How to get right Solar Power LeadsPosted by reek on December 4th, 2017 Today, the energy sources used to create electricity differ in many ways, including in their environmental impacts. In most of the countries, electricity is most often generated using fossil or nuclear fuels—forms of power generation that can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment through air emissions and other problems. India launched its National Solar Mission in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, with plans to generate 20 GW by 2022. This was later revised to a target of 100 GW by the same time frame. India's installed PV generation has been expanding at a very rapid pace in recent years, with the total capacity increasing from 10 MW in 2010 to over 16,200 MW as of September 2017. Many states already require utilities to supply some of their electricity from renewable sources. These state mandates (known as “compliance” markets) require a percentage of the utility’s power mix to come from renewable sources, so that utility customers will “green” their power mix somewhat without taking any conscious action. Voluntary purchases, however, are still an important strategy for organizations that want to buy most or all their power from renewable sources or want to promote innovative development of green power. Voluntary green power purchases have played an important role in driving development of the market and are expected to be an important part of the market for the foreseeable future. Buying residential solar leads is becoming a popular consideration among installation businesses. And at first it may seem like a good idea. After all, residential solar is built off of leads – the more you get, the more convert and the more money you make, right? But in reality, after a few months in the industry, owners quickly realize that the quality of solar lead is the only thing that really matters. Poor quality leads just waste time and money. So the focus shifts towards finding ways to generate solar leads instead to buy them. And that’s something that lead generation websites just can’t do. There are tons of reason why you shouldn’t buy residential solar leads. But instead of trying to convince you, I’m simply going to tell you… Sites use a tactic called ‘keyword stuffing’, whereby they repeats phrases like “buying solar leads” over and over again to get his website on the front page of Google – so that solar installers like you will click on it. And just like his cheap search ranking tactics, the way they generates their solar leads is no different. Telemarketing for solar leads is nothing more than asking a series of ‘qualifying questions’ to random home owners . You may as well hire high school student to do that. He can probably get 5-10 ‘hits’ per hour – and his wage wouldn’t cost you more than . And their print and PPC ads? Well, same way they got you to click on their site by gaming the search engine system, you bet they’re going to game home owners the same way. Ok – maybe that’s a bit far. But either way – it’s going to cost you every time someone calls that number. Why? Because that’s a ‘warm’ solar lead. I wouldn’t spend a dime on such sites. Our Learning and advancement experts have spent good time in infusing new vitality and a crisp point of view into preparing programs of Solar panel installation training . Developing a culture of discovering that grasps new imaginative thoughts and practices has been a vital target for some associations. The Platform fosters greater connection between solar companies, training institutes, trainees and job seekers, in order to meet market demands in India and across the globe , where solar energy market is rapidly expanding. Notice how some of the telemarketing leads cost only each. This is probably what they are worth – and what I previously estimated your high school student can get them for. But again, low quality leads are not worth your time. Be wary of anyone offering high value at an impossibly low cost. Some website pages clearly says “VIC (very important customer) leads”, “VIP leads”, and “Qualified solar lists”. Leads of this description can’t be acquired for just . Any business owner knows that. Don’t get caught up in fancy descriptions. Notice how the leads are “semi-exclusive”. You never know how many solar businesses are hitting the ‘download button. Seriously – the clients on these lists are probably sick of calls. Keep an eye out for shared or ‘semi exclusive’ solar panel leads. Last point: Notice what many websites says? “all leads were generated within the last 12 months”. Guys, this deal is sounding worse and worse. Aged leads are a huge problem in this industry. You want fresh clients who are interested in solar energy, now. Reason being? Income, land location, even interest in solar can vastly change over the course of a year. If you do decide to buy leads – this is the site I would recommend. Just a few things to consider: The prices are a bit steep. Summary: What to watch for when buying solar leads Exclusivity – Whenever possible you want leads that are exclusive to you. Shared leads not only split the competition between you and your competitors, but also bombard the customer. It can turn an interested client into an overwhelmed one – often times, no one wins. Age – Tried to sell us leads generated within the ‘last 12 months’. Clients can move, income can fluctuate, and interest in solar can change. Always inquire about how old you leads are before you buy. Price – Through case study we found leads between ----0. In general – low priced leads are not worth much of your time. Price is the most basic indicator of quality. Better to spend 0 for someone who’s actually interested in you than spend 0 for 100 people who are not. Contact method – How is the lead generation producer finding their leads? Are they cold calling or running print or web ads or other? If they are cold calling – remember that even if you are the first installation company to client – you’ll still be following up a telemarketing call. Not a good first impression. Lead qualification – How are the solar leads qualified? Is it based on household income, interest in solar, land location, or all three? How old are the leads, do they own their house? Are they serious about investing in solar, or do they just like the idea of saving the planet? Know the whole process and decide if it describes your ideal client. It’s a lot to consider. But with proper discipline and a little searching, you can find a company that’s the best fit for you. Like it? Share it!More by this author |