Start solar business in India

Solar is one of the most happening areas now with a lot of focus and interest shown by the present Indian government.

SELL SOLAR PRODUCTS – the Huge amount is spent on solar PV, solar thermal systems, solar attic fans, solar cooling systems, etc. each year, which are required to build and operate such installations. Apart from this solar lights, solar gadgets, solar rechargers are among the growing list of related products that you can shelf and strategize a go-to-market plan and be a market-frontier.

BE A DISTRIBUTOR – As more and more manufacturers are emerging, the opportunity is going to increase. Every manufacturer needs a distributor today who can present unique business models. For example, a manufacturer sitting in some 1st tier city needs to reach remote location or to unveil his solar panels in diverse geographies across the country needs an evident and aggressive marketing platform. There you come-in, feature their products, understand their portfolio and reach out to the very last mile (end consumer).

SELL AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS – Solar business is long-term customer relationships. There are products that can be sold to people who already have solar installations to increase their yields, reduce the need for cleaning, etc.

SELL 3RD PARTY PROVIDED SERVICES – You can also sell services provided by other companies – such as solar insurance products, solar cleaning, solar financing, etc.

INVENT SOLAR PRODUCTS – Are you a bit of an inventor? There’s a whole bunch of new solar products being developed. There are various products made by these inventors. Need an idea? Take a look at any existing product that needs the power to operate and think about how you could use solar energy to provide that power. Maybe you have a new way of doing something, the opportunities in solar are just as big if not bigger (solar is truly a global business).Amazon and other websites can help you to sell those unique products.

FIND NICHES – Take what someone is successfully doing in one market and try to make it viable for your local market. You can also try it to a niche market like (e.g., solar for RV vehicles, solar products for boats, solar products for recreational users, solar-powered agricultural buildings, government, mobile apps for people interested in solar energy, etc.). There are a lot of opportunities.

PRODUCE INFORMATIONAL PRODUCTS –   There is a strong demand for good quality information. If you are good at research; consider producing research reports, eBooks, instructional videos, solar training classes. The list of things you can make is limited only by your imagination.

PRODUCE FINANCIAL PRODUCTS – Set up a financial company and offer specific financing products such as solar construction financing, long term solar project financing, joint venture financing, provide angel financing, acquire solar projects, etc. There are a growing number of private investment groups that are well equipped in nurturing this business vertical. Why not you too join this lucrative business!

DEVELOP & OWN SOLAR PROJECTS – Unlike other projects in the different sector which evidently needs a harrowing experience. It can be well justified that everyone today can be a solar developer. Find a good location, put together a team of experts develop a good business plan, raise the money, build your project, use your experience and complete projects without getting your hands dirty.

INDEPENDENT SOLAR CONSULTANT – A lot of people would like to know if it makes sense to install solar on their property. There you come in, they need professional guidance and literature guiding them through their entire process. And I can second this sector is bullish, so you might tap it fast.

FINANCING CONSULTANT – Solar installations are expensive and there are a lot of different government programs out there. Also, some banks will lend money for solar installations; so why not provide your services to help clients find the money they need to build their projects. Just as there are mortgage brokers, why not create your own “solar brokerage service”.

SOLAR APPRAISAL – In real estate, this business model has been on the books for years. Hence, solar appraisal business can also corner a market. The nature of the business is to assess the value of a solar array on a property for sale or the future potential of adding a solar installation on a building.

SOLAR REPAIRS – Solar systems last for a long time but some maintenance is required from time to time, especially on older systems that might need to be upgraded with new inverters, wiring replaced, storm damage repairs, etc.

START A JOB PLACEMENT SERVICE – On one hand, you have a lot of companies in the solar industry that need to hire people and on the other, you have a lot of people who would like to work in the solar industry. Start a solar job placement service, offer tips and advice to employers and job seekers alike. You would be helping a lot of people, including yourself.

START A TRAINING CENTER – Have a skill already like knowing how to install solar panels or solar heaters then why not to educate others. As noted above (No.14), there is a big demand for skilled workers and you can provide training (either online or hands-on). There is a growing need for skilled installers. That’s just one example there are many other skills you could teach people.

START A NON-PROFIT – You don’t have to be limited to for-profit ideas, there are a number of non-profit solar business opportunities. For example, you can start a foundation to help bring solar energy to people in need, advocate the adoption of FIT programs in your state, promote solar energy awareness in your community, promote greater awareness of vitamin D to help prevent disease, raise money for installing solar systems in developing countries, etc.

SOLAR BROKER – There is a growing market for companies looking to acquire and develop portfolios of solar projects. In India, the concept is simple. Work on your own schedule to provide energy solutions for commercial clients through your existing and new relationships that you build and get paid for doing what you love.

ENERGY AUDITOR – Another service that is growing in demand is to conduct energy audits and make recommendations how people can reduce their electrical consumption. In commercial and industrial real estate, an energy audit is the first step in identifying opportunities to reduce energy expense and carbon footprints.

Get Trained in the field of solar and do what you like to do.