[RE-wrenches] general contractors taking a cut...

[Joel Davidson]

With only a few exceptions, every general, electrical, and roofing contractor I have worked with, taught, or "partnered" on a job that needed PV either stopped offering PV, stopped giving me referrals, or went into competition with me. The exceptions are a good friends. Some lessons learned: PV attracts lone wolves who, by nature, are competitive and nurture trustworthy friendships.

Joel Davidson
"Cultivate your garden." Voltaire
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jeff Yago 
  To: RE-wrenches 
  Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 8:38 PM
  Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] general contractors taking a cut...


  We have tried this before but never seems to work out, although we have worked with several general contractors or architects to coordinate a solar installation the owner purchased direct from us and we had to install during construction.

  Here is what usually happens - The contractor says, give us a good deal and we can sell your systems in almost every house we sell.  Then they pick your brains, learn all your installation tricks, and you are left out in the cold.   If they are on the up and up, they usually do realize the new homeowner will never be able to add another 25% to their loan to add the solar, so they never sell any systems as part of new construction.  

  My best advice is to advise the homeowner what empty conduit to ask their builder to install before enclosing the walls and give you a call if they want to purchase a system direct from you now or later.

  A typical new home has a general contractor, who hires a back-hoe operator to clear the lot and install the footers, a block layer to lay the foundation or fireplace block, stone, a carpenter to frame the walls, or brick a plumber to install the plumbing, a roofer to install the roofing, a drywall contractor to install the drywall, a painting contractor to paint, an audio/video service to run the phone and video wiring, a kitchen specialist to design and install the kitchen and bath cabinets, a counter-top contractor to cut and install the counter-tops, a trip carpenter to install doors, windows, and baseboard trim, and a flooring contractor to install the wood floors and carpet,.  

  So what is so different that a contractor can't contract with you to design and install a solar system if the client wants one?  You can always market to the public in your area to create the demand, and sooner or later the contractors will see its good business to team up with you when they need you.  Leave some brochures in his sales office and tell him he can mention he works with a good local solar installer if they want lower utility bills.  This might help him sell more homes without you having to keep buying cases of Scotch.

  Yago Rule # 36 - Beware of general contractors bearing gifts.

   

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