Most industries see an incredible amount of competition, making it necessary for each business to do what it can to stand out in the crowd. That’s especially true for the solar panel industry. 

Ensuring that each step from the proposal to the follow-through is exceptional can either make or break the potential consumer relationship you’re attempting to develop.

With adequate software to assist in the process you’re guided through the steps of creating an ideal proposal that:

1. Doesn’t offer an overabundance of detail in the document. Providing overwhelming information can inundate a customer and send them on to a more relatable supplier.
2. In that same vein, providing too little detail will leave a consumer with questions. The client wants to feel like they’re dealing with a company with the answers.

With a software system just like mentioned in this link https://www.solargraf.com/, a solar business can use the incredible amounts of time the program saves from writing these proposals from scratch for each individual client to work in the field and allow a greater capacity with the consumer base.

What Are The Elements Of A Potentially Successful Proposal?

Even solar panel companies that are still creating their proposals by hand are considering the leap into solar proposal software. The option streamlines the process allowing for more time in the field and a more significant consumer base. 

Some businesses are hesitant to jump into technology, but the resistance tends to fade after seeing the competition’s success and the benefits associated with the platform. 

Regardless of where you stand with making the change, specific components need to be incorporated into your proposals, whether written or included in the software package. Some of these elements include:

• Installation pricing guideline

One of the most crucial questions for a solar panel consumer relates to the pricing guidelines. Companies that are transparent with the costs, outline the details as much as possible, including upfront fees and the potential ongoing costs. These are the businesses people want to work with. 

That’s because (while it can be tempting to keep fees under wraps) these suppliers choose to put the clients’ best interest as the priority so they can make the most educated decision for their budget and their specific needs.

• Investment returns

Some consumers tend to focus on the current price point instead of figuring in what the return on that solar investment will ultimately be. That needs to be an outlined part of the proposal, so clients see that they will eventually receive their money back and likely more. Some things that need to be brought to their attention include:

1. The savings estimated after a month’s time and then after a year
2. When they can see that that they break even
3. The overall savings for a lifetime
4. Property value increase estimates
5. The carbon footprint offset projections for a month, year, and overall for a lifetime

Another way for an installer to take the focus off the current price is to let the client see that it can be budget-friendly.

• Financing for solar energy

Consumers might not be aware that there are numerous ways to pay for their installation. The financing that your business offers can provide many pros and cons, and these should be outlined in any proposal that you provide. 

Most leases, PPAs – “power purchase agreements, or loan options usually require no upfront costs with the saving on energy bills serving as the payment for the financed installations service. 

Companies that provide numerous financing opportunities, try to break down the ROI as it will work for those options. A good-faith measure would be to offer lender information or financing entities for those you are familiar with.

• Incentives for solar customers

Based on the payment method, customers might be eligible for “green incentives.” These can include rebates, “net metering,” or tax credits, all meant to decrease upfront expenses as well as the long-term price point associated with turning to solar as a renewable resource.

• Overview of the installation process and estimated timeline

Part of the proposal should involve outlining the solar panel installation procedures. That will include obtaining permits, applying for financing and receiving approval, applying for incentives, putting in the time and labor, checking/testing the system. 

In a proper proposal, timelines would be included for each step. Since the industry is inundated with competition, most businesses tend to “overpromise,” offering unachievable deadlines. 

The priority is to be fully transparent and upfront with the facts. That’s the ideal way to gain brand trust and develop word-of-mouth that speaks highly of your business, ultimately leading to tremendous success for your company.

• Licensing and credentials

The market for solar energy is relatively unregulated, with new brands coming on the market regularly. 

You want to keep yourself standing out from the others using legitimate credentials in your proposal, so the clients know you have a thorough knowledge of the business and experience in the industry. Some things consumers are looking for:

1. Each contractor, installer, and electrician on the project needs to supply their credentials.
2. Training specific to the industry, including “NABCEP certifications.”
3. Experience or how long you have worked in the industry performing installations 

Another positive is to provide impartial testimonials and reviews from authoritative sites customers can check to see positive feedback and, most importantly, negative reviews and how these were handled to the client’s satisfaction. 

These sites also provide ratings for the businesses and any formal complaints against the companies.

Final Thought

Solar proposal software simplifies the process of creating a proposal significantly. Not everyone has reached a point where they’re ready for the technology, but it’s essential to take that leap. (pulpjuiceandsmoothie.com) Go here for questions to ask when considering the software.

Many companies in the industry are leaning towards proposal software and other methods in which they can digitize the business. Once a competitor takes those steps, clients will seek out those services since they are innovative and up-to-date. 

In order to remain relevant in an already competitive market, it’s wise to be one of the first to step into the technology pool.