5 Steps to Solar-Powered Profits
Installing security contractors are well positioned to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) panels into their portfolios and take advantage of increasing opportunities to utilize “green” power alternatives. These solutions are ideal for projects that require a power supply for off-grid, remotely-installed equipment.
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More and more installing security contractors are seeing the light and expanding into solar power solutions to service their customers. One example of this is the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to power security systems in remote locations that otherwise lack electricity and communications infrastructure. Solar is also used to provide power for portable and temporary security systems such as construction sites. And some security systems integrators and vendors are deploying “green” power alternatives by adding small solar chargers to wireless devices like detectors.
Solar solutions utilized today in the electronic security industry are proving to be a cost-effective means to solving difficult problems. But there is another important solar option integrators need to consider — one that results in business growth while offering consumer and business customers another service. That opportunity is the installation of solar power systems for homes and businesses, a market that’s become as hot as the sun’s rays. Read on to find out what simple steps you can take to implement solar power solutions within your portfolio of services.
Getting Started in Solar Power
The U.S. solar power market grew 67 percent in 2010, making it the fastest-growing energy sector, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research. Solar PV installation led the industry in demand, a market that doubled from 2009 with 16 states installing more than 10 megawatts of PV each. The top 10 states were California, New Jersey, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Florida, North Carolina and Texas.
Solar PV installation offers a great fit for security dealers and integrators with many of the same skill sets involved: electrical work, engineering experience, quality control, plus safety and project management.
With solar a hotspot in today’s cool economy, installing security contractors interested in getting involved in the industry should consider five key steps before expanding into this marketplace. Let’s take look at the particulars:
1. Learn the foundation — Solar PV is a 60-year-old technology. The panels are made up of tiny cells of treated silicon. Each panel collects solar radiation and converts it into an electrical current. These panels are then wired together in a series to create an array, and the electrical output from that array travels through wires and conduit to an inverter typically located near your breaker box. The inverter converts the electrical current or direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).
The backbone of the solar industry is net metering. This means any power that isn’t used from the system spins the meter backwards, giving you a credit from the utility company. As the industry has expanded, courses on the fundamentals of solar PV have become widespread. Understanding how solar PVs interact with the home or building shortens the learning curve and allows security integrators to build on their existing knowledge and skill set.
2. Assess where you need help — There is a benefit to being a contractor. You likely understand how to market your business and sell a service while maintaining fruitful relationships with vendors and customers. When it comes to solar PV installation, some installing security contractors will want to subcontract an electrician or hire one on full time under their new solar division. In many states and municipalities, an electrician is required to install the solar equipment into the building’s electric utility system. The tools may also differ from the security industry.
Also consider adding someone with roofing experience to your installation staff. Because roofers understand roofing systems, they can safely tie solar panels and equipment into a roof with proper flashing so the structure and the solar equipment will last. Solar installation is very reliant on roofing and electrical, so it’s important to research what you can take on and where you may need to contract out.
3. Research licensing requirements — Every state has different licensing laws and it’s important to understand the requirements for solar PV in your area. The majority of states require an individual license per trade. Check with your state’s department of labor to find out what licensing requirements are needed in your marketplace.
4. Get hands-on experience — Once you’ve obtained your license and gone through the supplementary training to become a solar installer, the challenge becomes gaining experience. As a security integrator you have the option to leverage your current residential and commercial customer base to sell solar PV. In addition to getting on bid lists, it’s sometimes advantageous to contact more established installers and offer to subcontract on their projects while you gain experience.
Joining a solar franchise network is another option. Solar franchise networks can provide best practices and support you in booking jobs. A good solar franchise network will also give you access to greater purchasing power, which allows you to price yourself more competitively. Integrated sales and marketing training, and best practice sharing provided by solar franchise networks can also put you at a competitive advantage.
5. Work incentives into your price — It’s important to understand tax incentives when determining how to quote a solar installation. Do your research. Incentives are issued at both state and federal levels. Some utility companies also offer rebates to customers that install solar.
It’s also a good idea to research software tools that can help you stay apprised of the changing rebates and incentives. Taking rebates into consideration when pricing offers a value proposition to your customer and allows you to remain competitive in a growing market.
A Sun Belt of Opportunity
To sum it all up, solar electric power is a key technology that installing security contractors can adopt into their portfolios of services in a straightforward manner. For the appropriate application, solar PV installations can provide continuous, reliable and cost-effective power while helping overcome challenging project sites. With installing security technicians already having many of the skill sets necessary to install solar PV equipment, success in this market can be easily achieved with little organizational disruption.
Joe Bono is President and CEO of Solar Universe Network, a solar installation franchise and finance company based in South San Francisco. He can be contacted at (925) 455-4700.
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