Conversations about climate change, energy, and sustainability have become more and more prevalent as scientists urge action. People have begun to take the responsibility of living sustainably more seriously in the past few years, which has led to environmentally-friendly alternatives for various processes. One energy-saving alternative that has taken the world storm is solar power.

Solar power is generated through solar panels, typically positioned on roofs. They absorb sunlight and are able to generate a flow of electricity. This is a great, sustainable alternative to other energy sources, as sunlight is an infinite source and this process does not cause pollution. Because of their eco-friendly nature and long-term financial benefits, solar power has soared in popularity in recent years.

The benefits of solar power are numerous. First, they save water, since traditional electricity uses large amounts to fuel a building. Solar power uses no water at all, which serves to preserve this life-sustaining resource. In addition to this, solar power reduces our need for fossil fuels, does not contribute to air pollution, and reduces the carbon emissions of the structures it operates in.

Because of the promise of solar power, the solar power industry is expanding rapidly. Since the year 2000, the solar power industry has grown at a rate of 42 percent each year. This is an absolutely tremendous growth rate and has led to a surge in job opportunities. As of 2019, 250,000 Americans work in the solar industry.

If you are interested in sustainability, and also interested in starting a business, the solar power industry might be a good fit for you. It leaves a positive impact on the environment, is in high demand, and has great potential for future growth. While starting a solar power business is challenging, there are many tips available to get you well on your way.

Determine If You Need a License

Every state is different when it comes to laws about solar energy, but it’s possible you may need to hit the books and acquire a license to begin launching your company. If your state does require a license, there is no need to worry or doubt yourself. Acquiring a license might take some studying, but it will also give you an opportunity to sit down and learn more about the work you are planning to start a business performing. Some states will require a contracting license under electrical contracting.

If you do end up needing to pursue a license, try your best to treat it as a learning opportunity rather than a burden. This will allow you to enjoy the experience of learning about your field, and will equip you with skills to better launch and manage your company. Even if your state does not require a license, you might consider pursuing an optional certification to either gain knowledge of the field or just to acquire a professional accolade to improve the reputation of your business.

Register and Insure Your Business

Once you’re ready to launch your company, you will need to register your business with the state, obtain any permits, and register with the International Revenue Service. From there, you should also acquire insurance for your business. You will need liability coverage, and if you plan on hiring employees for full-time work, you will need to obtain workers’ compensation plans.

Build Your Team

Now that you’re certified, registered, and have ironed out legal logistics, it’s time to start envisioning your company. Ask yourself if you are ready to bring on team members and staff to help you in your new company, and how many people you are able to bring on. If you plan to hire employees, it’s important to consider how you will evaluate candidates.

Before you start accepting applications or bringing on staff, it might help to write down a list of qualities you want to make sure your workers have. Be sure to ask questions that will help you identify these qualities, and make your hiring decisions accordingly. As you begin bringing on employees, remember all the work you have already put into this company and make hiring decisions based on who will best bring your goals and visions to fruition.

Assemble Equipment and Materials

Installing solar power does require quite a bit of equipment. In addition to the actual solar power equipment, you will need to sort out your transportation, acquire personal protective equipment, and have other materials you might want on hand in case of an emergency, such as first aid kits. One thing that might be challenging is your transportation options.

To transport solar panels and supplementary materials, you will likely need a car larger than what you already have. Obtaining a truck is most likely necessary, which can be done through a truck rental company so that you do not have to worry about an extremely large expense but can still have access to a truck for projects that extend over a long period of time.

Market Your Company

To maximize the results of all your hard work so far, you should come up with a marketing plan to get the word out about your business. Create social media pages, pay for advertisements, and tell your friends and family to get the word out in their social circles. As you develop a marketing plan, think about what will make your business distinct and how you can best convince someone of the importance and promise of solar energy. Incorporate this into branding your business and creating logos, taglines, and other promotional ideas.

Because solar panels and solar energy are such trendy topics right now, you are launching a business in an industry with all the right conditions. By creating a solar panel installation business, you are truly meeting a need in the market, as demand for this service and product is so particularly high.

If for some reason your business starts out slow, remember to be patient and rest assured that you are working in one of the most promising industries in the United States, all the while doing work that will benefit the environment.