PlanBuildr Logo

Solar Farm Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Solar Farm Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Solar Farm business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their solar farms.

Solar Farm Business Plan Example

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Solar Farm business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Helios Solar is a startup Solar Farm company located in northern New Mexico.  The company was founded by husband and wife team Derek and Meri Smith. Derek has deep experience in the construction industry, and Meri has a background in accounting. The combination of these skills positions the couple to succeed in building and maintaining a solar farm. What’s more, Derek and Meri already own a 250-acre tract of land in sunny New Mexico.

Product Offering

Helios Solar has designated 50 acres on which it will install crystalline silicon solar panels with sun tracking technology. It will begin as a 5MW farm, with ample land for capacity growth. The company will keep abreast of solar technology innovations as it grows.

Customer Focus

Helios Solar will offer wholesale electricity to established utility companies in New Mexico and surrounding states.

Management Team

Helios Solar will be owned and operated by Derek and Meri. Derek will oversee the physical operation of the farm, while Meri will oversee the administrative side.

Derek Smith has a background in construction, and is a graduate of Solar Energy International, and subsequently earned a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification as a PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist.

Meri Smith is a graduate of the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She has been working at a local accounting firm for over a decade as a CPA. Meri’s experience in accounting has given her the skills to manage the company’s finances, and the knowledge to steer the company to financial stability and success.

Success Factors

Helios Solar will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified PV experts
  • An ideal location in New Mexico, with ample room for expansion

Financial Highlights

Helios Solar is seeking $2 million in debt financing to launch its solar farm. The funding will be dedicated towards installing solar panels and payroll of the staff until the farm reaches break even. The breakout of the funding is below:

  • Hardware (modules, inverters, mounts, etc.): $1.7 million
  • Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
  • Overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $200,000
  • Marketing costs: $10,000
  • Working capital: $10,000

To supplement its funding requirements, Helios Solar intends to apply for government grants and take advantage of incentive programs for the installation of solar equipment.

solar farm business financial plan

Company Overview

Who is helios solar.

Helios Solar aims to deliver utility-scale solar power, starting with a 5MW capacity. The husband and wife team is highly qualified and experienced in PV maintenance, accounting, and financial reporting.

Helios Solar History

Helios Solar is owned and operated by Derek and Meri Smith, a former construction manager and certified PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist (Derek), and CPA (Meri). Derek has worked for a large construction company and oversaw a variety of construction projects in the Albuquerque metro area. Derek’s tenure with the construction company, as well as his education in PV maintenance, combined with Meri’s financial acumen has given them the skills and knowledge required to venture out and start their own company. Derek and Meri have been awarded contracts with two large utility companies, which guarantees Helios Solar stability while they work to increase capacity.

Since incorporation, Helios Solar has achieved the following milestones:

  • Registered Helios Solar, LLC to transact business in the state of New Mexico.
  • Has cleared and prepared a 5-acre parcel of land for PV installation, and constructed an office building nearby.
  • Reached out to numerous utilities in order to start getting wholesale contracts.
  • Began recruiting PV maintenance workers, and office personnel to work at Helios Solar.

Helios Solar Services

Industry analysis.

The Solar Power industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $18.3 billion.

The growth will be driven by the large expansion of government spending is set to support the solar industry as the push toward renewables accelerates. Electric power consumption is expected to increase slightly, but is expected to continue its shift toward renewable sources and away from fossil fuels.

The Solar Power industry in the United States is growing rapidly, underpinned by a combination of favorable government incentives and consistent technological advancements. Furthermore, solar power falls into the emergent green energy sector and benefits from rising public and private support.

Costs will likely be reduced as PV panels continue to gain efficiency and manufacturers compete to drive down the price of producing the panels. Solar Farms have also benefited from attractive tax credits and requirements for downstream utilities to diversify energy holdings and integrate renewable energy into their portfolio.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Helios Solar will target utility companies in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.

The precise data for these target states are:

Electric power transmission, control, and distribution industry, 2020
Arizona 47 4,058
Colorado 139 5,506
New Mexico 58 1,823
Utah 107 1,961

Customer Segmentation

Helios Solar will primarily target the following customer profiles:

  • Non-profit utility companies
  • Corporate utility companies
  • Government administered utilities

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Helios Solar will face competition from other companies with similar business models. A description of each competitor company is below.

Sunrise Solar Power Plant

Sunrise Solar is a 794 MWp (614 MWAC) photovoltaic power station in California, near the Mexican border. The facility was developed and constructed in three phases.

The first phase was commissioned in 2014, and supplies 266 MW under a 25-year agreement. The third phase was commissioned in 2018, and provides 328 MW using 2.8 million thin film panels. Phase two was commissioned in early 2020, and provides 200 MW.

The plant users more than 3 million thin-film CdTe photovoltaic modules and 138 skids which rotate on a north-south axis tracking the path of the Sun, and produces enough energy to power 72,000 homes.

Sun Mountain Solar Facility

The Sun Mountain Solar Facility is an 802 megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant. The plant entered service on December 1, 2010. It is co-located with three other solar projects in the region, thus forming a more than 1 gigawatt (GW) solar generating complex.

100 GW·h/year from phase 1 has been sold under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). Power generated from phase 2 has been sold under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA).

This solar complex creates enough electricity to power 200,000 homes. It sits on 4,000 acres of land and has about 4.3 million solar panels. The facility has been built in phases and the first one came on line in 2010, with the rest following in 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2021.

Badlands Solar Park

Badlands Solar Park is one of the largest solar parks in the US. The park is spread over a total area of 7,000 acres, and has a total capacity of 2,000 MW. It is expected to eventually have a total capacity of 3,000 MW. The project is a joint effort between state-owned energy companies, which provide electricity across the country. Construction on the Badlands Solar Park began in 2016.

It was built in four phases:

  • Phase I – 420 MW of capacity
  • Phase II – 250 MW of capacity
  • Phase III – 500 MW of capacity
  • Phase IV – 250 MW of capacity

Competitive Advantage

Helios Solar will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

  • Local, family-owned operation, with highly-qualified PV experts
  • Helios Solar stays abreast of all technology developments, takes care of all maintenance and property improvements, and delivers an accurate and complete set of financials each month.
  • Helios Solar offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Helios Solar will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

  • Highly-qualified team of PV experts that provide a comprehensive set of solar services (financial, accounting, marketing, maintenance, and improvements).
  • Unbeatable pricing to its clients – Helios Solar does not mark up its services at a large percentage. They will offer the lowest pricing in the region.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Helios Solar is as follows:

Professional Associations and Networking

Helios Solar will become a member of solar associations such as Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), American Council on Renewable Energy (ACRE), and Solar Energy International (SEI). They will focus their networking efforts on expanding their brand recognition and relevance.

Print Advertising

Helios Solar will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at solar industry networking events.

Website/SEO Marketing

Helios Solar will maintain a well-organized and informative website, which will list all their services. The website will also list their contact information. The company will also hire a digital marketer to enhance their website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that Helios Solar’s website will be well-positioned at the top of internet search results.

Helios Solar’s pricing will be moderate and on par with competitors so clients feel they receive value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Helios Solar.

Operation Functions:

  • Meri Smith will be President of the company. She will oversee the office and manage client relations.
  • Derek Smith will be CEO of the company. He will oversee field operations: performing installation, maintenance, and upgrades to the solar array.

Milestones:

Helios Solar will have the following milestones complete in the next eight months.

5/1/202X – Finalize construction of office space

615/202X – Finalize property preparation and solar array planning

8/1/202X – Installation of racks and mounts

12/1/202X – Installation of solar array

12/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events

1/1/202X – Helios Solar opens its office for business

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Helios Solar are the electricity fees they will charge to utility companies for their services. Most other solar energy wholesale companies charge $83 per MWh; Helios Solar will initially charge $80 per MWh.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required to maintain and upgrade solar arrays. The major expenses will be payroll, and hardware purchases.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and to pay off the startup business loan.

  • Number of MWh Per Year: 1,750
  • Average Fees: $27/MWh

Financial Projections

Income statement.

FY 1FY 2FY 3FY 4FY 5
Revenues
Total Revenues$360,000$793,728$875,006$964,606$1,063,382
Expenses & Costs
Cost of goods sold$64,800$142,871$157,501$173,629$191,409
Lease$50,000$51,250$52,531$53,845$55,191
Marketing$10,000$8,000$8,000$8,000$8,000
Salaries$157,015$214,030$235,968$247,766$260,155
Initial expenditure$10,000$0$0$0$0
Total Expenses & Costs$291,815$416,151$454,000$483,240$514,754
EBITDA$68,185 $377,577 $421,005 $481,366 $548,628
Depreciation$27,160$27,160 $27,160 $27,160 $27,160
EBIT$41,025 $350,417 $393,845$454,206$521,468
Interest$23,462$20,529 $17,596 $14,664 $11,731
PRETAX INCOME$17,563 $329,888 $376,249 $439,543 $509,737
Net Operating Loss$0$0$0$0$0
Use of Net Operating Loss$0$0$0$0$0
Taxable Income$17,563$329,888$376,249$439,543$509,737
Income Tax Expense$6,147$115,461$131,687$153,840$178,408
NET INCOME$11,416 $214,427 $244,562 $285,703 $331,329

Balance Sheet

FY 1FY 2FY 3FY 4FY 5
ASSETS
Cash$154,257$348,760$573,195$838,550$1,149,286
Accounts receivable$0$0$0$0$0
Inventory$30,000$33,072$36,459$40,192$44,308
Total Current Assets$184,257$381,832$609,654$878,742$1,193,594
Fixed assets$180,950$180,950$180,950$180,950$180,950
Depreciation$27,160$54,320$81,480$108,640 $135,800
Net fixed assets$153,790 $126,630 $99,470 $72,310 $45,150
TOTAL ASSETS$338,047$508,462$709,124$951,052$1,238,744
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Debt$315,831$270,713$225,594$180,475 $135,356
Accounts payable$10,800$11,906$13,125$14,469 $15,951
Total Liability$326,631 $282,618 $238,719 $194,944 $151,307
Share Capital$0$0$0$0$0
Retained earnings$11,416 $225,843 $470,405 $756,108$1,087,437
Total Equity$11,416$225,843$470,405$756,108$1,087,437
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY$338,047$508,462$709,124$951,052$1,238,744

Cash Flow Statement

FY 1FY 2FY 3FY 4FY 5
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS
Net Income (Loss)$11,416 $214,427 $244,562 $285,703$331,329
Change in working capital($19,200)($1,966)($2,167)($2,389)($2,634)
Depreciation$27,160 $27,160 $27,160 $27,160 $27,160
Net Cash Flow from Operations$19,376 $239,621 $269,554 $310,473 $355,855
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENTS
Investment($180,950)$0$0$0$0
Net Cash Flow from Investments($180,950)$0$0$0$0
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING
Cash from equity$0$0$0$0$0
Cash from debt$315,831 ($45,119)($45,119)($45,119)($45,119)
Net Cash Flow from Financing$315,831 ($45,119)($45,119)($45,119)($45,119)
Net Cash Flow$154,257$194,502 $224,436 $265,355$310,736
Cash at Beginning of Period$0$154,257$348,760$573,195$838,550
Cash at End of Period$154,257$348,760$573,195$838,550$1,149,286

Solar Farm Business Plan FAQs

What is a solar farm business plan.

A solar farm business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your solar farm business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your solar farm business plan using our Solar Farm Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Solar Farms?

There are a number of different kinds of solar farms , some examples include: Crystalline Silicon Power Plant, Thin-Film Solar Power Plant, solar panel farms, renewable energy and alternative energy providers.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Solar Farm Business Plan?

Solar farm businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

A well crafted solar farm business plan is essential to attract any type of potential investor.  This is true for a new solar farm, a solar energy business plan and a solar panel business plan.

What are the Steps To Start a Solar Farm Business?

Starting a solar farm business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Write A Solar Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed solar farm business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the solar farm industry and potential target market size, information on the services and/or products you will offer, your mission statement, marketing strategy, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your solar farm business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your solar farm business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Solar Farm Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your solar farming business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your solar farm business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Solar Farm Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your solar farm business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your solar farming business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising to attract potential customers.

Learn more about how to start a successful solar farm business:

  • How to Start a Solar Farm Business
  • Solar Panels Contracts

Solar Farm Business Plan

Used 4,872 times

Give your solar farm business the best start by creating a professional business plan to keep your company on the right track.

e-Sign with PandaDoc

Image 1

Created by:

​ [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] ​

​ [Sender.Company] ​

Prepared for:

​ [Founder.FirstName] [Founder.LastName]

​ [Founder.Company] ​

1. Executive Summary

Our mission is

to provide professional solar panel installation,maintenance and repair services that will assist businesses, individuals, households, and non-profit organizations in ensuring that their solar panels always produce sustainable power.

Our vision is

to establish a standard and world-class solar farm and solar panel installation, maintenance, and repair company whose services and brand will not only be accepted in (Enter State) but also in other cities in the United States of America.

2. Business Description

​ [Founder.Company] was founded by [Founder.FirstName] [Founder.LastName] in (Add year). [Founder.FirstName] [Founder.LastName] (Add the founder’s background) and his friend and business partner for many years (Add your business partner’s name and background if relevant). They have a combined experience that can help them build [Founder.Company] to favorably compete with other solar farm businesses.

​ [Founder.Company] , is a solar farm and solar panel installation, maintenance, and repair company that intends to start small in [Founder.State] , but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading solar energy companies and solar panel installation, maintenance, and repair companies in the industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

3. Mission Statement

​ [Founder.FirstName] [Founder.LastName] , the brains behind this company, has a vision to make Photovoltaic Panels be the main source of energy for (Enter State).

The rising concern for the environment can be lessened by using renewable sources of energy, this is where [Founder.State] comes in the picture. Our company has a team of experts in the solar farms industry that will provide the best and the most reliable services to all our clients.

Goal 1: Energy Supply

Supply solar energy to domestic, commercial and industrial enterprises in need of clean, efficient and reliable solar energy.

Goal 2: Plant Constructions

Construction of CSP power plants, CSP tower power plants and CSP through power plants using the latest environmentally friendly technologies.

Goal 3: Panel Installations

Installation of solar panels, repair and maintenance services thanks to a qualified and reputable installation and quality assurance team.

Goal 4: Consultation

Consultation, energy analysis studies and designing of integrated solar system plans. This involves holding discussions with potential customers to determine their solar needs and recommend an appropriate solution.

​ [Founder.Company] is uniquely qualified to succeed due to the following reasons:

​ [Founder.Company] provides customized residential and business energy solutions. In addition, we have surveyed the local population and received extremely positive feedback saying that they explicitly want to make use of our services when launched.

Our location is in a high-wealth area and is environment friendly; customers here are interested in renewable and sustainable energy.

The management team has a track record of success in the solar energy industry.

In order to ensure business goals are met, [Founder.Company] intends to offer a wide range of services in order to cater to different types of customers. The focus will be placed on offering quality services and deployment of the latest infrastructure and technologies to ensure this solar energy farm business plan realizes its intended purpose.

​ [Founder.Company] will primarily serve the residents and businesses within a 10 mile radius of our location. The demographics of these customers are as follows:

50,336 residents

1,876 businesses

6 utility companies

Annual utility spend/household=$3200

If you are keeping tabs on happenings in the Solar Farm Developers industry, you will agree that the demand for construction of utility-scale solar power projects has skyrocketed many thanks to substantial government support. So also, technological advancements in solar panel construction will definitely lead to a greater supply of low-cost panels, making solar power more affordable and sustainable.

Over the next five years, revenue within the Solar Farm industry is expected to grow tremendously. In general, the capital costs associated with developing and constructing a new solar farm are expected to fall substantially over the next five years due to an excess supply of solar panels as well as general improvements and advancements in solar power technology, which will reduce the per kilowatt-hour (kilowatt of electricity generated in one hour) cost of solar power.

The key industry drivers include:

Tax credits for energy efficiency-Tax credits generally encourage private investment into solar technologies by making development of solar energy projects cheaper. Demand for solar farm development will increase while the tax credit is in effect.

Electric power consumption-Demand for solar power hinges primarily on the level of electric power consumption throughout the United States. Increased demand typically translates into growth in renewable energy implementation.

World price of steaming coal- The price of steaming coal generally reflects demand for coal to produce electricity. An increase in the price of steaming coal leads to higher demand for alternative sources, including solar energy, to the benefit of solar farm developers.

Aside from the fact that we have a vast acre of land in a strategic location in the outskirts of [Founder.State] for our solar farm, our core strength lies in the power of our team and our workforce.

We have a team of certified and highly trained and experienced solar panel installation, maintenance, and repair engineers and technicians, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in The Solar Farm Developers industry.

Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected workforce, our services will be guided by best practices in the industry.

Status of Ownership

​ [Founder.FirstName] [Founder.LastName] the founder of [Founder.Company] will be mostly in charge of managing the solar farm business and approving projects and product developments. His business partner, (Name), will be in charge of handling the company’s finances.

The team is composed of a Projects Manager, Head Engineers, Design and Construction Head, Marketing Head and Administrative Head. These people are the company’s spine and they all work together to take the company to the next level.

4. Products and Services

​ [Founder.Company] has designated (Size of the land) on which it will install (Type of solar panels, along with any relevant details). It will begin as a (Production size of the solar farm) farm, with ample land for capacity growth. The company will keep abreast of solar technology innovations as it grows to ensure optimal returns on investment.

5. Marketing Plan

The [founder.company] brand.

The [Founder.Company] brand will focus on the Company’s unique value proposition:

Offering high quality renewable source of energy

Giving high quality services and products to all of its clients

In Depth industry knowledge and expertise

Promotions Strategy

​ [Founder.Company] ’s target market are residents and businesses in [Founder.State] ​. The Company’s promotions strategy to reach these individuals includes:

Local Publications

​ [Founder.Company] will create brand awareness through features in multiple local newspapers and publications. Regular advertisements will run to maintain exposure and build brand awareness to relevant markets.

Direct and Digital Marketing

​ [Founder.Company] will blanket neighborhoods surrounding its locations with direct mail pieces. These pieces will provide general information on [Founder.Company] , offer discounts and/or provide other enticements for people to avail our services.

Additionally, [Founder.Company] will also use digital marketing to reach a wider audience. Based on demographic analysis, the company will create a social media presence on (List all relevant social media platforms). Along with these channels, [Founder.Company] will also set aside part of the marketing budget specifically for digital/online ads.

Public Relations

We will contact all local and area newspapers and television stations and send them a press release describing the benefits of renewable energy and solar farms and the unique value proposition of [Founder.Company] ​.

Community Events/Organizations

​ [Founder.Company] will conduct informative community discussions and seminars regarding the advantages of using sustainable energy. This seeks to educate people on the negative effects of nonrenewable resources on the environment, while simultaneously promoting our solar farm.

6. Operations Plan

Functional roles.

In order to execute on [Founder.Company] ’s business model, the Company needs to perform many functions including the following:

Service Functions:

Operations Management

Construction and Installation

Research and Development

Administrative Functions

General administrative function

Marketing and advertising

​ [Founder.Company] ’s long term goal is to become the dominant solar farmer and renewable energy provider in (Enter State). We seek to the standard by which other providers are judged.

The following are a series of steps that lead to our vision of long-term success. [Founder.Company] ​ expects to achieve the following milestones in the following (Enter Number) months:

Date

Milestone

(Date 1)

Finalize lease agreement

(Date 2)

Design and build out [Founder.Company]

(Date 3)

Hire and train initial staff

(Date 4)

Kickoff of promotional campaign

7. Management Organization

(Add names)

(Add names)

(Add names)

(Add names)

(Add names)

(Add names)

8. Financial Plan

Profit/loss statement.

Income Statement / Profit/Loss Statement

Total revenue:

Cost of services sold:

Gross profit:

Operating income:

Interest expense

Pretax income:

Taxes:

Net income:

Cash Flow Statement

Cash Flow Statement

Jan ‘23

Feb ‘23

Mar ‘23

Starting cash balance:

Cash received:

Cash from operations:

Cash from sales:

Subtotal cash received:

Additional cash received:

(List sources)

Subtotal additional cash received:

Total cash received:

Expenditures:

(List all expenditures)

Total cash spent:

Net cash flow:

Ending cash balance:

Balance Sheet

Assets and Liabilities

Current Assets:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Cash

Accounts receivable

Inventory

Prepaid expenses

Fixed Assets:

(List all)

Total Assets:

Liabilities

(List all)

Total Liabilities:

Funding Requirements

9. confidentiality statement.

The confidential information and trade secrets described above shall remain the exclusive property of the Company and shall not be shared or removed from the premises of the Company under any circumstances whatsoever without the express prior written consent of the Company.

10. Addendums

​ [Founder.FirstName] [Founder.LastName] ​

Care to rate this template?

Your rating will help others.

Thanks for your rate!

Useful resources

  • Featured Templates
  • Sales Proposals
  • NDA Agreements
  • Operating Agreements
  • Service Agreements
  • Sales Documents
  • Marketing Proposals
  • Rental and Lease Agreements
  • Quote Templates
  • Business Proposals
  • Agreement Templates
  • Purchase Agreements
  • Contract Templates

Business Plan Template for Solar Energy

  • Great for beginners
  • Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
  • Get started in seconds

slide 1

Thinking of venturing into the exciting world of solar energy? Well, you're in luck! ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Solar Energy is here to guide you every step of the way.

With this template, you'll be able to:

  • Craft a comprehensive business strategy tailored specifically for the solar energy industry
  • Develop accurate financial projections that showcase the potential profitability of your venture
  • Conduct a thorough market analysis to identify key trends, opportunities, and competitors
  • Create a detailed implementation plan that outlines your timelines, milestones, and action steps

By using ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Solar Energy, you'll have the perfect tool to attract investors, secure funding, and kickstart your solar energy business. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your solar-powered success today!

Business Plan Template for Solar Energy Benefits

When using the Business Plan Template for Solar Energy, you can enjoy these benefits:

  • Streamline the process of creating a comprehensive business plan specifically tailored to the solar energy industry
  • Effectively communicate your strategy, objectives, and financial projections to potential investors and secure funding for your solar energy venture
  • Conduct a thorough market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and potential competitors in the solar energy industry
  • Develop a clear implementation plan to guide the successful launch and growth of your solar energy business
  • Save time and effort by leveraging a pre-designed template that includes all the essential sections required in a solar energy business plan.

Main Elements of Solar Energy Business Plan Template

When it comes to launching a successful solar energy business, ClickUp's Business Plan Template has you covered with all the essential elements:

  • Custom Statuses: Track the progress of your business plan with four customizable statuses: Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do. Easily stay on top of tasks and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
  • Custom Fields: Capture important information in three custom fields, including Reference, Approved, and Section. Keep all your business plan details organized and easily accessible.
  • Custom Views: Gain different perspectives on your business plan with five unique views. Use Topics to focus on specific areas, Status to track progress, Timeline to visualize milestones, Business Plan to see the big picture, and the Getting Started Guide to help you navigate the template.
  • Collaboration Tools: Collaborate seamlessly with your team by assigning tasks, leaving comments, attaching files, and utilizing ClickUp's powerful integrations.
  • Project Management: Plan, execute, and track your solar energy business plan with ease using features like Goals, Gantt Chart, Board View, Recurring Tasks, Automations, Calendar View, Table View, Dashboards, Whiteboards, Milestones, Email, AI, and Workload View.

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template, you'll have everything you need to create a comprehensive and compelling solar energy business plan.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Solar Energy

If you're ready to create a business plan for your solar energy company, follow these 6 steps using ClickUp's Business Plan Template:

1. Executive Summary

Start by writing a compelling executive summary that outlines the key details of your solar energy business. This section should include your company's mission, vision, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections.

Use Docs in ClickUp to create and write your executive summary in a professional and concise manner.

2. Market Analysis

Conduct thorough research on the solar energy market to identify trends, customer segments, and competitors. Analyze the demand for solar energy in your target market and identify any barriers or opportunities that may exist.

Utilize the Table view in ClickUp to organize and analyze your market research data and present it in an easily digestible format.

3. Product and Service Offering

Clearly define the solar energy products and services you will offer to customers. Explain the unique features and benefits of your offerings, such as solar panel installation, maintenance, and energy storage solutions.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to outline and categorize your product and service offerings, ensuring that all key details are captured.

4. Marketing and Sales Strategy

Develop a comprehensive marketing and sales strategy to reach your target customers and generate leads. Outline your pricing structure, promotional activities, and distribution channels. Identify key partnerships and collaborations that will help you expand your reach.

Use tasks in ClickUp to create a step-by-step plan for executing your marketing and sales strategy, assigning responsibilities to team members and setting deadlines.

5. Financial Projections

Create detailed financial projections that outline your revenue streams, expenses, and projected profitability. Include a break-even analysis, cash flow projections, and a timeline for achieving financial milestones.

Utilize ClickUp's Dashboards to visually track and monitor your financial projections, allowing you to make data-driven decisions to drive business growth.

6. Implementation Plan

Develop a detailed implementation plan that outlines the steps and timeline for launching and growing your solar energy business. Include key milestones, staffing requirements, operational processes, and any regulatory or compliance considerations.

Use Goals in ClickUp to set specific objectives and track your progress towards implementing your business plan, ensuring that you stay on track and achieve your desired outcomes.

By following these steps and utilizing ClickUp's Business Plan Template, you'll be well-equipped to create a comprehensive and effective business plan for your solar energy company.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Solar Energy

Entrepreneurs or companies entering the solar energy industry can use the Business Plan Template for Solar Energy in ClickUp to create a comprehensive plan for their solar energy business, attracting investors and securing funding for their venture.

To get started, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a solid business plan:

  • Use the Topics View to outline and organize different sections of your business plan, such as executive summary, market analysis, financial projections, and implementation plan
  • The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, whether it's complete, in progress, needs revision, or still to do
  • The Timeline View will give you a visual representation of the project timeline, allowing you to set deadlines and milestones
  • The Business Plan View provides a comprehensive overview of your entire business plan, allowing you to easily navigate between sections and make edits
  • The Getting Started Guide View will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to use the template effectively and create a compelling business plan
  • Utilize the custom fields: Reference, Approved, and Section, to add additional information and track the status of each section
  • Update statuses and custom fields as you make progress and receive feedback from stakeholders
  • Monitor and analyze your business plan to ensure it meets the requirements of investors and effectively communicates your solar energy business vision and strategy.
  • Business Plan Template for Product Managers
  • Business Plan Template for Professional Advisors
  • Business Plan Template for Biotech Startups
  • Business Plan Template for Coaches
  • Business Plan Template for Crafters

Template details

Free forever with 100mb storage.

Free training & 24-hours support

Serious about security & privacy

Highest levels of uptime the last 12 months

  • Product Roadmap
  • Affiliate & Referrals
  • On-Demand Demo
  • Integrations
  • Consultants
  • Gantt Chart
  • Native Time Tracking
  • Automations
  • Kanban Board
  • vs Airtable
  • vs Basecamp
  • vs MS Project
  • vs Smartsheet
  • Software Team Hub
  • PM Software Guide

Google Play Store

How To Start a Solar Panel Business

Sunlight as a renewable energy source is gaining momentum. Green and accessible solar technology allows anyone to use solar cells to their advantage. No wonder, 2023 witnessed a boost in electricity generation capacity of around 7% of all electricity generated from sunlight.

Such a spike in popularity creates potential for solar businesses. However, potential solar business owners need answers to many questions. How do solar companies generate income? What products and services should they offer?

This blogpost is the right spot for those considering starting a solar company. SolarPowerSystems provides you with valuable insights on how to launch a solar panel company successfully and ensure its profitability over the long term. Our solar platform may give you answers to other solar issues in the blog section. If you’re considering going green and aren’t sure where to start, ask for a solar quote from our industry experts, who will generate a list of optimal installers in your area .

How much is your electricity bill per month?

Help us understand what you`re currently spending

Solar Company Types: Which Should You Choose?

Solar business opportunities are vast, encompassing various service enterprises necessary for initiating a solar project. As homeowners embark on solar panel installation, they interact with solar equipment manufacturers, solar system installers , and financing companies. Let’s dive into the distinct areas of expertise that each solar business type brings to the table.

Solar Panel Manufacturers

Solar equipment manufacturing can be a stand-alone business project. Such a solar company produces specifically solar equipment. However, larger household electronics giants like LG and Panasonic also offer solar-related products.

If you decide to start a solar business manufacturing solar panel equipment, you should remember that solar systems require more than arrays. Your business plan can also supply clients with solar inverters , wiring, racking, and solar system monitor devices.

Solar Installation Companies

Modern homeowners rely heavily on solar panel installers. They assemble, set up, and adequately maintain solar panel systems. Starting a solar business of this kind means you will purchase solar equipment from manufacturers and then provide installation services.

Additionally, solar installers often obtain necessary permits, apply for solar incentives available, and cover any logistical aspects of solar panel installation. Combining roofing contractors, solar installation, and other legal services can help you conquer new market niches by offering an all-in-one service package.

Solar Financing Providers

Finally, some solar company owners choose to launch a solar financial company. Such consulting services are becoming increasingly popular these days. Many households and commercial enterprises eager to adopt solar technology can’t afford the hefty upfront payment required.

Ten years ago, most homeowners had no choice but to pay upfront for solar panel systems, but that is no longer true. Many institutions, including banks and credit unions, offer financing solutions to their clients. One of the options for solar panel users is to benefit from solar loans , solar leases , and power purchase agreements .

Source: Valley Solar

How To Start a Solar Company

Let’s outline the sequential steps an investor should take to launch a solar company.

Step 1. Come Up With a Solar Business Plan

Any successful business requires comprehensive research of the field and an accurate business plan. Operating in any commercial area without a well-developed business plan is risky and challenging. Adequate research helps you better understand your solar business challenges and how to overcome them.

Begin by determining your biggest competitors in the solar market. Online open data currently provides information on the items sold, employees’ numbers, and key advantages of other solar business projects.

Next, you should understand your target audience by learning about their demographic. It can help your solar company meet customers’ needs, develop optimal product features, and establish appealing prices to satisfy customer requirements. You can obtain the needed information by conducting surveys and collecting feedback.

Your solar panel company strategy can cover multiple topics. They should ensure smooth business development and keep your solar business afloat. Remember, a good business plan and a decent amount of research can work miracles!

Step 2. Legalize Your Solar Company

Once your business strategy is ready, it’s time to obtain permits and work on other legal documentation required to start a solar company. Begin by researching what criteria your solar company should meet. Legal norms may vary depending on your location.

It is also a good idea to protect your business by providing insurance. It can compensate you if any possible property damage occurs. However, sticking with insurance options that fit your financial management plan is essential.

Step 3. Navigate Solar Business Finances

Launching a solar company requires prior financial investment. Let’s explore the primary options for launching a solar business, weighing their pros and cons.

You have the freedom to manage your solar company the way you want. However, be ready to deal with the high market competition and its associated risks.
You buy an established solar company with a well-known name. It facilitates attracting potential customers.
You obtain a company with already established business processes and trained staff.

How do independent solar businesses differ from franchise options?

Source: Beacon

If setting up your solar panel company requires extra expenses, you can investigate the financing options available. You can:

  • Take a regular bank loan
  • Obtain a business loan
  • Apply for solar grants and subsidies
  • Find investors

Once you are ready to start a solar business, contact your bank to open a business-specific account . A separate business account allows you to discriminate between personal and business assets, keep track of your income and spending, and process tax operations.

Step 4. Train Your Employees

Effective solar company operation requires a team of qualified professionals. Your solar energy company specialists should include the following:

  • Technical personnel
  • Sales managers
  • Office workers
  • Financial experts

We recommend cooperating with solar-certified experts. It ensures the top quality of your services and a good reputation on the market. Here are some of the solar certifications you might be interested in:

  • PV Installation Professional Board Certification
  • PV Installer Specialist Board Certification
  • PV Technical Sales Board Certification

Remember, providing ongoing training and educational programs for your team to keep their skills up-to-date is vital.

Step 5. Set Up Solar Business Software

The best way to optimize tasks and processes for a solar business is to use appropriate software. Most solar panel businesses rely on CRM tools and other project management applications. Well-chosen software simplifies daily operations for your employees, improves their productivity, and helps you track your customer journey.

There are various types of solar software available. Though their features vary, most offer 3D modeling, solar irradiance data analysis, and shading projection. Additionally, they offer a client database, material list, and other tools to organize your solar business workflow.

Step 6. Launch Your Solar Company Marketing Strategy

Now that everything is set, you face the question of how to sell solar panels and services effectively. You should harness the power of marketing tools to attract more customers and improve ROI.

LogoDevelop your solar company logo thoroughly. The symbol should be concise yet memorable.
Web-pageDevelop a user-friendly website to inform customers about the available products and services.
Social-media profileRun social media accounts on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and other platforms to make it easier for clients to reach you.

Establishing a robust online presence is one of the best ways to boost your solar company sales. Start with developing your solar company website and setting up social media profiles.

Another powerful marketing tool is customer feedback. React promptly to positive and negative reviews to improve your solar business reliability in the eyes of potential customers.

Finally, use partnerships to generate leads, improve your solar company network, and contribute to ongoing solar business success.

Mastering Solar Business Launch

The solar energy trend is rising, making it a lucrative field for business owners nationwide. If you decide to start your solar business, develop a well-thought-out plan for your company strategy. Remember to invest in your staff development and marketing strategies to ensure your business’s growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a solar panel business profitable.

On average, a solar business reaches a margin of 20-25%. How big your solar company’s profit is depends on the market demand, competition levels, the tax credits you obtain, and the payment options you offer.

How much money do you need to start a solar business?

The initial investment amount varies from $50,000 for a small solar power company. Starting a solar business on a large scale can cost you as much as $500,000. The expenses include buying equipment, conducting team training, and launching a marketing strategy.

Why do some solar business projects fail?

There are many reasons why a solar company goes out of business. The most common factors leading to solar business shutdowns are intense market competition, high warranty claim rates, and poor customer service.

What are the best software options for solar businesses?

Solar Plus, SolarEdge, and Pyl will be the most popular solar software in 2024. All of them implement advanced algorithm calculations to develop optimal solar panel projects.

Andy is a Founder, Chief Content Officer, regular contributor, and idea generator behind Solar Power Systems. He is well-versed in various aspects of solar energy, including photovoltaic systems, solar policy trends, and green technology innovations.

  • AstraWatt Solar review
  • Solar Energy Exchange review
  • Ecohouse Solar review
  • Berger Solar Electric review
  • Solar Energy As Investment: 12 Pros and Cons Of Solar Energy

Ambrose Solar review

Quick Links

Solar System Installers Near You

Solar Installers by State

Solar Installers by City

Privacy Policy

Terms And Conditions

Call Us: +1-888-431-77-11

Email Us: [email protected]

2041 East St, PMB 280, Concord, CA 94520, United States

Work Hours : Mon – Tue : 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM

  • Schedule Demo
  • Sign Up Now

How to start a solar business — the basics

Want to learn more about the solar industry? Join us for Empower 2024 on June 5-6! You’ll hear from industry experts on everything from how to run a successful solar business, to how AI is affecting the industry, and more.

Register Now

solar business plan example

Note: This blog was originally published in February 2021. It was updated October 25, 2023 to reflect recent information. If you have any questions, please contact us .

The solar industry is growing, and its sun is still just starting to rise. Solar power continues to lead the way when it comes to renewable energy — and arguably energy in general. According to SEIA data, in the first half of 2023, 45% of all new electric capacity added to the US grid was from solar. 

Likewise, solar installation professionals is among the fastest growing professions in the United States. The trade is projected to enjoy a 22 percent growth rate between 2022-2032, and the 2022 median income was $45,230 per year. 

This data represents a promising prospect for contractors looking to cut their teeth in this exciting business. If you’re wondering what it takes to start your own solar business, this post is for you.

How to start a solar business — beginnings

Of course, there’s much more to solar installation than slapping up panels: there’s general contracting, roofing, metal fabrication, sales, repair and maintenance, consultation, landscape design, and so much more.

The best place to start a new solar business is between the cracks of large, over-saturated markets. Find out what solar professionals are doing in your area by checking in with local SEIA chapters and chambers of commerce, and conducting internet searches. It’s highly likely that even if your market is saturated with traditional solar businesses, you can find a niche that only you can fill.

Solar incentives

Becoming an expert means more than knowing your product. It requires having your finger on the pulse of the various rebates and incentives available, an important differentiator for companies looking to get ahead of the pack. Businesses that do the research to save their customers time and money have a leg up when it comes to getting the contracts.

Solar sales

Starting a solar business doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need a crew up on roofs installing panels. If sales is your thing, there are many businesses that focus on just that. 

These companies do all the work of selling solar systems : getting leads, qualifying them, doing in-home or virtual consultations, and getting the customer to sign. Once a customer has signed on, these organizations then work with a contractor that takes care of the rest of the installation process.

With the recent improvements in solar sales software, it’s easier than ever to stand out from the crowd. Click through this Tourial to see how Aurora’s reimagined Sales Mode can help you sell with confidence and close more sales.

Solar installers

Solar installers are usually the most saturated business in the market. If you’re wondering how to start a solar installation business , you might want to start at the basics: Roofing. If you’re a roofer, solar installation could be a great option to add to your business. The solar and roofing industries are starting to converge, and for good reason. Solar panels and roofs have about the same lifespan (approximately 25 years), and savvy roofers are realizing the one-two punch of installing a new roof and solar system simultaneously. Whether you’re a roofing contractor or solar installer, there’s a lot of overlap between the two, and plenty of untapped market opportunities for incorporating roofing and solar into your business plan.

What is a PV system?

Before we move on, let’s take a quick look at how a PV system works to get a better idea of how you can make money building one.

How does a solar photovoltaic system work?

Solar panels convert the energy of the sun into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. When a photon hits a photovoltaic (PV) device, its energy knocks electrons in the material. These electrons begin to flow, producing an electric current.

At a high level, the process of how solar panels works involves three primary steps:

  • Solar cells within solar panels absorb light from the sun, which causes electric current to begin flowing.
  • An inverter converts DC electricity to AC electricity .
  • This electricity is used to supply current energy demands in the customer’s building and excess electricity beyond what the customer can use is exported to the grid (or used to charge a battery).

The photovoltaic process occurs at the solar cell level. Solar panels are composed of multiple cells, and PV systems are a series of solar panels wired together (called “ stringing ”) to provide appropriate voltage to the system’s inverter.

After a PV system is installed , there’s nothing standing between a customer and cheap, green energy.

how-do-solar-panels-work

Solar company licensing & certifications

Solar licensing.

Not every state requires solar licensing, but some do. Keep in mind that if you’re planning on working outside of your home state, you’ll need licenses for any state you want to work in. For states requiring licenses, you’ll often need a plumbing or electrician license, or both. Some states require a specialized solar contractor license.

Check here to check on what type of licensing you may need in your state, region, or municipality.

Solar certifications

Even if you don’t need a license to operate in your area, earning a solar certification is a great idea. Solar certifications are an important way to promote customer confidence, putting you ahead of the average uncertified business. 

Certification can also lead to more income, with certified solar professionals earning an average of $11,000 more annually. Getting certified may also allow you to operate in more than one municipality or state, increasing your competitiveness.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) voluntary certifications provide national standards for PV professionals, certifying they have the skills, experience, and competency to set themselves apart. NABCEP’s certifications include :

  • PV Installation Professional (PVIP)
  • PV Design Specialist (PVDS)
  • PV Technical Sales Professional (PVTS)
  • PV Installer Specialist (PVIS)
  • PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist (PVCMS)
  • PV System Inspector (PVSI)

Set up your solar business

You’ve nailed down your niche, identified solar certifications and licenses, and are ready to make the jump. Let’s take a dive into how to start a solar business from the ground up, starting with the legal stuff first.

Establish an LLC

An LLC, or limited liability company, is a business structure set up by state statute. LLCs provide several benefits, including liability protection, flexible structure, and tax advantages. They provide the same limited liability as a corporation but are much cheaper and easier to form and operate.

In most states, getting an LLC entails choosing a name, selecting members (which can include just you), creating articles of organization and operating agreements, and getting an EIN (employer identification number). You’ll then need to obtain any seller’s permits and licensing required by your state. Check your state’s LLC requirements for more information.

Business insurance

The right insurance coverage is essential to mitigate potential risks and liabilities. Every contracting business must meet general insurance requirements, but there are a few considerations specific to the solar industry. Here’s your solar business insurance checklist:

  • General liability insurance
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Automobile liability insurance
  • Excess/umbrella liability insurance

Most contractor general liability insurances provide a minimum of $500,000 coverage. Keep track of your inventory, equipment, and properties, and get the right insurance that would cover the worst-case scenario. Do yourself a favor and get the right insurance before you even land your first contract. Click here for an in-depth look into the right solar business insurance .

Establishing a solar team

1. how to find salespeople.

Salespeople are the backbone of most solar businesses. Regardless of your niche, chances are that someone on your team is making at least part of their paycheck knocking on doors and making phone calls.

When seeking out a salesperson, here are three elements to consider when vetting your candidate pool:

  • Knowledge about your niche
  • Passion and persistence
  • Familiarity with questions and concerns that customers have about solar

It’s crucial that you foster a culture of customer satisfaction in all of your employees, but salespeople in particular. They are usually the folks leading your conversion process and are often the face of your business.

If an in-house sales team isn’t feasible, there are several options available for sales outsourcing. Many businesses exist that specialize in outsourcing solar sales for installers, consultants, and retailers.

2. Ramping up a team

Start out with nothing but the best right from the gate. Find team members that are NABCEP certified (see above). If your team isn’t certified, give them the time and resources to do so.

Make sure your salespeople, installers, marketing team, and others know the ins and outs of your product. Give everybody on your team the time and resources to learn about your product and services.

Your dream team doesn’t have to be all employees. Network with other solar experts outside of your niche. They will become invaluable sources of help and referrals if you keep at it.

3. Setting up compensation structures

Solar salespeople are usually paid by commission. Commission payouts are usually paid as a percentage of the total contract price or as a cut of the base contract price. 

Commissions have various pros and cons. On one hand, they can motivate your teams to work hard. On the other hand, commissions may encourage your salespeople to sell more than a customer needs, take on cost-prohibitive projects, and inflate project costs above market rates.

Read more on common commission structures in the solar sales industry today.

Pro tips: Avoid these solar sales barriers

There are many barriers when it comes to getting a solar business off the ground. Here are three common ones that can be easily solved with the right solar software.

Incorrect or inefficient designs

It’s all too easy to under- or over-engineer a solar system. Incorrect or inefficient designs are a surefire way to sink your business. Aurora Solar’s sophisticated solar design software uses technology like LIDAR-based shade analysis and AI-assisted 3D modeling to give you a pixel perfect design almost instantly — without a truck roll.

solar business plan example

Electric quotes from customers

Customers are often wary of providing their electricity bills. Just a few days can mean the difference between landing a new customer and losing them, so make this process as seamless as possible for your customers.

Most electric customers receive a bill in the mail every month. If they don’t, they can likely access it online from their utility. Either way, Aurora can provide a forecast of year-round energy usage from just one month’s bill — taking into account factors like weather, HVAC, and more.

Take this opportunity to remind your customer that making efficiency upgrades in the home could drastically improve energy efficiency. 

And don’t forget to study up on the net metering rules for your state. Being able to sell excess power back to the grid can be a huge selling point for solar installations.

Permitting problems

Flawed designs can lead you straight back to the drawing board. If a solar design isn’t compliant with state or local regulations, your plans will be rejected. Collecting and reporting permit-related project data constitutes up to 8% of soft costs associated with solar, owed largely to mistakes and regulatory bottlenecks. 

Aurora’s Plan Sets Service expedites your post-sales permitting process. It’s also a great tool for new businesses looking to scale without the growing pains and backlogs of permitting — Aurora can handle any growing volume of plan sets you need.

See how it works in the Tourial below.

Starting a solar business takes research, investment, time, and leadership. But, it can be worth the effort, providing a great career in a growing and fulfilling industry. 

When you do start your business, make sure you have a software solution that sets you up for success. Schedule a free demo today to see how Aurora can help you get started in the solar industry.

Ready to learn more?

How to Sell Solar in 2023 Despite NEM 3.0

How to Sell Solar in 2023 Despite NEM 3.0

Sales Mode: Proposals You Can Build Your Reputation On

Sales Mode: Proposals You Can Build Your Reputation ...

PV Education 101: A Guide for Solar Installation Professionals

PV Education 101: A Guide for Solar Installation Pro...

StartupBiz Global

Starting Solar Installation Business Plan (PDF)

Solar Panels Installation Business Plan

Solar energy has become a buzzword in the energy industry as more people become environmentally conscious and look for alternative energy sources. Solar energy is a popular choice among individuals and businesses as it is clean, renewable and easily accessible. The demand for solar energy has been increasing and shows no signs of slowing down. This has created a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs to start solar installation businesses. The International Energy Agency has predicted that by 2050, solar energy will be the largest source of electricity globally. Many governments provide financial incentives that encourage individuals and companies to install solar systems, further pushing up the demand of solar. The cost of solar panels has been declining over the years, thus many households and companies are opting for solar as it is becoming more affordable. As more businesses and homeowners become aware of the benefits of solar energy, the demand for solar installations will continue to increase, creating a growing market for solar installation businesses.  This article will outline how to start a solar company business, and the solar installation business plan (PDF, Word & Excel).

Market Research

The solar industry is not the same in every place you go to. The dynamics vary greatly so you must research about the solar industry for your context. You must find out the general trajectory of the solar industry. As in, what are the demand areas? Which solar-related areas is your respective government taking keen interest in? Which solar products and services are people developing a rising interest in? What are the solar industry trends, forecasts, and projections? Find out about the applicable laws and regulations governing the solar space. Then find out who the key players in the solar installation space are.

Dig into the types of services and possibly products they offer. Find out the types of customers they serve and how big their customer pools are. Research on where they source their solar supplies from. What are their business and pricing models? The insights you draw from all these aspects will help you build a successful solar installation business. You will be better positioned to come up with a superior and unique value proposition. This is important because the solar industry is becoming more competitive as more players enter the space.

Location And Premises

The solar panels installation business involves lots of movement to and fro clients. Choice of location depends on the type of clients you will be serving. It could be residential, commercial, or industrial clients. When choosing a location for your solar installation you need to consider proximity to clients. It is ideal to be close to your prospects. That way you can deliver your services faster. Plus it will reduce transportation costs. You also have to consider proximity to your supplies or suppliers.This is also to avoid delays and to minimize operating costs. Your business premises should be spacious considering the nature of the solar installation business. You will need storage space, parking space, waiting area, working area, and the like. Your business premises should be easy to access and secure. It is also strategic to make your premises alluring so as to lure prospects. Work with designers to make your outlet(s) unique and attractive. The cost of purchasing or leasing the premises should be included in your solar installation business plan.

The bulk of your capital goes to sourcing the equipment you need for doing solar installations. That will largely depend on the types of solar systems you will be specializing in. Some of the examples of equipment needed are solar panels, hybrid inverters, solar charge control units, batteries, ladders, solar cables, drills, solar switches, wire strippers,  solar breakers, racking systems, screwdrivers, accumulators, and lights, amongst others. You will also need personal protective clothing and applicable hand and power tools. Storage equipment will be necessary. Office equipment will be needed for your base of operations. Having a vehicle for your solar panels installation company is crucial. This business involves a lot of travelling; from your offices to clients places for things such as site assessments, installations, and maintenance, thus having a vehicle is a must. The vehicle should be suitable for transporting staff, tools as well as the solar products. You can purchase a van or a truck for your solar installation business. The solar panel installation business plan should cater for the costs of purchasing the vehicle and equipment.

Products And Services

Most solar installation companies do both solar sales and installations. Solar panels are the main product sold by solar installations companies, and they come in various sizes and types to fit different applications. The products that you can sell include solar panels, invertors, batteries, charge controllers, solar geysers, solar lights and other components necessary for the installation and maintenance of a solar system. The services offered by solar panel installation companies include site assessments, design of solar systems, installation of solar systems, solar maintenance and repairs, consultancy and r etrofitting services . Furthermore, some solar installation companies offer education and training services to help customers understand how to choose and use their solar systems effectively and efficiently. Your solar company business plan should clearly outline the products and services offered by your business.

Management And Staff

For a solar company to run efficiently, it requires a team of skilled employees with diverse expertise. The number of employees will depend on the scale of your operations. The solar installers are responsible for conducting site assessments and installing the solar systems. A manager is required to oversee project and staff management, as well as the day-to-day operations of the solar business. Sales and marketing staff are necessary for promoting the business and selling its products and services to customers. Additionally, accounting and finance staff are essential for managing the finances of the solar installation business.  The salaries of all your staff should be included in your solar panels installation business plan.

Your market research will guide you on which customer pools you should target. The truth is that the demand for solar products and services is bound to increase. Any household, commercial property or industrial property is a candidate for solar installation (and more). You just have to empirically target the right prospects. The market is broad because it spans from recently constructed properties to ones that have existed for years.

In the solar installation business you need to employ modern marketing techniques. Some of those marketing techniques include digital marketing, influencer marketing, brand ambassadorships, and the use of foot agents. Have alluring, active, and up to date social media accounts and a website. Use every solar installation gig as a basis for social proofs that you will use to lure more customers. Take high definition visuals such as photos and videos of your work. A proper marketing strategy should be included in your solar company business plan.

Pre-Written Solar Installation Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel): Comprehensive Version, Short Funding/Bank Loan Version and Automated Financial Statements

For an in-depth analysis of the solar installation business, we encourage you to purchase our well-researched and comprehensive solar installation business plan. We introduced the business plans after discovering that many were venturing into the solar shop business without enough knowledge and understanding of how to run the business, lack of understanding of the financial side of the business, lack of understanding of : the industry, the risks involved , costs and profitability of the business; which often leads to disastrous losses.

The StartupBiz Global solar panel installation business plan will make it easier for you to launch and run your solar company business successfully, fully knowing what you are going into, and what’s needed to succeed in the business. This is a complete business plan for a solar installation business. It will be easier to plan and budget as you will be aware of all the costs involved in setting up and running the solar panels installation business.

Uses of the Solar Company Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)

The solar company business plan can be used for many purposes including:

  • Raising capital from investors/friends/relatives
  • Applying for a bank loan
  • Start-up guide to launch your solar installation business
  • As a solar panels installation business proposal
  • Assessing profitability of the solar installation business
  • Finding a business partner
  • Assessing the initial start-up costs so that you know how much to save
  • Manual for current business owners to help in business and strategy formulation

Contents of the Solar Panels Installation Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)

The business plan for a solar installation includes, but not limited to:

  • Marketing Strategy
  • Financial Statements (monthly cash flow projections, income statements, cash flow statements, balance sheets, break even analysis, payback period analysis, start-up costs, financial graphs, revenue and expenses, Bank Loan Amortization)
  • Industry Analysis
  • Market Analysis
  • Risk Analysis
  • SWOT & PEST Analysis
  • Operational Requirements
  • Operational Strategy
  • Why some people in the solar installation business fail, so that you can avoid their mistakes
  • Ways to raise capital to start your solar shop business

The solar company business plan package consists of 4 files

  • Solar Installation Business Plan – PDF file (Comprehensive Version – 83 Pages)
  • Solar Installation Business Plan – Editable Word File (Comprehensive Version – 83 Pages)
  • Solar Installation Business Plan Funding/Bank Loan Version- Editable Word File (Short version for applying for a loan/funding – 46 pages)
  • Solar Installation Business Plan Automated Financial Statements – (Editable Excel File)

The business plan can be used in any country and can be easily edited. The financial statements are automated. This implies that you can change eg the costs, salaries etc, and all the other financial statements will automatically adjust to reflect the change. 

Click below to download the Contents Page of the Solar Installation Business Plan (PDF)

Solar Installation Business Plan PDF

Testimonial 2

Many thanks for your incredibly efficient service and thorough business plan. I am very impressed with the business plan. Before I bought the business plan, I tried to do my own business plan – it was such a nightmare and it turned out badly, also not to mention the stress it caused me. I wish I knew about your website earlier!

Testimonial 4

The business plan which I purchased from your website saved me TIME and MONEY! The layout of the business plan was excellent. The financial statements were detailed and easy for me to edit. I will come back to purchase another business plan soon.

Testimonial 1

StartupBiz Global provided a very professional and comprehensive business plan which I used for my business. The business plan was easy to edit, and I was able to get the funding which I wanted. I highly recommend their business plans.

Testimonial 5

I was able to understand the business side of farming because of your business plan. You did extensive research; the business plan was well prepared and fully detailed.  It made everything clear, and I have somewhere to start now. I am confident that I am going to succeed in my business because of the guidance from your business plan.

Testimonial 8

Just wanted to say I am very happy with the business plan and I will gladly recommend your products, thank you very much and have a great day.

Testimonial 7

I found Startupbiz Global online when I was in desperate need of a business plan. I was overwhelmed by the quality of the business plan, it’s comprehensive and well researched! I did not have to wait to get the business plan, I got it instantly after payment. I highly recommend Startupbiz Global, and would happily use them again in the future.

Testimonial 6

I purchased a business plan from you, and I’m glad to inform you that I was able to get my loan, and I’m starting my poultry farming business on the 1 st of July. This was made possible because of your business plan. Thank you very much, you made my dream come true.

Testimonial 3

I was extremely lucky to come across StartupBiz Global. Their business plan exceeded my expectations, and most importantly I was able to secure a loan from my bank. Thank you guys, now my dreams are coming true!

Get the Solar Installation Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)

Click Buy Now  below to purchase using Paypal, Credit Card, or Debit Card. After you have purchased, you will immediately see the download link for the business plan package on the screen. You will also immediately get an email with the business plan download link. The Pre-written business plan package (PDF, Word, and Excel) costs $30 only!

solar installation business proposal

If you want to purchase multiple business plans at once then click here: Business Plans Store.

The business plan package is a zipped compressed file containing the PDF, Word and Excel documents. To open the package after downloading it, just right click, and select Extract All. If you have any problems in downloading and opening the files, email us on [email protected] and we will assist you.

We wish you the best in your solar installation business! Check out our collection of business plans  , and more business ideas .

Related Posts

bar business plan

Starting Bar Business Plan (PDF)

Technology Business Ideas

Top 8 Technology Business Ideas

funeral home business plan

Starting Funeral Home Business Plan (PDF)

Cabbages Farming Business Plan

Starting Cabbage Farming Business Plan (PDF)

 

Join our mailing list to receive the latest posts and updates from our website.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Logo

Knowledge Base

13 thing to consider when writing a business plan for a solar farm 2.

solar business plan example

Solar farms are the energy source of the future. According to research , the solar energy market is expected to more than double by 2024. Turning your solar farm business idea into reality will demand a plan that portrays and explains your vision and mission. That formal document is known as a business plan. All you need to do is learn how to write one.

A well-written business plan can benefit you in several ways. You’ll prove that you have thought out this idea down to every detail, show how the idea can be realized, and attract investors.  So, if you want to build a strong foundation for the realization of your solar farm business, you’ll need to dedicate yourself to writing a spotless business plan. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. 

Here are the 13 crucial things you should take into account when writing a business plan for a solar farm.

The Language of your Business Plan

As a formal document, a business plan needs to be clear, focused, and relevant. You’ll need to set and use appropriate language and tone throughout the entire document.

That means you’ll need to apply these simple rules:

  • use ordinary, everyday language
  • don’t use jargon
  • avoid overly technical terminology
  • don’t use poetic language
  • be straightforward

To put it simply, you should opt for simple and inviting language. For example:

  • Our business goal is to become one of the top solar farms in the United States. Our plans include collaboration with leading solar panel manufacturing companies that will help us comply with the high standards of the leaders in the solar industry.  

The Length 

There is no strict rule on how long the business plan should be. It all depends on your intent. 

The length can vary from a single page to a multi-page document. Adapt the content to the purpose. 

For example, venture capitalists will probably expect a detailed plan. However, if you want to start with an outline and make updates regularly as you come to an agreement with the other party, a lean plan will suffice.

Therefore, don’t feel obliged to fill the pages with words if your entire plan can fit on just a couple of pages. Instead, focus on value and information, and make sure every word you include in your business plan counts.

Related articles

  • Top 10 Customized CRM for Solar Sales Reps
  • Solar sales salary guide: how to structure sales commission?
  • Solar Door-to-Door Sales Pitch Tips with Examples
  • Top solar panel suppliers in the world

Executive summary

Now, we can discuss the actual elements and sections of your business plan. The first one is your executive summary.

As you may have guessed, this section needs to summarize the key points of your business plan. The executive summary should lead the investors (for example) into the story, and make them interested in reading the whole document.

Concisely explain:

  • your reasons for creating the plan 
  • what makes you the right business for investment, collaboration, etc.
  • why are you so passionate about this plan?
  • what makes you think it will be a huge success?

If you plan to present the business plan to different readers (e.g. investors, bankers, or customers) adapt the summary to their interest in your business. The executive summary should clarify why reading your plan is worthy of their time. 

If you nail this section, you’ll up your chances for sealing the deal.

Company information

The next thing you should do is provide some basic information about your company. Those reading the business plan will like to know a bit more about who you are and what type of a business do you run.

So, start with a simple introduction. Cover the basics that will explain who you are, what you do, and what you plan to achieve. The information you can list in this section is:

  • the company name
  • address and geographic reach
  • when and why you established the business
  • how you’ve improved over the years
  • your environmental mission
  • your vision statement

This section should help those reading the plan understand your business on a more personal level, and potentially gain some more trust in you as a partner.

Share the valuable information they’ll care about and present your business properly. 

Related Article:

  • Everything You Need To Know About SEO as a Solar Company Owner
  • Top 7 Research Findings Available about Solar Customers
  • How VAs Can Work for Your Solar Installation Business?
  • Top solar inverter suppliers in the world 

Products and services

After you finish introducing yourself and your business, you should move on to the actual products and services that your solar farm is going to offer.

Write down what you offer and how your products and services align with your goals. You should be very specific about:

  • the amount of energy your solar farm will produce (monthly, yearly, etc.)
  • the number you plan to reach with the growth of your solar farm
  • your ideas on the expansion of your products and services
  • your expectations for returning the investment

You can also portray your products’ reliability and efficiency by comparing the costs of traditional energy producers with your solution. Or, you could differentiate your products from what other renewable energy producers offer.

Make sure that you list everything your business will provide. For example:

  • supply of power
  • solar panel installation
  • solar panel repair and maintenance

The more details you provide, the more professional you’ll come across as. They need to see you’ve thought this through to the smallest details, and you’ll leave nothing unplanned.

Market analysis of Your Solar Farm

Another thing that potential investors or partners will want to know is whether or not there’s a need for a solar farm on the market you’re targeting. That means that you should add proof that you’ve done a thorough market analysis.

To achieve that, you’ll need to elaborate on the main factors of the market you’ve analyzed:

  • industry analysis
  • predictions for the renewable energy sector
  • demand for your services (customers’ needs and requirements)
  • for whom your solar farm will generate electricity (e.g. government entities, individual customers, organizations, etc.)
  • 3rd-party analysis of your solar farm’s potential

Show them that you know the market well enough and you’ve gathered the data necessary for making an appearance on it. 

Without this data, your business plan may seem like just another shot in the dark.

Related articles:

  • 12 Smart Ways to Increase Solar Sales
  • Follow-Up Solar Scripts To Use For Your Next Cold Call – Basics and Tips
  • How to Use CRM Effectively as a Solar Sales Representative
  • Top solar racking suppliers in the world 

Competitors 

A marketing plan depends largely on the competition you have on the target market. And, without analyzing the competitors, you won’t be able to predict the potential success of your business plan.

That means you need to provide an analysis of your competitors. That includes reflecting on your unique value proposition. In this section, you should form the advantages of your solar farm in two aspects:

  • how your business will stand out among competitive solar farms, large hydroelectric utilities, or wind turbine farms
  • how your solar farm will gain market share from traditional well-established energy suppliers?

Cover your strategy to stand out, offer something new, and get the attention of the people your business will depend on. You need to show you understand the current trends and competitors on the market and have a clear idea of how to deal with them.

Target Customers 

Next, you’ll need to elaborate more on the specific target group of people or businesses that you’ll try to win over. You need to show you’ve analyzed them and gathered enough information that will help you understand their needs.

So, in this section, you’ll need to define your target customers. You could divide them into several different target groups such as:

  • government entities
  • large businesses
  • enterprises 
  • individual customers

For example, you can share that you’ll engage in a direct marketing approach and offer different packages to different clients that suit their budget, industry, and demand.

Make sure to show you’re ready to take on any target group and have specific strategies to reach their attention and offer them exactly what they need.

It’s impossible to launch and maintain a solar farm on our own. You’ll need to surround yourself with professionals who’ll make a great team and help you make this business plan a success.

Make sure to include them in your business plan.

Write about your organizational structure and list the following:

  •  key employees
  •  their responsibilities
  • the hierarchy of management
  • team organization
  • specific tasks they’ll cover

It would be a great addition to this business plan if you already had specific people in mind for different positions in your team. If so, make sure to include concise, professional biographies of key personnel to prove their expertise in that field.

This will give additional points to your plan and make it seem much more professional.

Describing your objectives and milestones will prove that you don’t only have a vision – you have a thought out plan. Create a roadmap that showcases your targets as well as approximate deadlines.

That means you should further elaborate n:

  • phases of your plan’s development (preparation, realization, assessments, et.)
  • details and timeframes for each of the phases
  • steps you plan on taking to achieve different goals you’ve set

If you’ve already covered some relevant steps such as obtained certification with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners , list that as well. The readers of the business plan should be aware of your accomplished milestones.

Financial plan

Every business plan needs to cover the budget. You have to show that you’ve got the numbers for your solar farm figured out, and you’ve calculated all the details for your financial plan.

Here’s what you need to show:

  • cost analysis and profitability plan need to show that your solar farm is a worthy investment
  • considering that a solar farm asks for significant upfront costs, justify those costs
  • calculate how much time you’ll need to get to a point of investment return
  • calculate how your income will grow over time
  • list potential funding sources like government grants or bank loans

Explain your plan for a cost structure that will lead to a positive cash flow. Also, specify how the solar farm will be financed before it starts bringing income. 

Your financial plan will be the most interesting point for some people, so make sure you show your professional side in this section.

  • How a Solar Company Can Use Local SEO to Rank on the 1st Page of Google
  • Solar Leads Generation Companies: Where to Buy Quality Solar Leads
  • 12 Tips on Successful Email Marketing for Solar Business Owners
  • Top solar battery suppliers in the world

Include Solid Proofs

Everything that you cover in your business plan needs to be supported with solid proof. You can’t just ask the investors to trust you for it. You need to show them you’ve done your homework.

Therefore, make sure to include:

  • case studies
  • market research studies

Show credible data that you used to construct your plan and make sure that it comes from trustworthy and reliable sources.

This way, your business plan will be solid and effective. It will show your professionalism and will give you the integrity you need.

Finally, you have to make sure your business plan is accurately written and 100% polished. You don’t want to allow any mistakes to find their way into your final version of the business plan.

This is important because potential investors, partners, or any other professional involved in this process will be disappointed to see:

  • a grammar mistake
  • weak punctuation
  • spelling errors

Therefore, make sure to edit and proofread the plan before you finalize it. 

You can even hire professional editors or writers from writing services such as TrustMyPaper and TopEssayWriting to help you out. They’ll spot and correct any type of mistake, inconsistency, or confusion. 

Don’t settle for anything less than perfect.

Concluding Thoughts

Even though the business plan needs to be modified to your specific needs, the above-mentioned insights will push you in the right direction. Take your time to craft a business plan that will present your solar farm in the best light.

Bear in mind that a business plan can be a live document. It can be changed and rearranged for different purposes. Therefore, always make sure that the plan you write will resonate with the people who’ll read it.

solar business plan example

Seeking wholesale solar materials?

Don’t run around requesting for quotes. Let quotes come to you!

SolarFeeds Marketplace – Copyright © 2024

Solar Panel Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Are you looking to make a name for yourself in the solar industry? Developing and launching a successful solar panel business can be a daunting task. But with the right business plan, your journey to success can be made easier. The #1 Solar Panel Business Plan Template & Guidebook provides you with the essential tools and resources to help create an effective roadmap for your business. Find out how this comprehensive guidebook can help get your business off the ground.

solar business plan example

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

  • How to Start a Profitable Solar Panel Business [11 Steps]
  • 10+ Best & Profitable Solar Panel Business Ideas [2023]

How to Write a Solar Panel Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your solar panel business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your solar panel business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a solar panel business:

Our mission at Solar Panels is to provide efficient, affordable solar energy solutions to our customers that enable them to reduce their carbon footprint, reduce their electricity costs, and take advantage of the many environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy sources.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Solar Panel Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your solar panel business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my business?
  • What are the products and/or services that I offer?
  • Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
  • How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
  • How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your solar panel business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your solar panel business includes the following elements:

Target market

  • Who is your target market?
  • What do these customers have in common?
  • How many of them are there?
  • How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

  • Who are your current customers? 
  • Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
  • How can their experience with your solar panel business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

  • How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
  • Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
  • Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
  • How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

  • Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
  • Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
  • What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

  • Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
  • What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
  • What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
  • How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

solar business plan example

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

  • The equipment and facilities needed
  • Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
  • Financial requirements for each step
  • Milestones & KPIs
  • Location of your business
  • Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a solar panel business?

To run a Solar Panel business, you will need the following equipment, supplies, and permits:

  • Solar Panels and Inverters
  • Tools to install the panels (wrenches, ladders, drills, etc.)
  • Cables for wiring and transfer of energy
  • Safety equipment (helmets, gloves, etc.)
  • License from local government to do business as a solar contractor

5. Management & Organization of Your Solar Panel Business.

The second part of your solar panel business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

  • How many employees you need in order to run your solar panel business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
  • The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
  • How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Solar Panel Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a solar panel business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a solar panel business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your solar panel business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your solar panel business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your solar panel business plan:

  • Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
  • Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
  • Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
  • Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
  • Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
  • Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

solar business plan example

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a solar panel business.

A business plan for a solar panel business helps you to map out the steps necessary to develop your business, identify sales goals and milestones, determine how much capital you need and how you will secure it, understand the competitive landscape for solar panel businesses, develop marketing strategies, and ultimately, create a successful business. It also helps you to assess potential risks and rewards associated with different decisions made throughout the life of your solar panel business.

Who should you ask for help with your solar panel business plan?

When creating a business plan for a solar panel business, it is advisable to seek professional advice from an accountant and/or lawyer, a business consultant, or a solar energy specialist. Additionally, it is beneficial to research successful solar panel businesses and reach out to the owners for advice.

Can you write a solar panel business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a solar panel business plan yourself. You will need to research the industry in your area, develop a market analysis, create a financial plan and craft a detailed business strategy. Additionally, you will need to consider industry regulations and legal requirements. Writing a business plan can be complicated and time-consuming; however, it can be done on your own with the right guidance.

Related Business Plans

image of Home Inventory

Home Inventory Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Home Inspection

Home Inspection Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Home Decor

Home Decor Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Health And Wellness

Health And Wellness Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Hauling

Hauling Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Hardware

Hardware Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Handyman

Handyman Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Hair Extension

Hair Extension Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Handbag

Handbag Business Plan Template & Guidebook

We're newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Wordmark_Black

Free Solar Business Plan Template

A successful solar business is based on a solid business plan. To help you out, we've designed a business plan template PDF specifically for solar business owners. Get your copy today!

Solar Business Plan Template Free PDF Thumbnail

How can a solar business plan help you?

A solid business plan acts as your strategy guide for building a successful trade business.

Whether you're an existing business or just starting out, a business plan helps you get organised.

Use a business plan to help secure funding for your trade business.

Get your free solar business plan template:

What is tradify.

Tradify is the best solar business management software that runs all your jobs from start to finish.

Bring together all your enquiries, estimates, quotes, jobs, staff, invoices, and more — all in one place, across every device.

Save time and eliminate stress with Tradify!

Tradify dashboard with map of Houston Texas

  • How to Write a Business Plan for a Solar Farm

How to Write a Business Plan for a Solar Farm

Writing a business plan forces solar farm operators to focus on the details of the business, understand the risks, and establish a roadmap for future growth. It can also be used to attract and secure funding.

The document should include the usual elements found in a business plan (detailed below), along with some information that is unique to a renewable/alternative energy business, such as a feasibility study and environmental mission statement.

Business plans can be created at any time, such as in the early planning stages or when a business has already been operating for some time but could benefit from a roadmap.

How Long Should the Business Plan be?

A business plan can vary in format from a full-length, multi-page document to a “lean” plan  that fits on a single page. Take the plan’s intended usage into account when deciding on the format; for example, venture capitalists or other lenders expect a detailed plan, while a lean plan is easier to update regularly.  

Standard Business Plan Elements to Include

All business plans – including a business plan for a solar farm – should include the following standard information:

  • Executive summary: A summary of key points from all of the following sections, along with a clear explanation of the plan’s purpose (i.e. asking for grant funding).
  • Identity: An explanation of what the business does (supplying solar energy plus any other services). Include the company name, address, mission statement, and a summary of operations.
  • Market analysis: This section could include an outlook for the renewable energy sector, industry analysis, and customer profile(s). Indicate whether the solar farm will generate electricity for utilities, individual customers, government entities, or other organizations.
  • Customer needs : What needs will the company serve? In this case, a solar farm will meet consumers’ needs for renewable energy. How will the business match its capabilities to customer requirements (such as reliability or low costs)?  
  • Products and services: Detail the amount of energy that will be generated over time as the solar farm grows. Use electricity costs from traditional energy producers and other renewable energy providers to put your product in context in terms of price, efficiency, and reliability.
  • Sales and marketing: How will you promote and sell electricity to the different customer groups identified above? This section should include sales channels, marketing partners, and advertising strategies.
  • Competition : Who are the key competitors (traditional energy suppliers and other renewable energy suppliers). What unique value proposition/competitive edge will your solar farm have over its competition?
  • Rate structure: What will the business need to charge for its product to compete with other providers while recovering start-up and operating expenses, including maintenance? 
  • Finance : How will the solar farm be financed before it begins to pay for itself? What level of funding is sought, and what will be done with the money?
  • Income projection: When is the solar farm expected to see a positive cash flow?
  • Personnel: Key employees, roles, and responsibilities.
  • Partnerships: List of third-party partnerships (such as solar panel makers) necessary for the success of the business.
  • Milestones: A roadmap showing key goals and targets for the future.

Elements Specific to a Solar Farm

  • Environmental mission: While many business plans include a nod to sustainability in their mission statements, this often takes precedence in the mission statements of solar farms. A mission statement might read: “Our mission is to help our customers reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact through the use of solar energy, in turn helping the planet fight climate change.”
  • Land and environmental conditions: A description of the land on which the solar farm will be located, including in its potential to accommodate future growth. May include detail about topography and weather conditions that would impact the efficiency of the solar farm.
  • Feasibility study: A 3 rd -party analysis of the solar farm’s potential, taking into account factors such as location, topography, and weather patterns.
  • Assets: Include a list of currently-held and future solar panels and other assets, including PV cell efficiency and lifespan. When writing about the acquisition of future assets, keep in mind that solar panel technology has steadily improved in terms of efficiency and lifespan.
  • Cost analysis: A one-megawatt solar farm will require at least five acres and cost around $2.5 million to build . The cost analysis and plan for profitability should, therefore, allow for significant upfront costs and a lengthy period before seeing positive cash flow.  
  • Systems: The current and future IT systems (including IoT) necessary for operating the solar farm.
  • Certifications and associations: Ensure you research and adhere to the licenses or professional certifications required in your state, such as electrician’s license, construction license, or (if applicable) a rooftop contractor’s license. Consider obtaining certification with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and joining the Solar Energy Industries Association .   
  • Regulations: Include a health and safety plan for staff operating the solar panel farm.

Single-use or Live Business Plans

Some business plans may only be intended for a single purpose (such as securing funding), then put in a drawer and never used again. However, business plans can also be used as a “live” document that is updated and referred to regularly. While some parts of the plan will stay the same, others (such as milestones, personnel, and market analysis) should be updated several times a year.

Other Business Plans

  • How to Write a Business Plan for a Welding Company
  • How to Write a Business Plan for a Machining Company
  • How to Write a Lean Startup Business Plan
  • How to Write a Disaster Recovery Plan for Your Business
  • How to Write a Business Contingency Plan
  • Sample Business Plan Questionnaire

Business Plan Template

2 LEGO Removes Oil from Blocks: All About LEGO Manufacturing

3 The Complete List of Nestlé Brands

4 The Complete List of Kraft Heinz Brands

5 10 Space Companies Changing Aerospace

Growthink logo white

How to Start a Solar Panel Business

start a solar panel business

Starting a solar panel business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful solar panel business.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a solar panel business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start a Solar Panel Business :

  • Choose the Name for Your Solar Panel Business
  • Develop Your Solar Panel Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your Solar Panel Business
  • Secure Startup Funding for Your Solar Panel Business (If Needed)
  • Secure a Location for Your Business
  • Register Your Solar Panel Business with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your Solar Panel Business
  • Buy or Lease the Right Solar Panel Business Equipment
  • Develop Your Solar Panel Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Solar Panel Business
  • Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Solar Panel Business

The first step to starting a solar panel business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your solar panel business:

  • Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
  • Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
  • Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your solar panel business.

2. Develop Your Solar Panel Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a solar panel business is to develop your business plan. The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

  • Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your solar panel business.
  • Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your solar power business and what type of solar panel business you operate. For example, are you a solar panel manufacturer, solar panel installer, or a solar panel distributor?
  • Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the solar industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
  • Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing products or services like the ones you will offer?
  • Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
  • Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
  • Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
  • Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
  • Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
  • Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your solar panel business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
  • Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
  • Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
  • Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
  • What startup costs will you incur?
  • How will your solar panel business make money?
  • What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
  • Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

3. choose the legal structure for your solar panel business.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your solar energy business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the solar panel business and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a solar panel business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a solar panel business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a solar panel business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your own solar business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

Incorporate Your Business at the Guaranteed Lowest Price

We are proud to have partnered with Business Rocket to help you incorporate your business at the lowest price, guaranteed.

Not only does BusinessRocket have a 4.9 out of 5 rating on TrustPilot (with over 1,000 reviews) because of their amazing quality…but they also guarantee the most affordable incorporation packages and the fastest processing time in the industry.

4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Solar Panel Business (If Needed)

In developing your solar panel business plan, you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a solar panel business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a solar panel business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

When looking for a location to start your own  business, you want to consider a few factors. You’ll need a space large enough to store your solar panels and equipment. You may also need an office to meet with potential customers. You’ll also want to consider the cost of doing business in the area, as well as the state and local laws that govern solar businesses.

6. Register Your Solar Panel Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your solar panel business’ name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

  • Identify and contact the bank you want to use
  • Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
  • Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
  • Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your solar panel business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

To start a solar panel installation business, you may need a business license, a contractor’s license, zoning approval, and/or permits from your local government. Contact your local business licensing agency or zoning board for more information.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Solar Panel Business

There are various types of insurance that are necessary to operate a solar panel business.

Some business insurance policies you should consider for your solar panel business include:

  • General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
  • Auto insurance : If a vehicle is used in your business, this type of insurance will cover if a vehicle is damaged or stolen.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.
  • Business interruption insurance : This covers lost income and expenses if your business is forced to close due to a covered event.
  • Professional liability insurance : This protects your business against claims of professional negligence.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right Solar Panel Business Equipment

To run a solar panel business, you will need some basic equipment, including solar panels, batteries, inverters, and charge controllers. You will also need a truck or van to transport your panels to customers. 

12. Develop Your Solar Panel Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your solar panel business.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

  • Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your solar panel business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
  • Website : Likewise, a professional solar panel business website provides potential customers with information about the products and/or services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
  • Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your solar panel business.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Solar Panel Business

Solar companies require software to manage their finances, customers, and inventory. Financial software can help track income and expenses, while customer relationship management (CRM) software can keep track of contact information, purchase histories, and preferences. Inventory management software can help keep track of what products are available and when they need to be reordered.

Additionally, you may need solar panel software to manage your solar panels and track your solar energy production. There are a number of different solar panel software programs available, so be sure to choose the one that best meets your needs.

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your solar panel business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

How to Finish Your Ultimate Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your solar panel business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

How to Start a Solar Panel Business FAQs

Is it hard to start a solar panel business.

No, it is not hard to start a solar business. There are numerous resources available to help you get started, including online courses, books, and local workshops. Additionally, there are many companies that sell solar panels and related equipment, so finding the right products for your business should be relatively easy.

How can I start a solar panel business with no experience?

There are a few ways to start a solar panel business with no experience. One way is to research the industry. Learn about the different types of solar panels and the best way to install them. Another way is to find a mentor or an experienced solar panel business owner who can help guide you through the process. Finally, you can also attend solar panel training programs to learn the basics of starting and running a solar panel business.

What type of solar panel business is most profitable?

The profitability of a solar panel business can vary depending on location, size, and scope of the operation. In general, a profitable type of solar company is one that sells and installs solar panels for commercial and residential properties. This is because installers can pass on the cost of the solar panels to the customers in addition to charging for the labor. Additionally, this type of business can benefit from government subsidies and tax credits that are available for businesses that sell solar panels.

How much does it cost to start a solar panel business?

The cost to start a solar panel business can vary depending on the size and scope of the business. However, basic costs can include website development, marketing materials, and inventory. In general, expect to spend between $10,000 and $50,000 to get a solar panel business up and running.

What are the ongoing expenses for a solar panel business?

There are a number of ongoing expenses for a solar panel business. One of the main expenses is the price of the solar panels themselves. In order to keep a solar panel business running, you also need to pay for things like marketing, labor, and maintenance.

How does a solar panel business make money?

A solar panel business makes money by selling solar panels and installing them for customers. It can also make money by providing services such as monitoring and maintaining solar panels.

Is owning a solar panel business profitable?

Yes, owning a solar panel business can be profitable. Solar panel businesses have become more popular in recent years as the cost of solar panels has decreased and the popularity of renewable energy has increased.

Why do solar panel businesses fail?

One of the most common reasons solar power companies fail is because they don't have a comprehensive business plan. A business plan helps define its goals, strategies, and tactics for achieving those goals. Without a solid business plan in place, it's difficult to make informed decisions about the business, measure its progress, or identify areas that need improvement.

Another reason solar panel companies may fail is poor financial planning and budgeting, leading to an inability to cover overhead costs. Poor customer service and lack of product knowledge may also lead to business failure.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Business Plan Template & Guide For Small Businesses

ProfitableVenture

Solar Farm Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Green & Eco-friendly » Renewable Energy » Solar Farm

Solar Farm Business

Are you about starting a solar farm business ? If YES, here is a complete sample solar energy farm business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE. Solar energy has become one of the most reliable sources of power supply especially in the operation of lifts in commercial buildings. The market for solar energy is increasing and it is indeed still open for new investors to come in.

A Sample Solar Energy Farm Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Solar panel is rapidly gaining huge market acceptance all over the globe simply because of how effective and useful it has become to most people. Solar panel is simply a device that helps convert sunlight into electrical energy and stores it for use.

Suggested for You

  • Valet Trash Service Business Plan [Sample Template]
  • How to Build a Commercial Solar Farm [10-Step Guide]
  • How Much Does It Cost Per Acre to Build 1 MW Solar Farm?
  • Air Purifier Product Business Plan [Sample Template]
  • Waste Paper Recycling Business Plan [Sample Template]

There are loads of areas where you can use solar energy and that is the reason why a lot of inventions that is being powered by solar panel (energy) keep propping up.

You can use solar energy to power automobile, solar energy to power street lights; you can use solar energy to power your house (all of your electronics and electrical appliances inclusive), you can use solar energy to virtually power device that requires electrical energy to function et al.

Using a solar farm is a cheaper option for people since they don’t have to pay for the cost of installation of the panels, and the regular cost of maintenance for the panel, they just have to pay the annual fee to the solar farm company and enjoy electricity throughout the year. This is also a very much cheaper option than using electricity from power companies.

Basically, a solar farm is a large land area where multiple ground-mount solar tracking towers are installed. Usually it can be on a working farm or other open and mostly unimproved land.

The Solar Farm Developers industry is made up of companies that mainly install and construct solar power grid systems, which is known as solar farms, on a utility scale. The work executed within the industry include new work, reconstruction, rehabilitation and repairs et al.

Statistics has it that an estimated 85% of U.S. residents can neither own nor lease solar panel systems because their roofs are physically unsuitable for solar or because they live in multi-family housing. At least 52 projects are under development in at least 17 states, and at least 10 states encourage their development through policy and programs.

The Solar Farm Developers industry has galloped ahead in recent years as a result of the rapid technological developments in our world, falling solar panel costs and favorable government policy. Going forward, the demand for solar panel installation is projected to continue to experience rapid growth.

With the ongoing government aid in the form of tax credits and rebates, along with technological advances in solar energy, as well as the rising popularity of solar power purchase agreements (SPPAs), the revenue generated in the industry is expected to grow sharply.

Statistics has it that The Solar Farm Developers industry in the united states of America, is worth $10bn, with an estimated growth rate of 46.5 percent.

There are about 80 registered and licensed solar farm developer businesses in the United States and they are responsible for employing about 9,027 people. First solar is the leading player in this industry; they have the largest market share.

Most people who have stake in the industry will quite agree that the solar farms industry has come to stay and of course it is one industry that plays key roles not only in the business world and in our homes simply because it is one eco – friendly way of generating power.

Over and above, The Solar Farm Developers industry is very open to any investor who have the required start – up capital acquired the required trainings, skills and perhaps professional certifications to start his or her own solar farm business.

2. Executive Summary

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC is a U.S based and standard solar farm company. We have been able to secure a standard and well – positioned vast acres of land in the outskirt of San Diego – California.

We are a solar farm company that is also into the manufacturing of solar panels, solar panel installation, maintenance and repair that is set to compete in the highly competitive The Solar Farm Developers industry not only in San Diego – California, but also throughout the United States market.

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC will offer services such as Crystalline silicon solar power plants, Thin-film solar power plants, CSP trough power plants, CSP tower power plants, Crystalline silicon solar power plant construction, Thin-film solar power plant construction, CSP power plant construction and other related solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services.

Our business goal is to become one of the leading solar farms in the United States and we will make sure that we do all we can to compete favorably with leaders in the industry including solar panel manufacturing companies and other companies that are into the production of eco – friendly energy.

Our workers are going to be selected from a pool of certified and highly experienced solar panel / solar energy repair engineers and technicians in and around San Diego – California and also from any part of the United States of America as the business grows.

We will make sure that we take all the members of our workforce through the required trainings that will position them to meet the expectation of the company and to compete with leading solar farms and solar panel installation, maintenance and repair companies in the United States and throughout the globe.

At Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC, our client’s best interest will always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for all our partners, employees and for our clients.

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC is founded by Engr. Shannon Carson a solar energy engineer per excellence who graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology (B.Engr.) and his friend and business partner for many years Moses Carpenter (B.Sc. Business Management). They have a combine experience that can help them build Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC to favorably compete with other leading solar farms in the United States of America.

3. Our Products and Services

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC was established with the aim of maximizing profits in The Solar Farm Developers industry .

We want to compete favorably with the leading solar farms and of course solar panel installation, maintenance and repair companies in the United States which is why we have but in place a competent quality assurance team that will ensure that every repairs carried out or related services rendered meet and even surpass our customers’ expectations.

We will work hard to ensure that Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC is not just accepted in San Diego – California but also in other cities in the United States of America. Our products and services are listed below;

  • Supply of solar energy
  • CSP trough power plants construction
  • CSP tower power plants construction
  • Crystalline silicon solar power plant construction
  • Thin-film solar power plant construction
  • CSP power plant construction
  • Other related solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • Our vision is to establish a standard and world class solar farm and solar panel installation, maintenance and repair company whose services and brand will not only be accepted in San Diego – California but also in other cities in the United States of America.
  • Our mission is to provide solar energy and professional solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services and other related services that will assist businesses, individuals, households and non-profit organizations in ensuring that their solar panels are always in good shape to produce the required power output.
  • We want to build a solar farm and solar panel installation, maintenance and repair company that can favorably compete with other leading brands in The Solar Farm Developers industry.

Our Business Structure

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC, is a solar farm and solar panel installation, maintenance and repair company that intend starting small in San Diego – California, but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading solar energy companies and solar panel installation, maintenance and repair companies in the industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.

At Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, creative, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Head, Technical Services

Human Resources and Admin Manager

  • Sales and Marketing Executive
  • Solar Panel Installation, Repair and Maintenance Engineers / Technicians (10)

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

  • Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
  • Responsible for providing direction for the business
  • Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
  • Evaluates the success of the organization

Head, Technical Services:

  • Serves as project manager of the organization; works directly with employees
  • Develops strategic plan by studying technological and financial opportunities; presenting assumptions; recommending objectives.
  • Accomplishes subsidiary objectives by establishing plans, budgets, and results measurements; allocating resources; reviewing progress; making mid-course corrections.
  • Coordinates efforts by establishing procurement, production, marketing, field, and technical services policies and practices; coordinating actions with corporate staff.
  • Builds company image by collaborating with customers, government, community organizations, and employees; enforcing ethical business practices.
  • Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.
  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.
  • Makes certain that the technical department perform efficiently, coordinate employee efforts, and facilitate communications between management and solar panel installation, repairs and maintenance engineers and technicians
  • Ensures that the organization work in line with international best practices.
  • Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
  • Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
  • Carries out staff induction for new team members
  • Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
  • Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
  • Oversees the smooth running of the daily office and factory activities.

Sales and Marketing Manager

  • Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
  • Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer
  • Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
  • Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
  • Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
  • Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
  • Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
  • Creates new markets cum businesses for the organization
  • Empowers and motivates the sales team to meet and surpass agreed targets

Accountant / Cashier:

  • Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
  • Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
  • Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
  • Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
  • Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
  • Responsible for administering payrolls
  • Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
  • Handles all financial transactions for Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC
  • Serves as internal auditor for Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC.

Solar Panel Installation, Repair and Maintenance Engineers (2) and Technicians (8)

  • Works with the team in projects such as crystalline silicon solar power plants construction, CSP trough power plants construction, CSP tower power plants, thin-film solar power plant construction, CSP power plant construction
  • Handles solar panel and accessories sales and supply for the organization, roof mounted panel installation, solar tracking panel installation, ground mounted panel installation, Fixed rack panel installation, and monitoring services
  • Handles other related solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services
  • Welcomes clients and potential clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
  • Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
  • Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
  • Manages administrative duties assigned by the creative director in an effective and timely manner
  • Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured solar farm and solar panel installation, maintenance and repair business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive Solar Farm Developers industry in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis for Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC;

Aside from the fact that we have a vast acre of land in a strategic location in the outskirt of San Diego for our solar farm, Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce.

We have a team of certified and highly trained and experience solar panel installation, maintenance and repair engineers and technicians, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in The Solar Farm Developers industry. Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected workforce, our services will be guided by best practices in the industry.

As a new solar farm and solar panel installation, maintenance and repair company in San Diego – California, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated and highly competitive Solar Farm Developers industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another weakness is that we may not have the required cash to pump into promoting our business the way we would want to.

  • Opportunities:

No doubt, the opportunities in the Solar Farm Developers industry is massive considering the support from the government and of course the number of individuals and corporate organizations who are now switching over to alternative energy such as solar energy. As a solar farm cum solar panel installation, maintenance and Repair Company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that is available in the industry.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new solar farm or solar panel installation, maintenance and repair company in same location where our target market exist and who may want to adopt same Business model like us.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trends

If you are keeping tabs of happenings in the Solar Farm Developers industry, you will agree that the demand for construction of utility-scale solar power projects has skyrocketed many thanks to substantial government support. So also, technological advancements in solar panel construction will definitely lead to a greater supply of low-cost panels, making solar panels more accessible for individual consumers, also lowering demand.

Another trend is that, The Solar Farm Developers industry has galloped ahead in recent years as a result of the rapid technological developments in our world, falling solar panel costs and favorable government policy. In the coming years, demand for solar panel installation is projected to continue growing.

Ongoing government aid in the form of tax credits and rebates, along with technological advances in solar energy, as well as the rising popularity of solar power purchase agreements (SPPAs), are expected to help revenue grow sharply going forward.

The demand for new solar farms has been backed primarily by government incentives, such as the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which encouraged private investment into solar technologies by offering tax credits.

With these incentives, solar farms and other solar-power development projects have been built at accelerating rates over the past five years. Because solar technology is not yet cost-competitive with other types of energy used in electricity generation, such as coal and natural gas, government incentives have been the driving force behind industry growth.

8. Our Target Market

Before starting our solar farms cum solar panel installation, maintenance and repair business in San Diego – California, we conducted a market survey and feasibility studies and we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who cannot successfully run their businesses without the services of solar panel installation, maintenance and repair companies.

In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations and households who we know can’t afford to do without our services. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to;

  • Banks, Insurance Companies and other related Financial Institutions
  • Blue Chips Companies
  • Corporate Organizations
  • Manufacturers and Distributors
  • Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
  • Research and Development Companies
  • The Government (Public works department)
  • Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)
  • Sport Facilities
  • Religious Organizations
  • Television Stations
  • Printing Press (Publishing Houses)
  • Branding and Advertising agencies
  • Individuals and households

Our Competitive Advantage

Surviving in the business world as a solar farm cum solar panel installation, maintenance and repair company requires more than, your expertise, knowing how to deliver standard repairs and maintenance jobs but also how to network with key people that matters; decision makers that can decide who will get a solar energy, solar panel supply, installation, repair and maintenance contract.

Without a shadow of doubt, there are loads of big time investors ( Solar Panel Manufacturing Companies ), that have a stake in The Solar Farm Developers industry; but one thing is certain, there is room big enough to accommodate the big solar panel installation, maintenance and repair companies and the small solar panel installation, maintenance and repair companies.

What smaller solar pan\el installation, maintenance and repair companies need to do to survive in the industry is to concentrate on providing solar panel sales, repair, maintenance and installation services to households, individuals, estates, communities, schools, hospitals and hotels et al before bidding for big solar panel supply, installation, repair, and maintenance contracts from large corporations and government agencies (Public Works Department).

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the Solar Farm Developers industry / the solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services industry means that you are not only expected to be able to deliver consistent and highly reliable solar panel supply, installation, repair and maintenance jobs, but you must be able to meet set targets. No one would want to continue to hire your services if don’t always meet up with the target date of completion of projects.

Our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of certified and highly trained and experience solar panel installation, maintenance and repair engineers and technicians, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the solar panel installation, maintenance and repair service industry. Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected workforce, our services will be guided by best practices in the industry.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups solar panel installation, maintenance and repair businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

  • Sources of Income

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in The Solar Farm Developers industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to meet and surpass the expectations of all our clients.

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC will generate income by offering the following solar panel installation, maintenance and repair related services;

  • Sale and distribution of solar panel and accessories
  • Servicing, maintenance and repair of solar panels
  • Roof mounted panel installation
  • Solar tracking panel installation
  • Ground mounted panel installation
  • Fixed rack panel installation
  • Monitoring services

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization, government agencies, households and individual who would need the services of solar panel installations, maintenance and repair companies.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in The Solar Farm Developers industry and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our solar energy cum solar panel installation, maintenance and repair company to enviable heights.

We have been able to critically examine the solar energy cum solar panel installation, maintenance and repair market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast.

The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in San Diego – California. Below is the sales projection for Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC, it is based on the location of our business and of course the wide range of our services and target market;

  • First Year-: $750,000
  • Second Year-: $1.5M
  • Third Year-: $2.5M

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same solar energy and solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

  • Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there is stiffer competition in the Solar Farm Developers industry / the solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services industry; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall business goal of Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC.

Our corporate goal is to grow Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC to become one of the top 10 solar farms / solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services brands in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in San Diego – California but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

  • Introduce our solar energy company cum solar panel installation, maintenance and Repair Company by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to individuals, households, corporate organizations, religious organizations and key stake holders.
  • Promptness in bidding for solar panel supply, installation, repair, and maintenance contract from the government and other cooperate organizations
  • Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
  • List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
  • Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
  • Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver excellent services
  • Leverage on the internet to promote our business
  • Engage direct marketing approach
  • Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our in house brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and individual clients in the whole of the United States and beyond which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our solar energy and solar panel installation, maintenance and repair company.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC;

  • Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
  • Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
  • Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our services
  • Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around San Diego – California
  • Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
  • Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
  • Contact corporate organizations by calling them up and informing them of Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC and the services we offer
  • List our solar energy company in local directories / yellow pages
  • Advertise our solar energy company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
  • Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our company logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

At Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC we will keep the prices of our products and services below the average market rate for all of our customers by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance from corporate organizations who would hire our services. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our customers at regular intervals.

We are aware that there are some one – off jobs or government contracts like solar panel / energy supply, installation, repair, and maintenance services which are always lucrative, we will ensure that we abide by the pricing model that is expected from contractors or organizations that bid for such contracts.

  • Payment Options

At Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

  • Payment by via bank transfer
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via bank draft
  • Payment via mobile money
  • Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

When it comes to launching a solar energy farm, you should be ready to spend loads of cash because it is indeed a capital intensive business. When it comes to setting up a business, the tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a standard solar panel installation, maintenance and repair company; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to set up Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC in the United of America;

  • Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
  • The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
  • Acquiring a vast acre of land large enough to contain the numbers of massive solar panels will cost – $400,000.
  • The amount required to purchase the needed solar energy equipment, tool box and repair equipment – $350,000
  • Equipping our office facility (computers, printers, projectors, markers, servers / internet facility, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $30,000
  • Amount required to purchase the needed software applications to run our business – $ 3,500
  • Launching an official Website will cost – $500
  • Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $250,000
  • Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about $1.5 Million to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard solar energy company in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC is a business that will be owned and managed by Engr. Shannon Carson and his friend and business partner for many years Moses Carpenter. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

  • Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
  • Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
  • Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $500,000 (Personal savings $300,000 and soft loan from family members $200,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $1 Million from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Clean Energy Technologies®, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check: Completed
  • Business Incorporation: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Securing a vast acres of land for our solar farm: Completed
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
  • Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
  • Writing of Business Plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
  • Design of Logo for the business: Completed
  • Purchase of repair and installation tools and equipment: Completed
  • Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, software applications, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In Progress
  • Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
  • Creating Awareness for the business: In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
  • Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress.

Need a business plan? Call now:

Talk to our experts:

  • Business Plan for Investors
  • Bank/SBA Business Plan
  • Operational/Strategic Planning
  • L1 Visa Business Plan
  • E1 Treaty Trader Visa Business Plan
  • E2 Treaty Investor Visa Business Plan
  • EB1 Business Plan
  • EB2 Visa Business Plan
  • EB5 Business Plan
  • Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan
  • UK Start-Up Visa Business Plan
  • UK Expansion Worker Visa Business Plan
  • Manitoba MPNP Visa Business Plan
  • Start-Up Visa Business Plan
  • Nova Scotia NSNP Visa Business Plan
  • British Columbia BC PNP Visa Business Plan
  • Self-Employed Visa Business Plan
  • OINP Entrepreneur Stream Business Plan
  • LMIA Owner Operator Business Plan
  • ICT Work Permit Business Plan
  • LMIA Mobility Program – C11 Entrepreneur Business Plan
  • USMCA (ex-NAFTA) Business Plan
  • Franchise Business Planning 
  • Landlord Business Plan 
  • Nonprofit Start-Up Business Plan 
  • USDA Business Plan
  • Cannabis business plan 
  • eCommerce business plan
  • Online Boutique Business Plan
  • Daycare business plan
  • Mobile Application Business Plan
  • Restaurant business plan
  • Food Delivery Business Plan
  • Real Estate Business Plan
  • Business Continuity Plan
  • Buy Side Due Diligence Services
  • ICO whitepaper
  • ICO consulting services
  • Confidential Information Memorandum
  • Private Placement Memorandum
  • Feasibility study
  • Fractional CFO
  • How it works
  • Business Plan Templates

Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant Business Plan

Published May.05, 2015

Updated Aug.08, 2024

By: Noor Muhammad

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 3

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant Business Plan

Table of Content

How to Write a Solar Panel Manufacturing Business Plan?

With increased awareness of the damaging impacts of fossil fuels on nature, the world is beginning to use renewable energy sources to power itself. If you are a business opportune, the changing trends must give you a hint to launch solar cell manufacturing plant.

I am a business management consultant at OGScapital and in this blog, I will guide you through the ways by which you could start and manage a solar cell factory successfully.

To step into the business, you have to first do exhaustive research on how to start a solar panel manufacturing business. Following that, you will need to take down your thoughts and draft them in a solar development feasibility study .

Solar Energy business plan

To write an effective business plan, here are the steps you need to take.

1. Outline a Clear Executive Summary

The executive summary should explain what your startup looks like, how you plan to manage it, who will be your buyers, and what are the targets you aim to achieve through your business.

2. Write the Company Summary

The company summary should throw light on the qualification and experience of the company owner and the motive behind starting the  solar panel production plant.

3. Pen Down Your Products and Services

This section should specify the products you will be selling and the services you will be offering by launching a  solar panel production plant.

4. Carry out a Market Analysis

Competitors are for both – to learn from and to compete with. Therefore, in this section of your solar panel manufacturing plant business plan you should explore your target market as well as your competitors.

5. Perform Customer Segmentation

In this part, you will have to identify the distinct groups of your target customers.

6. Set the Prices

Your business plan should contain your pricing strategy for at least three years.

7. Create the Personnel Plan

Your business plan should explain how many people with what qualifications will you be hiring. Taking down their expected salaries for at least three years is yet another detail you shouldn’t miss while writing the business plan.

8. Develop a Sales Strategy to Brand Your Startup

Know how you are different from others in the business world and figure out ways to brand your image.

9. Make a Financial and Operational Plan

This section of your business plan should describe solar panel manufacturing plant cost and other fiscal details.

Operational and Strategic Planning

How do i start up a solar cell manufacturing industry.

To start a solar cell manufacturing industry, you just need to follow a few steps:

Make Your Business Plan

To start with, you must get a detailed and accurate business plan that takes into account your spending, investment, expenditure, staff, customer groups, and every relevant detail.

excellent work

excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

Execute the Business Plan

Next, you just have to follow your business plan in letter and spirit. You have to make sure you do not deviate from the criteria you had set in your business plan. For instance, how you will market your venture, how much salaries would you pay, all such details should be pre-decided.

Manage & Operate

Establishing and growing a business is more difficult than the launch. For that, you will have to ensure a strong hierarchical management structure and a clear chain of commands for smooth operations.

What are some basic details about the manufacturing process, investment, machinery, and human resource?

3.1 how are the solar panels manufactured.

The working principle behind the manufacturing of solar panels is the chemical and photoelectric electricity generation phenomenon.

Silicon is used to manufacture thin wafer-like slices in rectangular or square shapes. The metal block is then painted and polished. To enable the conduction the semi-conductor is converted to either N-type or P-type silicon. The silicons are soldered together in a grid-like structure. Afterward, a glass coating is laid so that light from the sun reaches the silicon matrix and generates electricity through the photoelectric effect.

3.2 The Pre-Requisites to Open Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant

As you can see, manufacturing solar panels is not a simple or single-process task. To manufacture it, you require sophisticated technology, tools, as well as electrical engineers. The human and other resources you need to have to manufacture solar panels are given below.

3.2.1 Investment & Monetary Resources

The investment in manufacturing solar panels would vary based on the technology you are using. For a rough estimate, a 20-Watt Solar Panel can cost about $90 – $120 in manufacturing. Therefore, it is obvious that you need a hefty amount in your account to step into this business.

3.2.2 Required Tools, Space & Machinery

To establish solar panel manufacturing plants you need to procure a large space that is free from the issues that can mess up with the manufacturing process. They include electric tripping, water leakage, and open areas exposing the panels to thunder before they are finished.

The machinery and required tools are:

  • Stringer machine
  • Automatic framing machine
  • Layup station
  • Automatic station with conveyor belts
  • Backsheet cutting machine
  • Solar simulator
  • Ribbon bending and joining tools
  • Electroluminescence Testing Equipment
  • Support and transport tables
  • Laboratory accessories for quality control

3.2.3 Human Resources

To enable the manufacturing, you will need to hire:

  • Operation Manager
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Energy System Engineer
  • Facility Managers
  • Technicians (Mechanics/ Electricians)
  • Sales Managers
  • Web Developers & Social Media Managers
  • Other General Staff

What’s the total investment of start solar panel manufacturing plant?

solar panel business plan

As mentioned earlier, manufacturing a 20-Watt Solar Panel can take from $90 – $120 depending on the technology you are using. The cost of the machinery required is also high as well as the cost of hiring and maintaining a specialized workforce.

Therefore, if you are looking for how to manufacture solar panels in the United States, you must keep in mind that it is going to take a lot of your funds.

To give you a complete idea about solar cell manufacturing plant cost, we are providing the estimated startup costs of a solar panel manufacturing startup based in Boston. This solar cell manufacturing equipment cost pro forma was devised for a startup that used the latest German technology to manufacture solar panels.

Legal$128,000
Consultants$0
Insurance$28,000
Rent$40,000
Research and Development$16,000
Expensed Equipment$70,000
Signs$3,000
Start-up Assets$201,000
Cash Required$270,000
Start-up Inventory$39,000
Other Current Assets$292,000
Long-term Assets$302,000
 
Start-up Expenses to Fund$285,000
Start-up Assets to Fund$1,104,000
Assets 
Non-cash Assets from Start-up$1,344,000
Cash Requirements from Start-up$140,000
Additional Cash Raised$80,000
Cash Balance on Starting Date$40,500
Liabilities and Capital 
Liabilities$19,000
Current Borrowing$0
Long-term Liabilities$0
Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills)$55,000
Other Current Liabilities (interest-free)$0
Capital 
Planned Investment$1,389,000
Investor 1$0
Investor 2$0
Other$0
Additional Investment Requirement$0
Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses)$156,000

How much will it cost to set up a solar panel manufacturing unit?

In addition to the startup costs that were given in the previous section, the cost of maintaining the facility is also worth considering. 

Setting up a solar panel manufacturing plant includes daily maintenance and quality check of the machines and tools. To assess how much all of it will cost you and how much profit you would be able to generate you need to make a thorough financial plan. That plan should comprise a minimum 3-year analysis of the following:

  • Important Assumptions
  • Break-even Analysis
  • Projected Profit and Loss 
  • Profit Monthly
  • Profit Yearly
  • Gross Margin Monthly
  • Gross Margin Yearly
  • Projected Cash Flow
  • Projected Balance Sheet
  • Business Ratios

What are the factors worth considering?

6.1 licensing & registration requirements.

The first thing to pay heed to is the licensing and other requirements that are prevailing in your city for starting a solar panel manufacturing business.

6.2 Cost of Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant

Second, you should estimate the amount you can invest, your monetary goals, and the purchasing power of your clients to understand whether or not starting this business would be feasible in a specified location.

6.3 Sales Strategy of Competitors

To get ahead of your competitors, you have to first study them. Their sales strategy, price setting, discounts, and packages will help you understand how much money to spare to reach out to more customers.

6.4 Quality Standards & Expectations of People

While looking for how to setup a solar panel manufacturing plant you should also consider the quality standards of solar panels that people would expect from you. Normally you have to meet the following criteria:

  • Resilience to Harsh Environments
  • Long Cables for Easy Connection
  • Multiple Mounting Possibilities
  • Factory Certifications

Get Customized Business Plan Made by OGSCapital Experts

By now, you must have understood how you can capitalize on the solar panel manufacturing opportunities. You must also have realized that such an extensive business cannot be launched without an accurate business plan.

Reading solar panel installation company business plans available on the web and trying to draft your business plan might land you into trouble and your hard-earned money at risk. Therefore, it is important to hire professional services to get a business plan or a project report on solar panel manufacturing.

Among all the professional business plan writers, we would encourage you to explore a bit and know why you should hire OGSCapital for the task!

15+ Years of Industry Experience

We have the privilege of having written business plans for small and large enterprises. Our most successful business customers include Velapp, Global Impact, Confurmo, KFC, Subway, PolyClean, and a thousand more!

Highly Specialized Team

Our founders as well as the employed business consultants are highly specialized in their fields. At us, you will interact with business experts with great interpersonal skills and a spirit of cooperation.

Happy Customers in More Than 30 Countries

Since 2006, OGSCapital has been serving thousands of customers in more than 30 countries. 

Rated the TOP4 Small Business Consulting Firm

In 2020, OGSCapital was rated the Top4 Small Business Consulting Firm by the Clutch.

If you want to gauge our experience and expertise in the field before hiring us, you can request a sample business plan for a solar energy company.  

  • How do I set up a solar panel manufacturing company?

As you can study from this solar panel manufacturing plant business plan pdf, you can set up a solar panel manufacturing company by procuring silicon metal, machinery, and tools to enable the photoelectric phenomenon. The rest of the steps are given in detail in this blog.

  • How much profit can you make with solar panels?

Depending on the technology you use and your customer base, you can make $30 to $50 in profit per month with solar panels.

  • How to start a solar panel manufacturing company in the USA?

You just need to acquire the licenses, get registration and follow the steps that are mentioned in this solar panel manufacturing project report pdf.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

solar business plan example

Bowling Alley Business Plan Sample

Bowling Alley Business Plan Sample

Nightclub Business Plan (2024): A Comprehensive Guide

Nightclub Business Plan (2024): A Comprehensive Guide

Rabbit Farming Business Plan

Rabbit Farming Business Plan

Beverages Business Plan

Beverages Business Plan

Private Schools Business Plan

Private Schools Business Plan

Business Plan for a Lounge

Business Plan for a Lounge

Any questions? Get in Touch!

We have been mentioned in the press:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search the site:

COMMENTS

  1. Solar Panel Business Plan [Free Template

    Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your solar panel business plan:: Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data. Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible. Illustrate your points with charts and graphs. Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind. 4.

  2. Solar Energy Business Plan Template & Guidebook

    1. Describe the Purpose of Your Solar Energy Business. The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your solar energy business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers ...

  3. Solar Farm Business Plan Template (2024)

    Solar Farm Business Plan Example. Below is a template to help you create each section of your Solar Farm business plan. Executive Summary Business Overview. Helios Solar is a startup Solar Farm company located in northern New Mexico. The company was founded by husband and wife team Derek and Meri Smith. Derek has deep experience in the ...

  4. Solar Farm Business Plan

    Describe the goals of your solar farm business in detail. You can list multiple goals and even arrange them according to long, medium, or short-term. Goal 1: Energy Supply. Supply solar energy to domestic, commercial and industrial enterprises in need of clean, efficient and reliable solar energy. Goal 2: Plant Constructions.

  5. Solar Farm Business Plan: Guide & Template (2024)

    The setup of a solar farm includes installing solar panels and modes of storing the converted energy. It costs anything between 820,000 dollars to 1.36 million dollars to set up a 1-megawatt solar farm. Hence, it is essential to decide upon a cost-effective size and plan your business to get the maximum out of your efforts.

  6. How to Start a Solar Farm Business in (2024): Step-by-Step Guide

    1. Select a Solar Farm Business Type. As the first step, determine the type of solar farm you want to start. The type of solar farm will dictate the requirement for licenses, location, equipment, and investment. Usually, one of these two categories of solar farms exists in the solar industry: Utility-scale Solar Farms.

  7. Solar Farm Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Marketing Plan. Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P's: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a solar farm business plan, your marketing plan should include the following: Product: in the product section you should reiterate the type of solar farms that you documented in your Company Analysis.

  8. Business Plan Template for Solar Energy

    When using the Business Plan Template for Solar Energy, you can enjoy these benefits: Streamline the process of creating a comprehensive business plan specifically tailored to the solar energy industry; Effectively communicate your strategy, objectives, and financial projections to potential investors and secure funding for your solar energy ...

  9. Launch Your Solar Business in 6 Steps: A Complete Guide

    Find investors. Once you are ready to start a solar business, contact your bank to open a business-specific account. A separate business account allows you to discriminate between personal and business assets, keep track of your income and spending, and process tax operations. Step 4. Train Your Employees.

  10. Solar Business Plan Template Unveiled

    A comprehensive business plan should include the following key components: Executive Summary: A concise overview of your solar business, highlighting its mission, vision, and unique selling proposition. Company Description: Detailed information about your solar business, including its legal structure, target market, and proposed location.

  11. How to start a solar business

    Solar installers are usually the most saturated business in the market. If you're wondering how to start a solar installation business, you might want to start at the basics: Roofing. If you're a roofer, solar installation could be a great option to add to your business. The solar and roofing industries are starting to converge, and for ...

  12. Solar Panel Installation Business Plan [Sample Template]

    A Sample Solar Panel Installation Business Plan Template. 1. Industry Overview. Solar panel is rapidly gaining huge market acceptance all over the globe simply because of how effective and useful it has become to most people. Solar panel is simply a device that helps convert sunlight into electrical energy and stores it for use. There are loads ...

  13. Starting Solar Installation Business Plan (PDF)

    A proper marketing strategy should be included in your solar company business plan. Pre-Written Solar Installation Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel): Comprehensive Version, Short Funding/Bank Loan Version and Automated Financial Statements. For an in-depth analysis of the solar installation business, we encourage you to purchase our well ...

  14. 13 Thing to Consider When Writing a Business Plan for a Solar Farm

    Here are the 13 crucial things you should take into account when writing a business plan for a solar farm. The Language of your Business Plan. As a formal document, a business plan needs to be clear, focused, and relevant. ... For example: Our business goal is to become one of the top solar farms in the United States. Our plans include ...

  15. PDF Solar Farm Business Plan Example

    Research, product sourcing/purchase, and equipment: $170,000. Business ofice design/build: $90,000. Working capital: $210,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and lease costs until Maxwell Technologies reaches break-even. Topline projections over the next five years are as follows: 3 Year profit forecast. 2.

  16. The #1 Solar Panel Business Plan Template & Guidebook

    1. Describe the Purpose of Your Solar Panel Business. The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your solar panel business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers ...

  17. Solar Business Plan Template

    Bring together all your enquiries, estimates, quotes, jobs, staff, invoices, and more — all in one place, across every device. Save time and eliminate stress with Tradify! Try Free for 14 Days! Every solar business, new or established, needs a solid business plan. Download your free business plan template today!

  18. How to Write a Business Plan for a Solar Farm

    Take the plan's intended usage into account when deciding on the format; for example, venture capitalists or other lenders expect a detailed plan, while a lean plan is easier to update regularly. Standard Business Plan Elements to Include. All business plans - including a business plan for a solar farm - should include the following ...

  19. PDF Business Plan for Solar Energy System Installations and Energy

    These examples are not adjusted for change in the value of the dollar over time, and the many changes in costs and prices that have taken place over the years. This plan addresses two separate but associated segments of the construction business market: 1. Solar Energy System Installation, and 2. Energy Efficiency Retrofits

  20. How to Start a Solar Panel Business

    1. Choose the Name for Your Solar Panel Business. The first step to starting a solar panel business is to choose your business' name. This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable.

  21. A Comprehensive Solar Farm Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

    A solar farm business plan is crucial for potential investors, providing them with a clear understanding of the project, its feasibility, and the expected return on investment. This article will guide you through the essential sections of a solar farm business plan, the solar farm industry, market trends, and funding options. ...

  22. Solar Farm Business Plan [Sample Template]

    A Sample Solar Energy Farm Business Plan Template 1. Industry Overview. Solar panel is rapidly gaining huge market acceptance all over the globe simply because of how effective and useful it has become to most people. Solar panel is simply a device that helps convert sunlight into electrical energy and stores it for use.

  23. Solar Panels Business Plan Sample [UPD 2024]

    3.2.1 Investment & Monetary Resources. The investment in manufacturing solar panels would vary based on the technology you are using. For a rough estimate, a 20-Watt Solar Panel can cost about $90 - $120 in manufacturing. Therefore, it is obvious that you need a hefty amount in your account to step into this business.