How to Properly Select the Right Solar Installation Company for Supplies
Where do you, the solar panel installation expert, find the appropriate equipment for the job at hand?
19/01/2023
Traditionally, solar energy consumers never really deal with solar distributors; they’re hidden from the chain because the customer will work directly with the solar company installer to get quotes. However, the question is, where do you, the solar panel installation expert, find the appropriate equipment for the job at hand?
Manufacturers and Distributors
Solar panels can get onto the roof in many
different ways. Still, we’re simplifying the
path to help you highlight what functions a
manufacturer and distributor offer and where you
sit as the solar company installer.
The
manufacturer is the one who produces the solar
energy equipment, such as the solar panels,
batteries, inverters, framing, and racking.
Then, the distributor is the liaison between the
installer and the manufacturer. They move the
solar equipment to the area where the solar
installer operates and requires it.
You’re the one who installs and sells the solar
panels and storage solutions for business owners
and homeowners!
The Major Functions and Players – Solar Distributors
Distributors
can play a crucial role in the solar industry.
They’re helping the installer get the best solar
solution at the most appropriate time. For
example, the distributor alleviates the need for
an individual installer to carry significant
amounts of equipment inventory. Instead, the
contractor waits to buy the new equipment until
they require it!
Overall, a low inventory
will help drive down the cost installers must
charge. There isn’t as much of a need to operate
and own a warehouse or distribution center to
hold solar equipment, and the lower overhead
contributes to fair prices for the consumer.
This policy is beneficial for everyone involved.
There are many solar distributors that sell
to solar installers, such as residential,
commercial, and utility-focused companies.
Overall, it’s where you get your solar panel
systems, including cables, end caps, copper
wiring, and more.
However, you may also
have to work with other business entities, such
as:
- Solar Equipment Manufacturers – They produce the equipment used for the solar PV system on a business or home and make the physical panels installers require to sell to consumers.
- Financing Companies – Generally, the consumer is the one who researches and chooses a financing company, but the installer can recommend business entities they’ve partnered with in the past.
- Lead Generation Companies – This type of business generates sales and leads for installers to find jobs. They often create contracts that are sold to installers, full-service providers, and dealers.
- Solar Dealers – Dealers receive permission to sell solar products from a particular manufacturer. Many of them have in-house teams for installation, but others outsource the work to third parties.
- Full-service Solar Providers – These solar companies do everything to set up the consumer with solar energy, though they don’t manufacture the equipment. You might work for such a business as the installer or do it all yourself.
What Has Changed in the Landscape for Solar Energy Distributors?
In the early days of solar power for North
America, solar distributors had a defined niche
in the industry. They purchased inventory,
housed it, and distributed it for others.
However, things have matured slightly to make
distributors meet all the needs of the solar
installer.
Most distributors expand their
offerings to stand apart from the competition.
The services range from the design of solar
panels to financing to supply chain management
to information management.
Likewise,
distributors are often going to adjacent
markets, including electricity distribution.
This increases the competition for industry
veterans. Today, distributors are generally
focusing on growth through acquisition; they’re
merging with other companies to create better
deals.
You can see the confusion out
there, but your goal is still to sell solar
panels (and other equipment) to consumers and
install the items. Overall, you want to make
money, but where do you go from here?
What Does It All Mean for Solar Energy Installers?
The bottom line for you is
that you’re the face for the consumer. You must
provide them with each solar energy solution
available, which will help them make an informed
decision.
Solar panels aren’t cheap, and
your terms and conditions also factor into how
much money you can make. Clearly, the top
performers see the most for their efforts.
The only way you can be a top performer is
by purchasing supplies from a reputable source.
How do you do that? Here are the steps to take:
- 1. Research Manufacturers and Distributors –
In most cases, you won’t work directly with the
manufacturer. You will find a distributor who
offers new solar energy products from the best
creators.
- 2. Create a List of Options – Once
you start searching for distributors that offer
solar energy equipment, you should create a list
of choices. Research them more thoroughly and
determine what services and products you can
find.
- 3. Contact Suppliers – Contact the
suppliers on your list to get free quotes for
pricing and shipping.
- 4. Choose a Supplier –
In most cases, you will sign a contract, which
promises that you will use their services for a
set amount of time. However, you may ask for a
trial basis initially to check them out and see
if they can do what they promise.
Many times, it’s much easier to work with a company that offers this information at the click of a mouse. Instead of all that legwork and research, you get access to data quickly and efficiently. You should still compare the supplier options, but you do so from one centralized hub. Everything is within reach, and you’re simply going down a list already created for you.
Where to Go for Assistance
Solar
Feeds is a marketplace that helps
buyers/installers find trustworthy suppliers
with a few clicks. It’s free to use and is ideal
for both sides of the equation.
In fact,
solar energy manufacturers can pair with
suppliers, and installers can get the products
necessary that the consumers want. It’s a
win-win situation for everyone involved!
If you sign up as a buyer (installer), you can
access suppliers, but they can also send quotes
and reach out to you. It’s a full network of
possibilities to help your customers choose
solar energy over traditional options.
Work with us by signing up and logging into your
account! It’s quick and easy.