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4 Reasons To Use a Solar Marketplace When You Go Solar

By Solar Providers Near Me No Comments

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve been approached by a solar company.  Whether it was someone at your door, a salesperson in a home improvement store, or a direct call to your home – the conversation can be intrusive and unwanted.

But say you’re interested in knowing more, we can help answer some of those questions. 

One way to navigate any type of complicated marketplace is to reach out to third-party experts. Third parties have no stake in which option you choose. This allows for an unbiased assessment of facts and options available.  There are numerous so-called “solar marketplaces” out there.  But Solar.com is the only one whose interests are truly aligned with the homeowner.  

Read on for 4 reasons using Solar.com’s platform is best.

The Ever-changing Solar Energy Marketplace

Choosing to go solar is a smart step, but it is the first step of many in the process. There are a lot of variables to consider when looking into solar.  It is a full-time job to stay abreast of the changing energy marketplace.  Solar.com is constantly researching and advocating for solar homeowner’s rights.

Local utilities often change their rules for solar homeowners.  Whether that is through legislation, a vote, or simply a policy change – often it is done without the public being aware of the shift.  Similarly, regional incentives can be reduced or even eliminated as more people choose to make the switch to solar.

The energy marketplace is constantly changing. The right choice now may not be the right choice in a year.  Speaking with a Solar.com expert who is well versed in the current and upcoming changes is crucial for making a smart long-term decision.

System Recommendations With Integrity

Designing a solar system is like completing a custom puzzle.  There are unique variables to consider for each project.  A system designed for your neighbor may not be the best option for you.  Some of the most common variables are roof space, how much energy you use, the way your roof is shaped, etc.  However, there is much more information to consider.

Often homeowners will want a specific panel type, inverter type, etc.  Perhaps they know of a friend or family member with that system who had a good experience.  You may have read an advertisement or paid article espousing the benefits of a particular brand.  Individual installers are often incentivized to promote particular brands.  There definitely are premium brands with premium performance.  However, often the Pickmysolar_customer_service.jpgprice point is not warranted for the nominal difference in efficiency.

Having an advocate who is well versed in the marketplace can help you avoid being sold a more expensive product.

Solar.com’s team of experts to help you to see the options available and the benefits therein for each.

Better Pricing Through Competition

To get the best pricing and options available for your solar project, you’ll need to get multiple bids. Comparing these bids is helpful in getting a clear view of the marketplace and what’s available at which price points. However, going back and forth between installers is time-consuming and laborious.  This is where an online marketplace can be useful.

When using our online bidding platform, installers know they are competing for your business.  If they offer the best products at the best pricing, they will have an advantage.  Additionally, installers can offer longer warranties, guarantees on their workmanship, bonus offers, and additional benefits and advantages.

The legwork in gathering your bids is on us, leaving you to decide which is the best option for your home.

We Protect Your Privacy in the Marketplace

The best part about using a marketplace is that we do all the work for you. Solar.com manages communication with the installers, gathers bids, puts together financial details, and creates easily digestible summaries of each of the top 3 bids. Check out our video for more details on our solar marketplace.

One major difference that sets Solar.com apart – we never sell your information or provide private data to bidding installers. Many online “marketplaces” simply funnel your data to installers to pester you until you give them your business.  We advocate for you and protect our customers’ information. NO INSTALLER WILL EVER CALL YOU FROM OUR BIDDING PLATFORM.

Additionally, the installers on our platform must pass a thorough vetting process.  We stand behind their work.  They know we expect nothing but the highest customer service for our clients.  If they want to be a part of the marketplace, they must provide the best products, service, and warranties in the region.

We’d love to help you find the best system, at the best price, that best suits your needs.  

The Influence of Women in the Solar Industry

By Solar Panel Installation Process No Comments

It’s International Women’s Day! Today we recognize and celebrate women all around the world. As a member of Solar.com’s female population, it’s necessary for me to highlight an important movement we’ve all observed both inside and out of the solar industry….the buying power and influence of women.

Not only do women rule the economy, but they are also the group responsible for the majority of solar installations in the United States. In 90% of American homes, women are involved in or make the decision to buy solar panels. Women are known as the Chief Purchasing Officer in their households.

The phrase, coined by leading women’s marketing expert Marti Bartletta, refers to the fact that women in the United States have immense influence when it comes to buying and making decisions involving money.

Women’s Consumer Power

Though women around the world are still fighting for equal access and opportunities in education and the workforce, we have made notable traction over the last few decades. As women continue to have increased access to education, the number of women participating in and making up the workforce has risen. In turn, the number of women-owned businesses has increased, and women are earning more than in the past.

Globally, women are earning $13 trillion annually, which is expected to rise to $18 trillion within the next five years. As of now, 60% of personal wealth in the U.S. is held by women. According to Harvard Business Review, not only are women earning more money, but their income is rising at a faster rate per year compared to men’s.

Over 1.3 million women in the U.S. earn over $100,000 annually. Women own 40% of private businesses in America. Women now hold 51% of the stock market. It is estimated that women will control two-thirds of consumer wealth in the U.S. in the next decade.

Women globally control $20 trillion every year in consumer spending. That number is expected to rise to about $28 trillion within the next International Womens Dayfive years.  In the United States alone, it is estimated that women’s contributions range from $5 to $15 trillion in spending and account for 85% of all consumer purchasing.

Women’s Influence in the home

When it comes to the home, studies show that women control ~ 92% of decision making. Women influence or introduce 80% of home improvement projects, and 75% of women identify as the primary household shopper.

Over half of the products mass marketed towards men are bought by women (such as technology and electronics.) 68% of vehicle purchase decisions are made by women.  

Data shows women are the primary decision makers when it comes to buying for the home, but they also call the shots when purchasing a new home. Women influence or make 91% of new home buying decisions.

As well, more single women buy homes than single men. Single women make up 17% of the current housing market.

Women and Sustainability

Women have long pioneered the fight for clean water, clean air, and healthy food in their communities. It’s no surprise that women have been found to be more eco- friendly when shopping for products, whether it be their food, household cleaners, or renewable energy. Women are also prone to drive recycling habits in the house and respond more strongly to an eco-friendly advertisement.

When making a decision on solar power, women are more likely to consider the environmental benefits of clean energy as well as financial sustainability it will provide their household.

Women make up more than a substantial portion of solar sales, due to their influence on decisions made in the home, as well as their power in spending. By not marketing effectively to women, the solar industry is missing a critical opportunity to reach its target audience of potential buyers. As women continue to shatter glass ceilings everywhere, the solar industry must continue to find new ways to engage women if they want to achieve continual profits and success.