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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Joel Davidson</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>"Cultivate your garden." Voltaire</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=jryago@netscape.com href="mailto:jryago@netscape.com">Jeff Yago</A>
</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A
title=re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">RE-wrenches</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Thursday, January 29, 2009 8:38
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: [RE-wrenches] general
contractors taking a cut...</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif">
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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,. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Yago Rule # 36 - Beware of general contractors bearing
gifts.</DIV><BR> <BR>
<HR>
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.</DIV>
<P>
<HR>
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