2022 was a transition year for me. The financial services company I was partnered with for 11 years went through a major upheaval and it became evident that it was time to make a move elsewhere. As I began my search, I had no notion whatsoever that I would end up in the solar industry. But here I am. And quite possibly this is the best thing that ever happened to me professionally. Perhaps you are in transition as well. Maybe you just need or desire something to supplement what you’re doing. And you need to be able to do it from a home office. If so, a solar side hustle could be the answer. We have several options for you that could generate some nice income without taking up a lot of your time Or if you’re looking for more, there’s a lucrative full-time career option. Stay with me.
Why Should You Take a Look at the Residential Solar Industry?
The biggest factors that are driving the rapid growth in the residential solar market are environmental and political. Our planet needs help, and our government has pivoted strongly toward reducing its dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels. This is evidenced by a 30% tax credit incentive being offered by the federal government. Up to 30% of the cost of a residential solar system can be recuperated from the money a homeowner owes or has paid in federal taxes. For example, if a solar system costs a homeowner $20,000, they can get up to $6,000 back from the government to pay for it. But it gets better!
In most states, a homeowner can realize a lower monthly payment for electricity with a solar system than with their electric company. Of course, the homeowner will have a loan or lease payment for the solar system. But that payment, even with a continued smaller payment to the utility company, will be lower than their current monthly payment for electricity. So, the homeowner typically says money from day one.
But Wait, There’s More!
There is a new generation of home buyers out there today. These people have been educated to understand that things need to change to give this planet a chance to survive, in the long term. They are actively seeking homes, or at least are attracted to homes, that have solar systems. Plus, they want to reduce their monthly electric payment too. Therefore, a home with solar sells for more money and sells faster than a home without solar. So, by going solar a homeowner increases the value of their most valuable asset. Their home.
Zillow- Homes with Solar Panels Sell for 4.1% More
Berkeley Lab- The Average Home with Solar Sells for $15,000 More
Here's the Best Part for Homeowners That Go Solar
To lower their monthly payment, increase the value of their home, and receive up to 30% of the cost of their solar system back from the government, they will have to pay out of pocket NOTHING! That’s right. Homeowners can have a solar system installed as an example in January. They pay nothing for the installation. And in February they pay less for their first solar system payment than they paid their utility company in January!
Are you getting this? Do you understand now that when I saw this in July of 2022 why I couldn’t sleep well for days? I have been in sales or sales management for most of my professional career. I have never seen a value proposition to a customer like this. And I have never worked in an industry that sells a product that is so meaningful to future generations as this.
How Can You Participate in a Solar Side Hustle?
I am a Company Sales Rep and independant representative with REACH Solar. What that means to you is that I am invested in this project in a big way. I have a team of over 1,400 Field Reps across the country. Now that you understand the value proposition for homeowners to go solar, let me share what your solar side hustle options are. You can participate with us in one of several ways. The order in which I do this will list the options that require the least amount of time and effort first.
Refer Homeowners to Us as a Setter
If you have very little time but are intrigued with solar and would like to make some income along the way, you can simply refer homeowners that you know. If they would like to see what solar can do for them, just ask them full a copy of a utility bill. That’s it. You will upload the bill and their contact information, and we'll take it from there.
We will then prepare an Energy Savings Analysis and present that to them via a Zoom conference. If they decide to move forward and install solar you will receive from 10% to 20% of the overall commission. 10% on the first sale, 15% on the 2nd sale, and 20% on the 3rd and all subsequent sales. For example, if the commission is $5,000 you will receive $500 to $1,000 depending on how many sales you've been involved with. This is a pretty good solar side hustle, don’t you think?
If you are in real estate, are a contractor, or work in any industry in which you already work with homeowners this is a great way to increase your income and it requires about 30 minutes or less of your time.
Become a Sales Rep
Once you have completed 3 sales you can decide that because you like getting 20% of the commission, you would like to keep doing what you're doing as a Setter. Or you can become a Sales Rep and get into part-time solar sales. You would receive training at this point. Now you would be doing your own sales. Your Team Sales Rep would be there to coach you on your first few sales. For your efforts, you would be getting the full commission on the sale. Solar Pros with at least previously 10 closed sales, will not need to do the initial 3 sales as a Setter to become a Sales Rep.
As a Sales Rep, the investment of time in each sale can vary. It can take anywhere from a few hours to 4 or 5 per sale depending on the complexities of that project. If you did a sale or two per month this is still a solar side hustle.
Become a Builder
If all of the above sounds good but you decide that you want to take full advantage of the explosion in residential solar, you can bring on people and earn overrides on every sale they make. This, of course, is in addition to earning commission from sales to homeowners that are referred to you.
Which of These Options Suits You Best?
I would be happy to talk with you about any or all of these options to see which one works best for you. Or, if what we’re doing sounds great but just doesn’t fit into your life right now, no problem. However, if you know someone that might be a good fit for what we’re doing, I’m sure we’d both be thankful if you connected us.
For more detailed information about our company go to Solar Sales from Home. There you can schedule a Zoom meeting with me to discuss this further. And thanks for checking this out. I hope it was worth your time.
*There are no guarantees regarding earnings. The success or failure of each Solar Advisor, like any other sales company, depends upon that person's skills and work ethic. Each Advisor is paid commissions only on their sales.
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