09/10/2024
It’s been a common topic as of late and there is A LOT of misinformation out there so I want to help clear that up. The topic- solar power for your home.
It's a long post but if you have solar or considering it, please read so you do not become a statistic.
The negative experiences some have with solar is 99% because of one thing- their sales rep did not provide proper expectations. Whether they straight up lied to them or it was a simple misunderstanding, it is not acceptable and it creates a bad stigma for a product that is actually really great.
THE most important aspect of when evaluating solar- the sales rep. It’s not necessarily the company who will be doing the install, it is simply the sales rep. Here is the reason why. The sales rep has a VERY important role and unfortunately people are selling solar who has no business in doing so. The sales rep designs your solar system, the sales rep determines how many solar panels you need, the solar rep gives you the expectations, the sales rep helps recommend the best payment program for you (loan, lease, or cash), the sales rep explains the tax credits if doing the loan or financing option, the sales rep provides time expectations of the project, and lastly the sales rep should be available for you every step of the way during the project.
The issue is to be a solar sales rep there is NO requirement for training or no certifications. So when you work with a sales rep they literally could have just started the job and you could be their first project. They may be good at talking and make you feel comfortable and you choose to go with them, but they may not be good at their job requirements that are listed above. If they fail to correctly do even one of those job descriptions listed above, it may result in a bad experience for you with your solar and now you are left scratching your head and feeling like you were scammed, rightfully so.
Most people vet the installer when they are looking to go solar. Which is important too but the installer is going to install the solar system your sales rep designed. They generally don’t have any say in the design of it, they just simply install what the sales reps sold. And for the most part, any licensed solar installer will do a decent job with the install. What most people don’t do is vet the sales rep. Most sales reps in solar work independent from the installer. Most generally have their own sales organization and they partner with the installer. This generally is not a bad business model (and it is about 95% of how solar operates in the US), but the issue with this is if the expectations are not as you were promised, you may go to the installer to question them. But, now as you know, it’s not the installer who dropped the ball, it’s the sales rep.
Moral of the story is if you are considering solar, vet your sales rep! It can be hard to find solid sales reps in any industry but in solar it is the upmost important aspect since we, sales rep, decide everything with your solar system. I started working in solar about 3 years ago because I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. I saw all the dirtiness that was going on in solar and wanted to try to make a change in the industry. So I joined solar, seeked out all the knowledge I needed to know so I can ensure I 100% understood the product I am selling, and I invest in myself each year by spending about 80hours a year in continuing education. When people go solar they expect a great experience and they expect the solar the work as explained to them during the presentation. This is not too much to ask and I continue to invest in myself so I can be the best advocate possible for those who I help go solar. After all, as the sales rep I am expected to be the expert and there is a lot of trust put into me. And I don’t let those down who go solar with me.
I post this because I am tired of seeing people being taken advantage of by unethical sales reps. I want to try to make a difference in the industry and the negative experience some people have with their solar experience. If you want to evaluate solar feel free to PM me and we can chat more about it. Thank you for reading. I hope this post has helped at least one family or person better understand a semi confusing industry. Make it a great day!
