Larger, centralized organizations can negotiate with big banks directly. Leasing, which is driving sales at SolarCity and Sungevity, can arguably also be more challenging with individual franchisees. Franchising has a proven track record, but they will compete against local installers who can claim decades of experience. SolarCity captures the maximum revenue from a job, but invariably has the highest capital cost. Which approach works best? It's still tough to tell. Although solar panels prices have plummeted in the last few years, "soft" and installation costs can be tougher to bring down. At Sungevity, 30 percent of the employees spend their days deciphering local building codes and rebate forms. Installation and paperwork can account for 20 percent or more of a solar project. "Mostly they are electricians, roofers and contractors who are intrigued with solar and have always wanted to get into it," he said.
#Solar grids franchise software#
(A former software exec, Bono also owned some Quizno's outlets in the Bay Area in a previous life.) The company has 21 franchisees, up from zero in early 2008, and hopes to expand to 45 or 46 this year, said CEO and founder Joe Bono. Solar Universe also likes to secure volume discounts on inverters and panels for its franchisees. The customer gets a standardized, arguably more reliable initiation into solar, the electrician enters a new market and Solar Universe gets a portion of the revenue from each job in the form of a royalty payment. It seeks out contractors that want to get into solar, trains them, and then provides them with software, branding and sales leads. Solar Universe, which raised $7 million from Rockport Capital and others in a second round of financing, approaches this process through the franchise model. Sungevity signs contracts directly with customers and oversees its projects, but outsources the actual installation to third-party installers. SolarCity has taken the tack of hiring and training its own installers. Franchise Marketing Solutions does not sell or endorse any franchise company that may appear on or be recommended by the services provided by this website.What's the best way to establish a nationwide network of solar installers?
#Solar grids franchise registration#
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