26 Mar
2011
Solar Powered Sign Lighting
Solar billboard
Starting a Solar Power Business - Part 1
For an outsider, today seems like solar power's heyday. It's all over the news, the technology is advancing, and the government has plenty of incentives out there. But many solar insiders and installers are doing their best Jerry Maguire impression and saying 'Show me the money!' They're wondering where all the customers are hiding. I've heard dozens of contractors say that they have tons of 'want to' prospects that they just cannot turn into 'will do' customers even with all the incentives out there.
The fact is most people are holding onto those purse strings tight. Energy conservation is pretty low on the list for your potential customers when their worried about their jobs, health care, and home values. But there are some ways you can stimulate your business until the economy recovers. Here's a few ideas for growing your business by making it 'smaller'.
Solar for RVs
You know who still has disposable income? Upper middle class retirees. You know what they do with most of their time? They chase the sunshine in a truck big enough to live in. You know what those machines need? You guessed it, RV solar panels. By some estimates there are 30,000,000 RV enthusiasts and even in last year's down economy they bought 70,000 recreational vehicles. Chances are there is a hungry market near you. There are complete kits that make installation a cinch. Start at the RV storage lots with signs and fliers. Try the local dealerships too, even if they already have the ability to install them they may need mounting systems, panels, and charge controllers. Try an ad in your local RV trader magazine too.
Solar for Boats
Talk about disposable income, boat owner's fit the bill. Even more so than RV's, boats need a reliable power source for longer cruises. Thanks to the DC systems already in place on boats and the ample sunshine they get, PV is ideal for boating applications. Often times a panel in conjunction with a small wind turbine can provide 90% of a boats power needs. Try marketing at local marinas, and make sure all the boat storage and repair shops in your area know your name.
Solar Golf Carts
There are simple, affordable kits that attach right to the roof and will turn that little machine green. They will also qualify for the 30% federal tax credit for solar power. With volatile gas prices and more towns accepting them on regular roads, golf carts aren't just for golf anymore. Try a direct mail flier to golf-cart friendly communities. And of course you have the golf course market; start with the country clubs. They can reduce their power bills and show their members their eco-consciousness. Plus businesses can depreciate 100% of the of the cost of the systems in year one. Offer to outfit a cart with a panel and your logo at cost to get started. Also consider sponsoring golf tournaments in your area.
Remote Power Solutions
One forgotten area for many installers is the light industrial market. Oil service companies, communication companies, security companies, and government entities need small affordable power systems to power their 'way out' electronics. These systems are usually small, easy to install, and many times a company will need a couple dozen of them. Face to face meetings are best with these types of customers. Set up meetings with engineers and purchasing managers and educate them about what solar can do. Contact city managers about traffic and street lights too, there are solar solutions for nearly every application these days but most people don't know they exist.
Outdoor Advertising & Sign Companies
Ask anybody in the sign or billboard business and they'll tell you one of the biggest headaches is lighting their signs. Thanks to advancements in LED technology, PV is a great solution for powering lights. Show them that they can save money and flash their green cred to their customers and they'll be hooked. Call all the sign manufacturers and billboard companies in your area and see if they've heard about the free energy you can provide them.
You can grow your solar business quickly thanks to the affordability and ease of installation of these small systems. Next week we'll discuss new marketing techniques to home builders and homeowners.
![]() Designers Edge L-949 10 LED Rechargeable Solar Panel Shed Light Model List Price: Sale Price: $24.29 You save: $3.70 (13%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionBring light to your dark shed, without having to connect to your local power grid. This LED shed light features 10 bright LED's that are powered via a solar panel. The panel can be placed in direct sunshine with the included 20-foot extension cord. Mount the light on the ceiling or wall for maximum flexibility, or use it as a utility light for a work bench. A pull chain allows easy on and off. A switch on the body lets you select between 10 LED's that last 2 hours, or 5 LED's that last 4 hours. The LED's have an average rated life of 100,000 hours, ensuring years of continuous use. The solar panel has a glass cover for protection in wet locations. Includes three AA rechargeable batteries and all mounting hardware. This fixture is approved for damp location use as defined by the National Electric Code. Please consult your local electrical code for details. DL # 274093. Features
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![]() Moonrays 93100 2-Sided Address Light Solar Powered Glowing Stake Mount or Wall Mount List Price: Sale Price: $27.60 You save: $5.38 (16%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionODYSSEY GLIDE FLIGHTCASE 10in MIXER AND 2 CD PLYR Features
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![]() Mr. Light Solar-Powered Hummingbird Garden Stake with Color-Changing LED Backlighting Sale Price: $24.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionOur solar garden stake has a unique design which features an integrated solar panel midway down the stake. Inside is a rechargeable AA NI-MH battery. A color-changing LED atop the stake shines through the clear acrylic 4" x 5" hummingbird to give a spectacular, decorative lighting effect in your garden. Plant the stake in the ground where it will get full sun, and the photo switch in the solar panel automatically turns itself on at night. Your garden stake will begin to glow as darkness falls, and continue to provide a calming light show into the night. (Assembled stands 32" tall) Features
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![]() Pine Top 508-0011 Solar Address Number Night Light, Plastic, Black Sale Price: $30.64 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSolar panels convert sunlight to energy stored in long-life rechargeable batteries. Dusk to dawn sensor automatically turns light on as night approaches. Features
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![]() Paradise GL23836BK2 Plastic Solar Spot Light, 2-Pack, Black Sale Price: $16.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features
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![]() Moonrays 91362 Solar Power Highlighted Hummingbird Welcome Sign Garden Accent List Price: Sale Price: $19.48 You save: $3.50 (15%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHummingbird motif. Welcome across the bottom. White LED light. Rechargeable NiCd battery (included). Features
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![]() Moonrays 91248 Solar Powered Plastic Post Cap Lamp Light, Copper finish List Price: Sale Price: $12.99 You save: $0.59 (4%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features
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![]() Ez-view Solar Powered Illuminated Address Numbers Sign - Set of 4 List Price: Sale Price: $15.85 You save: $9.15 (37%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionCan Your Home Be Identified In The Dark??? Emergency services, home deliveries & friends can find you with ease by using "EZ View" illuminated house numbers!!! * Automatically illuminates bright red at night! * Visible at night from over 100 feet! * Place them anywhere- house, garage, fence, or even on a tree! * Stores the daylight onto its power cells which hold 1,000 hours of energy! * (THIS PACKAGE HAS 4 UNITS) Each unit supplied with 10 numbers! * Do it yourself- installs with just two screws (included)! * Simple design, requires 1 unit for each digit in your address! * Each unit has its own solar panel! * Units snap each other to form your address! * Cost efficient and maintenance free- requires no electricity, a few minutes of daylight powers the Lite Up Address sign for weeks! * No bulb changes, uses LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology! * Comes with a 1 year warranty! * Brand New, Never Opened, In Box!!!!!!WHATS IN THE BOX4 UNITS Each unit supplied with 10 numbers! * Do it yourself- installs with just two screws (included)! * Simple design, requires 1 unit for each digit in your address! * Each unit has its own solar panel! * Units snap each other to form your address! * Features
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![]() Unique Arts Solar House Number, Stainless Steel List Price: Sale Price: $29.99 You save: $10.01 (25%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionUnique solar lights will use no electricity, but light your way with a strong, safe light. Features
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![]() Heath Zenith SL-7210-WH 180-Degree Solar Powered Motion Security Light with LED Bulb, White List Price: Sale Price: $46.81 You save: $3.14 (6%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHeath Zenith SL-7210-WH Solar Powered LED Motion Sensor Light, WhiteHeath Zenith is synonymous with quality, integrity and innovation around the globe. They are committed to developing products that enhance their customer's lives through peace of mind, safety and convenience. Heath Zenith has been the leader in innovative and quality products for over 60 years.Heath Zenith SL-7210-WH Solar Powered LED Motion Sensor Light, White Features:; 180; Detection Zone up to 70 ft away; Uses L.E.D. Light Package (Included); 5 Year Warranty; Light Fixture: 4"w x 2"d x 10"h; Solar Panel: 3.875"w x 1.25"d x 4"h; Motion Activated Nightime Lighting; Selectable Light Timer (TEST, 1 min, 5 min or 20 min) ; Adjustable Detection Sensitivity Features
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