Insights Newsletter #13
Little birdie said the Solar Business Insights newsletter increases efficiency. (It's me, I'm the birdie).
Happy Friday!
When was the last time you reallllly read the news article your coworker sent? Increase your efficiency, send them the Solar Business Insights newsletter instead.
We really read the article, summarize it, and explain why the information matters to your business. You can stay updated on the latest solar market trends, policy updates, and more without the hassle of endless open tabs. If you want to read the article yourself, you’ll find the link in our content.
Let’s get after it.
Past Poll Results:
In the Insights Newsletter #12, we asked, “What’s your key sales strategy in 2024?”
39% Referrals
18% Door Knocking
14% Cold Calling
17% Digital Advertising
12% Other
Which surprises you most?
Solar Energy News
Microsoft & solar panels? Seems like an interesting combo to me. Microsoft partnered with Qcells to reduce supply chain risks and reinforce its commitment to renewable energy. For Qcells, the partnership supports the initiative to establish a US-focused supply chain (and compete with China).
The Microsoft and Qcells partnership is another example supporting the broader US goals to advance a clean energy economy. Microsoft can't be the only business searching for ways to meet renewable energy standards.
So what should you do? Find the companies, form a partnership, make the money (and a positive impact).
California’s rooftop solar companies are feeling the heat. In the aftermath of NEM 3.0, data reveal significant consequences including:
17,000 (or 22%) rooftop solar jobs lost
75% of solar installers are in the “high-risk” category
Solar Insure expects more solar installer bankruptcies
Historically, California set the example for solar in other states. If that trend continues, solar companies may encounter similar challenges like job losses and financial risks.
Solar Innovation
Bluetti is now a solar company. Historically known for its portable power products, Bluetti expanded its product line with Bluetti Solar+. Initially starting in Texas, Bluetti Solar+ is a solar and home battery installation service. Learn more on the Bluetti website.
It will be interesting to see how this new service pans out. Bluetti's move into solar installation services could intensify competition in the solar energy market, potentially prompting other solar companies to enhance their offerings or innovate to stay competitive.
The inclusion of a full-service proposal and installation component by Bluetti may influence consumer choices and encourage other solar companies to provide similar comprehensive solutions to meet evolving customer demands.
EcoFlow launched DELTA Pro Ultra, a smart hybrid battery generator and backup system designed for extended outages and daily usage. A single battery’s capacity totals 6 kWh, 7200 W output, and 5.6 kW solar input.
The Delta Pro Ultra is scalable up to 21.6W of output and can be charged by AC power, solar panels, and gas generators. The battery’s compatibility with several power sources enhances the flexibility and adaptability to different energy scenarios, contributing to increased resilience.
Additional Innovations (That I thought were cool)
Now serving: Solar-powered coffee in a tent. Jackery, a global leader in portable power and green energy solutions, unveiled the Solar Generator for Rooftop Tent and the Solar Generator Mars Bot at CES 2024. Here are the details.
Solar Generator for Rooftop Tent:
Provides 6 kWh of power for one-day overlanding and two-week outdoor life
Delivers power to appliances like your coffee maker, electric blankets, projectors, mobile phone chargers, and whatever else fits in your tent
Mars Bot:
PV-ESS charging integrated robot
High-efficiency solar panels (25% percent actually)
Automatic Sunflower Solar Tracker (for sunlight navigation)
Foldable photovoltaic panels with a 600W output
Usable for emergency rescue, camping, or living the van life
The Mars Bot is a product for you, not NASA. The bot’s tracking technology enables intelligent navigation towards areas with strong light for sun exposure and connects seamlessly to a solar and battery storage system. The bot is beneficial for PV power generation or charging stations.
Is this something you’d consider adding to your business offerings?
Business Strategy
You know that one saying about assuming, right? Making assumptions is not a business strategy. Asking questions can help you get answers. For example, instead of guessing what a solar lender is looking for, this article tells you the recipe for success.
Size matters: If you are building small to mid-size solar projects, there’s a debt funder for you. Large and community banks might not be familiar with community solar, so it may be best to explore impact investment funds or mission-based banks. If at first you don’t succeed, one debt funder can probably refer you to another.
Have your ducks in a row: Know your economics and project fundamentals. Ensure you have all necessary permits and that the project is financially feasible.
Meaningful impact: You may have a higher chance if your project is supporting LMI communities, houses of worship, nonprofits, and other community-based organizations.
Solar Regulatory Policy
A win for solar & storage manufacturers: The US Treasury & IRS proposed regulations for the IRA advanced manufacturing production credit. They added Section 45X which provides a credit for the production and sale of solar equipment like inverters, batteries, and more. The credit applies to US manufacturers.
NYC’s ‘City of Yes’ zoning initiative: The new zoning regulations aim to create a more sustainable future and eliminate rooftop solar restrictions.
If you are a solar business in New York, now is the time to capitalize on solar development in areas that were off-limits. Explore options apart from rooftop solar, such as solar canopies in parking lots.
We’re Growing, You Can Too.
We write a bi-weekly newsletter reaching nearly 7,000 solar business professionals (just like you). Explore advertising and partnership opportunities with the SBI team to promote your business, services, reports, events, and more. Let’s grow together.
Solar Energy Conferences 2024
RE+ Hawai’i: January 22-23
Honolulu, Hawai'i
RE+ Northeast: February 13-14
Boston, Massachusetts
RE+ Northern California: March 12-13
Santa Clara, California
RE+ Southeast: May 17-18
Atlanta, Georgia
That’s a wrap, and now I’m already thinking about lunch. Have a great weekend!
- SBI Team
The purpose of this newsletter is to stay informed on business in the solar industry. Advice or opinions may be included, but any actions taken are at your own risk. This page may include referral links or sponsored advertisements at no added cost to you. Any purchases made help support the creation of the Solar Business Insights newsletter. Please contact us with any questions.