The slower sales season has arrived. The next few months can be a difficult time for solar professionals and their businesses. Colder weather, the bustling holiday season and myths about solar’s inefficiency in winter can dry up customer pipelines and dip revenue.
However with a bit of creativity, the winter season can be the perfect time to hone in on strategy and foster community relationships — so you can hit the ground running in the spring! Here are a few ideas from our team members to get your planning started.
1. Keep up with customer communications.
With the smaller influx of new customers, you can use the slow season to connect with prior customers and ask them how their system is running or for any feedback they may have. It’s also a great time to go through your declines for the year to see if they are still interested in solar and if their credit/financial situation has changed.
2. Stay active in your community.
A slow-down in sales can free up your schedule to do some networking. Go to local social events, work parties or gatherings put on by solar-related organizations. Connect with like-minded businesses, industry peers or advocate for solar causes like SolarAPP+ permitting. Remember that wherever you go, always bring your business card!
3. Enjoy the season.
Make a point of attending holiday events or neighborhood block parties during December. Create holiday-themed greeting cards or flyers for customers you worked with in the last year - it’s a festive way to keep those relationships strong. Focus on resolutions after the New Year and following through with them in February. Just because business is slow, doesn’t mean morale has to be low!
4. Focus on your brand.
Marketing can lead to higher sales conversions and an increased awareness of your services. Take pictures of finished projects and happy customers, and share their stories online. Use creative content on platforms like Facebook or Linkedin to reach larger audiences and interact with prospective customers.
5. Consider system add-ons.
Research energy-saving add-ons that could benefit homeowners and help you close more deals. By offering add-ons, you can differentiate your business in a competitive market and build stronger on-going relationships with customers.
6. Prioritize 2025 planning.
Identify growth opportunities within your business. What initiatives worked best during the last busy season, and where did issues arise? The slow season gives you the opportunity to optimize your internal processes, focusing on new or previously successful strategies for a productive upcoming sales year.
Financing applied for and processed through the Mosaic platform is originated by Solar Mosaic LLC or one of its lending/financing partners. Equal Housing Lender