The solar industry is highly competitive. The crowded market has over 13,000 installation companies across the country, and while some are seeing incredible success, others are struggling to make ends meet.
Like other young industries, the solar industry is young and fickle. So, what does it take to succeed? What makes the magic formula for a winning solar company?
Scalability. That’s what it takes to get ready for success.
With so much to do to keep your company running right now, it may seem overwhelming to consider scaling. But you don’t need a huge budget and a lot of time to keep your company competitive and prepared for manageable growth.
What is Scalability?
Scalability is a word that gets thrown around a lot in the business world – and not just the solar world. But what does it really mean?
The simplest definition for a scalable business is a business that has the flexibility and potential to meet increasing demands and increase revenue with minimal and predictable costs.
Essentially, it’s easy to grow your business quickly when the opportunity presents itself, without taking on a lot of expenses.
Small businesses often lack the resources, systems, and agility to respond to increasing demand. They may take years to reach a point when they can scale, even if the opportunity is there otherwise.
Conversely, scalable businesses can pivot and grow in weeks. When the opportunity presents itself, they can create manageable growth to keep their business running efficiently in the long term.
How to Make Your Solar Company Scalable
Create Standard Operating Procedures
Any processes in your business should have standard operating procedures (SOPs). This is basically a document that includes step-by-step instructions to execute tasks or processes. These are developed in a manner that allows you to delegate a task to virtually anyone and they have the information they need to complete it correctly.
Outsource Whenever Possible
You don’t need to do everything in-house. Outsourcing tasks not only frees time, but it keeps your overhead low and reduces your risk. You also get the benefit of an expert to handle specific aspects of your business that you’re not proficient in, such as solar marketing or accounting, so you can focus on mission-critical tasks. Additionally, many solar company opt to hire a sales coach outside of their organization to ensure the readiness of their sales team.
Focus on the Customer Experience
It costs more money and takes more time to bring in new customers than retaining existing ones. Scalable businesses know how to cross-sell, upsell, and show value to their customers to maximize their revenue and save time. These businesses also offer exceptional customer experiences that keep the customer’s needs in the forefront, ensuring that they build loyalty and brand advocates who will leave good reviews and share positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Key Takeaways
Scalable businesses are more efficient, valuable, and profitable. By building systems and processes, outsourcing where you can, and creating an exceptional customer experience, you can ensure that you’re ready to scale your business when the demand increases, without sacrificing the quality or service you provide to your customers.