Part One
5 Reasons you should enter the solar market
The growing need for roofers in the solar industry
According to SEIA, the residential solar market had a record year of installations in 2022, with 40% growth over 2021. And the solar market has no plans to slow down. According to a study conducted by Allied Market Research, the global solar market is projected to reach $241.6 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 15.1% year over year.
There’s no other way to put it: Homeowners have a strong and growing interest in solar. While the opportunity for roofing contractors to profit from solar is apparent, we still haven’t seen adoption at a wide scale from roofers. So let’s look at why now could be the perfect time for you to enter the solar market.
Reason 1
Meeting new construction mandates
More local governments are enacting solar mandates and energy efficiency standards for new construction. Both residential and commercial buildings are responsible for almost 40% of the country’s carbon dioxide emissions. To combat climate change, states either have or are working to implement mandates to transition to renewable energy sources. California was the first to enact a state-wide solar mandate for new construction, but many counties and cities throughout the US followed suit.
Ultimately, these mandates will be a big change to the construction industry. But they’re also a great opportunity for roofers looking to move into solar.
Obtaining a license to install solar panels gives you:
- A competitive edge, as general contractors only need to hire one company to perform the roof & solar installation
- Tax incentives for installing the solar panels
- Reduction in defect claims from solar installations after the roof is installed
As more cities begin to adopt energy efficiency statutes, being able to install solar for new buildings will be a huge win for the people commissioning a building when they hire you.
Reason 2
Meeting the growing demand for solar installers
Regardless of new construction mandates, the general demand for home solar has soared in the past few years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 29.1 GW of new electric generating capacity in the U.S. in 2023 will be solar, accounting for 54% of planned new capacity for the year. With growing homeowner demand comes the demand for qualified installers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for solar installers will grow by 52% between 2020 and 2030.
Luckily, you’re in the right place at the right time since you can help serve this growing demand with your existing skill set.
Reason 3
You have the clients
75% of U.S. roofs are made from asphalt shingles with a 15-20 year lifespan. Compared to the 20-30 year life span of solar PV systems life span of 20-30 years, the average asphalt roof would need to be replaced sooner than the system.
This is where you come in.
An estimated 10-20% of residential solar system jobs aren’t completed by the solar installer because the home needs a new roof. Depending on how old the roof is when beginning a solar installation, it may need to be completely redone before installing solar panels. Being able to install solar when installing a new roof is a big win for homeowners who already trust you and your work on their roof.
Reason 4
You already have the knowledge
One of your biggest advantages as a roofer is your experience and trustworthiness. This makes building trust with a homeowner much easier for you than with the typical solar installer.
For example, if you’ve done hundreds of roof installs, you already know how to determine the condition of a roof, which makes it much simpler to advise a homeowner on whether it’s the right to get solar.
Reason 5
You can boost your revenue with minimal effort
As solar installations take off, securing this additional revenue stream can help you grow your customer base and build your bottom line. Become a full-service roof and solar provider, and you may be able to double your revenue, as the cost of a residential solar system averages between $15,000 - $25,000 per installation.
There are several ways to enter the solar market without going all-in on solar installs. We’ll get to that later in this guide, but first, let’s look at the specialist training your team will need as you take your first steps into the solar space.
