r/Solarbusiness

Hey there, so I’m getting into marketing and online lead generation for solar (been knocking doors for 6 years).

If anyone has any strategies they recommend as far as the Ads themselves, what platforms to spend on, marketing agencies, etc. I would be grateful for any tricks that have worked for you!

A little background: I’m an ECE grad student, and before going back to school I worked as a software engineer. I got laid off and the job market has been pretty rough, so I’ve been trying to figure out what direction I want to take next.
During my first quarter I took an Energy Public Policy class, which got me seriously interested in renewable energy and the economics behind commercial solar.
Over the last few months I’ve been learning the commercial solar business from the ground up; prospecting, utility bills and interval data, system sizing, installer quotes, incentives, financing, permitting, etc. My approach has been to work on the customer’s side, get quotes from different installers, compare the numbers, and help them figure out whether a project actually makes financial sense.
After a lot of cold calls and dead ends, I finally have my first real project moving into deal negotiations this week.
I’m excited, but I’m also very aware that there’s a lot I don’t know yet.
For those of you who have actually worked in commercial solar, EPC, development, or energy consulting: what should a first-timer be especially careful about before getting a customer under contract?
•A few things I’m already thinking about:
•Making sure the commission/referral agreement with the installer is airtight
•Who owns the customer relationship
•Change orders and unexpected project costs
• Utility/interconnection timelines
•Structural and electrical surprises
•Making sure projected savings aren’t overly optimistic
•Tax/incentive claims that I shouldn’t be making myself
•What happens if the project gets delayed or doesn’t pencil out after engineering
I’m particularly interested in the mistakes you made on your first few deals that you wish someone had warned you about.
Not selling anything here and I’m intentionally leaving out my company/site/contact info. Just looking to learn from people who have been doing this longer than I have.
Thanks!

Battery Manufacturer Sales Opportunity
Hey all,

We’re a battery manufacturer looking for people throughout the United States (Puerto Rico included!) who are interested in getting into battery and energy storage sales.

You don’t need previous battery or solar experience. We can train you on the product and industry. What matters more is being comfortable talking to people, generating interest, and finding opportunities.

A couple things that might make this interesting:

You’re selling direct for the manufacturer, not working for a solar installer or knocking doors for somebody else’s company. There are opportunities to sell through homeowners, solar installers, contractors, distributors, and other channels.

It’s also a good way to get experience in the rapidly growing battery and energy storage industry without needing years of solar experience beforehand.

We’re actively building out our sales network, so there’s room for people who perform well to take on larger territories, build their own sales channels, or move into leadership as we grow.

We’ll provide product training and support. You bring the ability to sell and develop relationships.
If this sounds interesting, shoot me a DM and we can talk details.

I'm not selling this yet. I'm just thinking about what I could build in the near future and trying to validate whether there's actually a need for it.

I have experience in structural procurement for utility-scale solar, wind, and hybrid projects. MMS (Module Mounting Structures) was my first specialization, so that's where I'd probably start.

I'm considering a basic PV Module Mounting Structure Procurement Package aimed primarily at junior procurement engineers / people new to renewable-energy procurement.

The package would include:

RFQ template

Technical-commercial comparison sheet

Vendor evaluation matrix

Price benchmarking sheet

PO checklist

Inspection checklist

Delivery tracker

OTIF tracker

Payment-term calculator

LC cost calculator

Vendor scorecard

Cost-breakdown template

I'm deliberately not including learning/study resources or detailed MMS modules in the initial package. Those would require significantly more effort to develop, and I'd probably keep them for a later, premium all-inclusive package.

For those working in procurement, especially junior procurement engineers:

How much would you realistically be willing to pay for a package like this if the templates were genuinely practical and ready to use?

Poll:

₹0–₹499 — I'd only consider it at this price

₹500–₹1,499 — I'd pay this if it saves me time

₹1,500–₹2,999 — I'd pay this for a genuinely comprehensive, professional package

I'm more interested in honest feedback than validation, so feel free to tell me if you think this is something people simply wouldn't pay for.

View Poll

I'm a software engineer with 10 years of experience, no background in solar. Looking to make a career change and would like to explore the realities of jumping into solar, even if it means starting at an entry level position.

Are there any benefits to having a software background outside of working at a solar software company as an engineer? What kind of skills would be necessary to get into a typical solar position?

I've reviewed job postings and the NABCEP Associate certification, but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to get a foot in the door somewhere. On a 2 year timeline, what roles would be possible to get into for a first job in the solar industry?

Has anybody successfully fought their solar contract? Either from some hidden fee’s, or the “economics” between the solar company and financing company, or the price inflated being inflated due to the financing ? the cash price and the financed price in my contract seem very far apart, and i sense being taken advantage of.

What areas within the solar industry need more developing in terms of training? I am looking to support training of non-technical staff and would like to know the main areas that need improving and general strengths for the training of non-technical staff in the solar industry?

Looking for a reliable installer in South TX.

I have all the panels and inverters required - I have some BOS but not all. 410W ZNShine panels. Solar Edge inverters.

I know I will pay a premium on install as there is no room to mark up equipment - but can anybody make a recommendation?

It is a large system for a ranch in South TX - 200KW.

Just curious what’s actually working for you guys these days.

Do most of your customers come from door knocking, referrals, ads, purchased leads, cold calling, or something else?

And which one has been the most reliable for you?

We are researching on a tool that's why I need response highly appreciated

Is this the effective trend in 2026? Small and large seller-installers both see reduced sales. But the smaller operations have less ability to withstand the shrinkage, and some of the larger ones pull more sales and service inhouse to reduce costs, making it even worse for the smaller guys.

SunRun pivots to direct sales