{"id":9745,"date":"2024-04-30T14:18:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-30T14:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aurorasolar.com\/?p=9745"},"modified":"2024-04-30T19:37:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T19:37:05","slug":"solar-dealer-programs-101-how-to-build","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aurorasolar.com\/blog\/solar-dealer-programs-101-how-to-build\/","title":{"rendered":"Solar dealer programs 101: How to build"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a successful solar business, you know it\u2019s not easy getting to the top. There\u2019s marketing, prospecting, creating proposals, and selling systems, of course. Then there\u2019s the actual design, sourcing parts, coordinating installations, and getting them approved. Every project in a solar company’s portfolio is time-intensive and requires significant attention to detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you have these processes in place and are managing your installs like a pro, maybe you\u2019re ready to take on more business, enter a new area of service, or expand your footprint in other ways. If so, maybe you\u2019ve considered starting a sales dealer network. After all, there are other companies out there facing the same time and resource constraints you are \u2014 a network can provide complementary expertise and help you scale faster.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it can seem like a big lift \u2014 and it is \u2014 standing up a dealer network can help you expand your reach, introduce solar to more customers, and ultimately make more money. You just need the know how, the right tools, and, of course, the right partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There’s still a lot of opportunity for solar, starting a dealer network can help you expand your footprint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In this series, we\u2019ll look at what it takes to start a successful dealer network, from the basics, to the tools you need, to how to get a jump on succeeding. In this post, we\u2019ll get started with the basics: What dealer networks are, and what your potential partners are looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are solar dealer networks? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Much like in the car industry, where authorized local businesses sell nationally known products, solar dealer networks connect top photovoltaic (PV) brands or installers to their end consumers through a \u201cnetwork\u201d of qualified dealers \u2014 sales-focused companies or individual contractors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the ever-changing landscape of the US solar industry, dealer networks are becoming a big part of the nationwide businesses that deliver PV systems from well-known solar brands to customers within designated service areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get all the solar dealer network info fit to print in our Guide to Solar Dealer Networks<\/a> (ungated!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Click above to get the ungated guide.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How does a solar dealer program work? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Also known as solar \u201cpartnership programs\u201d or \u201cdealer programs,\u201d solar dealer networks consist of sales organizations (\u201cdealers\u201d) that close deals on behalf of PV brands and installers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For large-scale dealer networks, the PV manufacturer, distributor, or installer will have an application process that a solar business must complete to be a part of a brand\u2019s partnership program. There may also be fees and product training as part of the onboarding process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of today\u2019s top solar manufacturers and brands offer dealer programs, with a wide variety of contract structures, tiered membership levels, and unique value propositions available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Starting a dealer network can be a great way to expand your business.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To illustrate how a typical solar dealer network operates, here is a look at the business model\u2019s three key players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n