Solar Sales Preparation: Be Ready to Answer the 10 Most Common Questions About Solar

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October 11, 2016 | By RGR Marketing Blog

Your Solar Clients Have Questions

Photovoltaic technology has been around for a long time, but over the past decade or so, it has gotten a lot more mainstream. New solar panels are popping up on roofs in every city, and prospective buyers are considering going solar in record numbers.

But while solar panels have been commercially available since the 1950s, they still seem like a relatively novel technology to the average consumer. Now that they’re becoming a common sight, public understanding of the benefits of solar technology is increasing, due in large part to the outreach efforts of solar installers like you.

Still, your solar sales prospects are bound to have questions. And if you want to sell them shiny new solar arrays, then you had better have answers.

Does Solar Only Work When the Sun Is Shining?

It’s a common misconception that solar arrays only function in direct sunlight. As you know, nothing could be further from the truth. They naturally collect more light energy when there’s more of it available, but they’re also fully capable of harvesting ambient light, even on cloudy days. What’s more, solar panels actually function more efficiently in cool weather.

Will I Still Have Electricity During Blackouts?

Some folks equate solar panels with true off-grid living, but that’s not usually the case. Most solar users are still tied to the grid, for a number of reasons: remaining linked to the utility allows them to take advantage of net metering programs where available, and provides a backup source of electricity at night and during periods when sunlight is scarce.

However, off-grid living is possible through solar panels. And with battery technology improving rapidly, it may soon become far more common.

Can I Get a Tax Credit?

All of your clients can currently qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), good for a credit of 30% of the total solar purchase and installation cost, minus additional incentives.

But the tax benefits don’t stop there – many states and municipalities also offer tax incentives, not to mention property tax exemptions. As a solar installer, you should make it a goal to stay current on all the tax incentives available to solar buyers in your market.

Should I Wait For Solar Technology to Improve?

It’s true that technological advancements have improved solar efficiency, but the technology itself has remained largely the same over the years. If your solar prospects are sitting on the fence until some major solar breakthrough makes solar’s value proposition even better, you can helpfully remind them that it’s already quite attractive, and that the current incentives won’t be around forever. The bottom line: there’s never been a better time to go solar.

Do Solar Panels Require a Lot of Upkeep?

You know the answer to this one - absolutely not! Most solar components are solid-state. The absence of moving parts makes them relatively maintenance free, other than the occasional cleaning. And cleaning is typically as easy as pointing a garden hose at the roof.

Yes, sometimes acts of god can damage solar panels, and inverters do eventually fail. But for the most part, owning solar panels is a pretty maintenance-free affair.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

You know a lot about solar panels, so you may be tempted to explain the finer points. Resist that urge. When your clients ask you to explain how solar panels work, give it to them in terms anyone can understand: when sunlight reaches the panels, they produce direct current, which is converted into AC power by the inverter. The AC current is then fed into your home’s existing electrical system.

Isn’t Solar Expensive?

On one hand, solar is a sizable investment, but on the other hand, it’s a smart one that ends up saving most people quite a bit of money in the long run. And with all of the financing options and incentives currently available, solar is now more affordable than ever.

How Long Will My Solar Panels Last?

Your clients may have concerns about the longevity of their solar arrays, even after you explain their overall durability. Thankfully, photovoltaic panels are typically guaranteed for 25 years, and many solar panels older than that are still in operation. That should put their minds at ease.

Will I Need Batteries for My Solar Power System?

This is another question that relates to the perception that solar energy is for those who want to cut ties to with the electric utility. Your clients may have concerns that they’ll be required to invest in expensive batteries that will eventually fail, just like the batteries in mobile devices sometimes do.

No, batteries are not necessary. They’re available if clients want them, but they certainly don’t need them to enjoy the many benefits of solar power.

How Will Going Solar Affect My Home?

Some of your customers may be worried about the installation process. They might ask questions like, “Will it cause their roof to leak?” Or “Will I have to rewire my home?”

If you’re a reputable solar installer, then you have the installation process down to a science, and you know that your clients can expect an excellent outcome with no unpleasant surprises. Still, it couldn’t hurt to give them an elevator-pitch version of the process, just so they feel at ease.

You’ve Got All the Answers

When it comes to educating the general public about solar, we still have a ways to go. But as a solar installer, you’re well positioned to illuminate potential clients. And when you take the time to educate them, they’ll almost certainly spread the knowledge to their friends and family. After all, everyone likes feeling like an expert.

As an added bonus, everyone also likes buying from an expert. Giving your solar prospects the benefit of your expertise should result in a healthy boost to your solar business’s bottom line.

And by the way, if you’d like to purchase high-quality solar leads from an expert in lead generation, we at RGR are happy to be of service.

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Your Solar Clients Have Questions

Does Solar Only Work When the Sun Is Shining?

Will I Still Have Electricity During Blackouts?

Can I Get a Tax Credit?

Should I Wait For Solar Technology to Improve?

Do Solar Panels Require a Lot of Upkeep?

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Isn’t Solar Expensive?

How Long Will My Solar Panels Last?

Will I Need Batteries for My Solar Power System?

How Will Going Solar Affect My Home?

You’ve Got All the Answers

Start making more
money today!

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Your Solar Clients Have Questions

Does Solar Only Work When the Sun Is Shining?

Will I Still Have Electricity During Blackouts?

Can I Get a Tax Credit?

Should I Wait For Solar Technology to Improve?

Do Solar Panels Require a Lot of Upkeep?

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Isn’t Solar Expensive?

How Long Will My Solar Panels Last?

Will I Need Batteries for My Solar Power System?

How Will Going Solar Affect My Home?

You’ve Got All the Answers

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