar Community solar is quickly gaining approval throughout the country. Several states have already greenlit community solar development, and many projects have gotten up and running. Numerous contractors have assisted with these projects, gaining profitable work that provides relief to communities in need.
If you’re located in one of the states where the community solar market is open, you may be eligible for contracts from local governments and programs that are erecting new neighborhood systems. The movement is already well underway in Minnesota, Colorado, and New York, but other states that are warming up include New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland, and Maine. Legislation has also been introduced in Ohio, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Contractors located there can be optimistic about future opportunities for community projects.
Have a Ready Portfolio of Financial Aid Options When meeting with individual LMI homeowners, it’s important to be organized. You’ll have the best rate of success if you can clearly present the full gamut of financial aid programs that can help your customer afford their solar panels. Gather informational pamphlets, print-outs, and any other materials about federal programs like the Solar ITC, as well as state-provided aids. Get information from your local utility companies about any rebates offered for solar homeowners, and collect brochures from financial institutions that offer to finance for solar installations. Don’t forget charities and private organizations that may give aid as well. Having a folder with information about the various options can go a long way toward closing deals with any customers, let alone LMIs. Instead of feeling lost over vague assurances that financial assistance is available, they’ll have visual proof that there is an abundance of help at their fingertips, and they’ll know what steps they need to take next. Using this approach will also help customers feel that you are highly knowledgeable and capable of making solar financially feasible for them.
Partner with LMI Programs As more states and cities prioritize clean energy and social equality, there’s been a rise in programs that are specifically dedicated to helping LMI households get solar at minimal cost. These programs often have their own funding via state grants, charitable donations, and other sources, making the customer’s ability to pay irrelevant. Contractors that partner with these programs can do good without having to worry about payment security. GRID Alternatives is an example of such a program that is actively searching for contractors to become installation partners.
Get Pre-Screened Leads Working with LMI leads can result in let-down if you can’t screen them for suitability first. Having a way to know that you’re only pursuing leads who meet the right qualifications can tremendously boost your rate of success when it comes to closing sales. Of course, sourcing pre-screened leads require a little outside help. An expert agency that takes care of all the work for lead generation and screening is your best bet. To
ensure lead quality, it’s important to hold candidates to the highest standards. They should generate leads via genuine interest-based marketing, and verify lead eligibility via live phone calls with trained agents. Only the most qualified, promising leads should make the cut. Grid Freedom is one of the few agencies that meets these benchmarks across the board. Our team works diligently to produce leads that have been identified as serious sale opportunities, with the right qualifications and likelihood of purchasing. Whether they’re LMI or more affluent customers, contractors have assurance that all solar panel leads from Grid Freedom are quality prospects worth pursuing. Find Qualified Solar Leads at www.GridFreedom.com