The sales industry can sometimes seem like an over-saturated career field to get into…most people have a hard time getting their foot in the door without knowing someone or having a ton of experience. Luckily, as solar power continues to boom across the country, so do opportunities in solar sales. While everyone’s career path is a bit different, there are some industry standards that I hope to convey to help take some of the mystery out of a career with high potential.
In general, solar sales can be a great career if you have the right temperament and skill set. It requires an entrepreneurial spirit, excellent communication skills, and the ability to think on your feet to make the sale.
If you can meet those criteria, solar panel sales can provide a great salary with the potential for high growth, depending on how well you perform.
Is Solar Panel Sales A Good Alternative To Other Types Of Sales?
Due to the long-term nature of solar panel installation and maintenance, solar panel sales typically require a longer time commitment than other types of sales. This means that solar panel sales are generally better suited for those who are looking to build a career in this field over the long haul.
The solar industry has seen tremendous growth in the last few years, with solar installations across the country more than doubling from 2015-2019. This means that solar panel sales have ample opportunity for growth, even in areas that have been slower to adopt solar.
Like any career in sales, you will need to become an expert in the product and know how to read people and get information out of them. A lot of times people don’t know what they need, and other times they may think they need more than they do. It is up to you as a solar panel salesperson to be able to communicate and understand what customers need.
How Much Do Solar Panel Salespeople Make?
On average, a solar sales professional can make between $40,000 to $100,000. This may be higher or lower depending on location and experience level and how much commission the company you work for offers.
Someone just starting their career isn’t likely to get high-dollar clients or will be a junior salesperson assisting a more experienced employee. In these situations, you may be on a set salary until you prove yourself.
In addition to salary, solar panel sales professionals can also receive incentives in the form of bonuses or commissions. You may also get to install a solar-powered system in your home at a fraction of the cost. Depending on the company, solar panel sales professionals may also receive benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation days, and other perks.
Here is a chart showing other average sales salaries:
| Ad Sales | $56,000 |
| Car Sales | $60,000 |
| Pharmaceutical Sales | $64,000 |
| Solar Sales | $74,000 |
| Real Estate | $108,000 |
What Type Of Education Is Needed For Solar Sales?
A solar sales professional doesn’t necessarily need a specific degree to get started. However, many solar companies prefer that applicants have some kind of college education, preferably in a business or marketing-related field.
This will help you understand the basics of sales and business and make you an asset more quickly.
Most places are going to have their own way of doing things and may eventually let their sales force do their own thing… basically, as long as you make the company, the industry and the bottom line (i.e., bring money in) look good there are no hard and fast rules to sales.
Solar panel sales professionals should have a good understanding of solar technology, solar energy systems, and solar installation processes. You may even be required to take additional courses or certifications in solar energy or solar panel sales for a specific company.
Finally, solar panel sales professionals should also have good communication skills, as they will need to explain solar concepts to customers in an effective way.
The good news, according to Forbes, the barrier to entry for solar sales is quite low and has seen people with all sorts of backgrounds (sales or not) get started. It becomes a question of how much you want to make and how hard are you willing to work.
What Is The Longevity Of A Career In Solar Sales?
With technology always being innovated, the future looks quite good for solar sales. Currently, the US is having a solar boon, especially as utility prices increase. Even people that don’t want to go 100% solar are looking for ways to offset energy costs.
The solar industry is growing rapidly as more and more solar energy systems are becoming commonplace in households. This means that solar panel sales have ample potential for long-term career growth. That being said, no career is immune to ups and down and there are never guarantees when it comes to stability, however, solar power seems to be fairly stable overall.
Many companies are starting to allow for remote work for their sales force. This has its good and bad points, but a big “selling point” to remote work is that you can work for a company based in pricey Los Angeles but live in a cheaper city out of L.A., or even out of California.
Pros of Remote Work:
- Ability to work from anywhere in the world
- Save money on commuting and other associated costs
- Increased flexibility with work hours
Cons of Remote Work:
- Lack of face-to-face interaction with some clients or colleagues
- Difficult to track progress and results accurately for remote sales staff
- Increased risk for burnout due to lack of clear boundaries between work and home life
- May not have immediate access to new products or innovations
- May have to fly back and forth to corporate offices more often than you’d like
Growth Potential As A Solar Sales Professional
There is potential to grow within solar panel sales, depending on the company you work for and your performance. Many solar companies have incentive programs designed to reward their best solar sales professionals with bonuses or higher-paying positions.
It’s important to research solar panel sales positions thoroughly before taking the job to make sure there is potential for career growth.
What Are The Best Locations For Careers In Solar Sales?
The solar industry is growing in many parts of the US, making it easier for solar panel sales professionals to find work. According to Solar Reviews, some of the best states for solar sales include California, Texas, Florida, and New York.
These states all have large populations and high solar energy usage rates that make solar a viable option for solar panel sales. Other states and cities may also have solar industries that are growing, so be sure to do your research before settling on a solar career in any given area.
But, as mentioned above, many companies will let their sales team live remotely, so solar panel sales professionals can make a living anywhere they have access to solar energy and the proper certifications.