Have you read the report suggesting US solar instalments?
It marks 23.5 GW in the US, installing new solar capacity, with a significant portion coming from the residential sector.
[Solar Energy Industries Association 2023 Solar Industry Data]
While the number is just amazing, so is the competition in solar companies. The question to address is – how to generate leads for solar sales
Everyone wants to tap into the market, and with the right tools and strategies, you can generate residential solar leads for your company, even on a low marketing budget. We’ve narrowed down some quick to-dos that can get you sustainable and free leads. Too good to be true?
Let’s find out ho to generate leads for solar sales, and then a specific tilt towards residential solar leads.
Before addressing how let’s first understand why.
Why online lead generation matters for residential solar leads
The reason is straightforward: online lead generation matters because the numbers prove it is important.
A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory revealed that 70% of homeowners considering solar panels begin their research online.
📄 72% of homeowners considering solar panels begin their research online:
(Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2024 Solar Technologies Market Assessment).
That means people are searching for information on the solar industry, and as a solar company, outreach should be in every corner of the exploration of the end user to make sure to grab residential solar leads online.
The short and one of the answers to ‘how to generate leads for solar sales’ then becomes – by being on the internet and positioning your solar company in a way that is most accessible for end users to find is important to generate residential solar leads.
Now, let’s understand the how.
How can a solar company generate residential solar leads online?
These methods have been talked about over and over again, but the trick here is not in the methods but in the execution. Here are some actionable pointers that have proven to work for residential solar companies to work for lead generation.
Search Engine Optimization:
We are all aware of how and why SEO holds significant importance in content marketing for any brand.
If you’re not well-versed with this, rewind a little and consider reading these pieces.
How to execute SEO strategies to generate residential solar leads online:
- Keyword research: Identify high-volume keywords with local search intent such as “residential solar installation, include city names or state names to target specific audiences, include zip code to narrow down your research, etc.
- Technical SEO: Ensure website mobile-friendliness, fast loading speed, and clean code structure.
- Backlinks: Build high-quality backlinks from reputable websites in the solar industry or local communities.
- On-page optimization: Optimize website content for target keywords. Use them naturally in titles, headings, meta descriptions, and throughout the content. Please don’t fall for stuffing keywords unnecessarily. Create a content reach homepage and maintain it from time to time.
- Local SEO: Claim and optimize your My Business listing. Maintain consistent NAP (Name, address, phone) across directories.
- Content creation: Create high-quality, informative content addressing homeowner concerns about solar energy such as benefits, costs, financing, etc.
- Track & analyze: Regularly monitor website traffic, keyword rankings, and lead generation using analytics tools. Always work according to numbers.
Brand awareness for residential solar leads
Spend time and resources on creating the brand identity for your product. The brand identity will build trust and credibility in your brand.
How to create brand awareness to generate residential solar leads:
- Develop USP: USPs are unique selling propositions which include what sets your solar products apart. This could be in terms of technology, pricing, warranties or customer experience.
- Pay attention to design: Create a logo, choose colours, fonts, and imagery reflecting brand values, and resonating with the audience.
- Messaging: Develop a compelling brand message—communicate who you are, what you offer, and why choose you.
- Website optimization: Ensure user-friendly design, showcase brand identity and provide valuable solar solutions info.
- Leverage social media platforms: Maintain active profiles, engage the audience, share insights, and demonstrate expertise.
- Exceptional customer service: Deliver excellent service, build trust, and enhance brand reputation.
- Educate and inform: Establish as a thought leader, and create educational content on solar benefits, installation, and maintenance. Leverage platforms like blogs, newsletters, guest posting, webinars, etc to enhance your brand visibility.
- Collect testimonials: Use testimonials, case studies showing successful installations, and satisfied customers to build brand credibility.
Leverage Podcasts
Video format content is the future of content creation. It not only helps with quick content consumption by the audience but helps the brand with SEO as well.
Here’s how video content will help you with SEO and eventually generate residential solar leads:
- Enriched user engagement: Videos make consumers stay on your website longer and bounce less, which tells search engines that your material is worthwhile and relevant to their needs.📄 Studies suggest video content can hold user attention longer than written content. Research by Microsoft indicates an average of 2-4 minutes for video content, while written content might capture attention for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. (Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/podcast/regain-control-of-your-focus-and-attention-with-researcher-gloria-mark).
- Rich media: Different content kinds are given priority by search engines. Videos offer a vibrant, captivating experience that can increase clicks and views.
- Featured snippets: Videos can be highlighted in search results, boosting exposure and directing viewers to your website. These snippets can be repurposed in blogs, newsletters, and on social media.
- Increased backlink potential: Videos of superior quality have a higher chance of being linked to by other websites.
Use the right tools and resources
Using the right tools will accelerate your efforts. Take the help you need and 10x your ROI. Here are a few tools that have shown results for lead generation for residential solar companies.
Tools to accelerate your marketing ROI:
- SEMRush: SEO tool that provides analytics and insights to optimize online visibility and performance.
- Notion: Collaboration tool for teams to organize, plan, and manage projects and documents in one place.
- Loom: Video messaging tool for recording and sharing quick video messages and tutorials.
- White-labelled quotation tool: Software for creating customizable and branded price quotes or estimates for clients or customers.
SunLead has proven to be an authentic White Label Online Quotation Tool for residential solar companies.
It required no IT support to get integrated into your product. With bare minimal integration, visitors will get instant quotes, leading to:
✅ Lower customer acquisition cost, by 80%
✅ Organic residential solar leads
✅ Sustainable growth
Learn more about the quotation tool here – Generate organic leads for your solar business 👀
Here are more resources that can help you with lead generation in the solar industry:
The Pros and Cons of Purchasing Solar Leads: Costs and Considerations
How are Solar Companies Generating Leads for Free