3 Reasons to Choose a Local Expert When Going Solar

The dust is beginning to settle on the young 
the solar energy industry and local economies are responding to the exponential growth of the flourishing solar market in very different ways. As local utilities develop new rate structures, and different parts of the country mandate more region-specific regulations and incentive programs, the generalized "one size fits all" approach that was once the path to success for large national brands is quickly becoming an impediment.

The complex financing models many of the national installers have built their businesses upon are quickly becoming unprofitable as US utilities roll out more region-specific, variable rate plans that are less lucrative against a strict lease model. In addition, most national installers rely heavily on federal tax incentives. Between the lowered cost of solar panels and a growing selection of versatile financing options that allow customers to keep their tax credits and retain system ownership, larger national brands are finding it increasingly difficult to compete.

Local installers have fostered nimble business models that can better adapt to regional utility rate changes. Furthermore, local solar companies such as Sun Valley Solar Solutions are coming together to develop solar energy cooperatives such as Amicus, which allows them to compete with the buying power of these larger national brands while maintaining regionally specific efforts and expertise.

We are already seeing some large national companies respond to the changing local markets, many of which are deciding to pull back their home solar installation crews instead of contracting local experts for the installation process. This also has major benefits for system reliability since local expertise is generally more experienced with the best installation techniques for extreme climate conditions such as the arid Arizona desert.

It's becoming more and more evident that a transition from large national chains to specialized local companies is beginning to emerge. However, it is important to note that this change is not a sign of weakness or failure of the solar industry as a whole but simply an important evolutionary step for a relatively young industry adapting to more diverse, localized rate structures.

Whatever the motivation, the net result is shaping to be a more resilient, diverse, and customer-centric industry, which helps strengthen the local economy.

Benefits at a Glance:

• A local solar expert is more aware and better able to adapt to local utility and region-specific regulations and incentives
• Many national brands are locked into a single financing model – specifically leases. Local providers are generally more free to offer various financing options where customers benefit from more immediate system ownership, as well as solar tax incentives.
• Statistics show that a greater percentage of dollars spent at a local company stays in your community and strengthens the local economy.

You can download our exclusive solar guide to learn more about switching to solar energy. We invite you to download the guide, and if you're interested, contact us below for a free solar quote.