How to Start a Solar Energy Farm Business

Do you want to start a solar energy farm company? If YES, here is a complete
guide to starting a solar farm business with NO money and no experience.
Okay, so we have provided you an in-depth sample solar farm business plan template. We
also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample solar farm energy marketing plan
backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for solar farms. In this article, we will
be considering all the requirements for starting a solar farm. So put on your entrepreneurial
hat and let’s proceed.
Why Starting a Solar Farm?
Solar farms are replacing croplands that don’t generate enough income from traditional
farming. Other times, solar farms are being placed on vacant industrial sites or land that
hasn’t grown crops in years. Most people are familiar with solar panels mounted on the
rooftop of our house to solar farms, but the truth is that both the solar panels in our homes
and solar farms serves the same purpose but in varying degrees.
The solar panels in our homes are usually single panels mounted on the roof that gets
energy from the sun (solar) and converts it into Alternating Current (AC) for use in the
house, while solar farms which are also known as Photovoltaic Power are a large area of
land where solar tracking towers are mounted to provide power to a large number of
people.
Building a solar farm is a capital intensive business as estimate shows you need at least 1
million dollars to start a solar farm, but the Returns on Investment (ROI) are worth it in the
long run. Instead of trying to use the electricity from solar panels just to power your
refrigerator and computer and air conditioner etc., the solar panels are used to create
power that you sell back to the electric utility. Someone else uses the power you make.
When we put solar panels on your roof, you get a second meter. You have your first meter,
and you buy all the electricity you use from the utility, just like you did before you had
solar. The second meter measures the power your panels make, and the utility pays you for
the power that goes out through this meter. You are a consumer just like you were before,
but you are also a producer (a sort of mini-utility).
Hopefully, it is clear now that with solar on your roof, you are a consumer of electricity just
as you always were. Moreover, you’re a producer of electricity. The electricity that you
produce pays you. Your power is used by someone else which in turn reduces the need for
the electric utility to buy fossil fuels to power its generators (the more you and other solar
panel owners produce, the less they generate from coal or natural gas).
The panels on the solar farm put power into the utility grid. Businesses and consumers use
the power during the day. Fewer fossil fuels burnt. These is what happens with the power
from panels if they’re on your house. You get paid for power produced on the solar farm.
Again, just like having the panels in your house.

Starting a Solar Farm Business in 6 Quick Steps

 1. Carry Out Research-: Before you start out a solar farm, try and carry out a
research on business before you start out. How much capital will the business
take? Is there a land to mount your solar farm? Are there other solar farms in the
location? What are the main problems they are encountering from running their
solar farms in the location? You should find honest answers to these questions
before you get started.
2. Develop a Business Plan-: When you are done getting all the information and
answers you need from your research, it is time to draw up a business plan. Due to
the nature of this business, it is advisable that you draw your solar farm business
plan with the help of professionals who will provide you with the estimate you need
to make your plan. Make a plan that will cover at least the first 10 to 15 years of the
business.
3. Get Legal Backing for Your Company-: Due to the size of the business, you
need to register it as a company with a legal entity. After making your business plan
and estimates, you should start the process of registering your business name as a
legal company and permissions provided by the law to starting a solar farm. This
way, you will avoid legal issues with the law later. You can employ a legal counselor
or Lawyer to handle the process for you.
4. Scout for Land Space-: Mounting a solar farm is a business that requires a land
space to get started. Some professionals estimate that you need at least 15 acres of
land to start a solar farm. If you have the capital, you can out rightly purchase the
land, it you don’t, you can lease the land. But make sure your leasing agreement
covers at least 50 years. so that there will be no need to dismantle the panels
sooner than expected.
5. Erect Your Structure-: At this stage, it is time to start erecting the Photovoltaic
power. There are companies that offer the service of mounting the solar farm for
you. You can give them the contract of mounting the tower within your land space;
the company should also be responsible for major maintenance and renovation of
the solar farm because it is better to work with one company for a single long term
project than having different companies handle the contract.
6. Send Out Proposals to Companies and Individual-: During the construction of
the solar farm, some companies and individuals may come to make inquiry on the
term of service from the solar company. When they structure is fully erected, you
can make it official by sending companies, industries and individuals in the location
of the service you offer. Also include a service cost and payment method for people
interested in using power from your solar farm.

A Detailed Guide to Starting a Solar Farm Business

 Industry Overview

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.

 Interesting Statistics About the Starting a Solar Farm

Solar is the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in America, generating enough

clean, reliable and affordable electricity to power more than 2.2 million homes. Solar
created tens of thousands of new American jobs and pumped tens of billions of dollars into
the U.S. economy. In fact, more solar has been installed in the U.S. in the last 18 months
than in the 30 years prior.
The Solar Farm Developers industry has been skyrocketing over the past five years.
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. This is because solar technology is not
yet cost-competitive with other types of energy used in electricity generation.
Demand for construction of utility-scale solar power projects has skyrocketed thanks in
large part to substantial government assistance. In addition to heavy demand catapulting
revenue upward, falling capital costs have expanded the industry’s profit margins.
In the next five years, industry revenue growth is expected to slow significantly due to
lesser demand for solar power generation on the utility-scale level. Additionally,
technological advancements in solar panel construction will lead to a greater supply of low-
cost panels, making solar panels more accessible for individual consumers.
The Solar Farm Developers industry has been skyrocketing over the past five years.
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.
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.
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. The first Solar is the leading player in this industry; they
have the largest market share.
Most people who have a 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.

Starting a Solar Farm – Market Research and Feasibility

 Demographics and Psychographics

The services of a solar farm will be needed by the following;

1. Banks, Insurance Companies, and other related Financial Institutions

2. Blue Chips Companies
3. Corporate Organizations
4. Manufacturers and Distributors
5. Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
6. Research and Development Companies
7. The Government (Public Works Department)
8. Schools (High Schools, Colleges, and Universities)
9. Hotels
10. Sport Facilities
11. Religious Organizations
12. Television Stations
13. Printing Press (Publishing Houses)
14. Branding and Advertising agencies
15. Individuals and households

List of Niche ideas in the Solar Industry That You Can Specialize in
There are several niches that you can decide to delve into. Here are some of it;

1. Supply of solar energy

2. Crystalline silicon solar power plant construction
3. Thin-film solar power plant construction
4. CSP power plant construction
5. Sale and distribution of solar panel and accessories
6. Servicing, maintenance, and repair of solar panels
7. Roof mounted panel installation
8. Solar tracking panel installation
9. Ground mounted panel installation
10. Fixed rack panel installation
11. Monitoring services
12. Other related solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services

The Level of Competition in the Solar Farming Industry

The Solar Farming industry is very competitive but open to any investor who is armed with
the required start – up capital acquired the required training, skills and perhaps professional
certifications to start his or her solar farm business.
List of Well Known Brands in the Solar Energy Business
There are several solar farming brands in America, here are some of them;

1. First Solar
2. Clean Energy Technologies®
3. Innovative Solar Systems
4. Topaz Solar Farm (CA, USA)
5. Solar Star, (CA, USA.)
6. Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System
7. Agua Caliente, Arizona
8. Setouchi, Japan. GE, Toyo Engineering Corp
9. Nzema Solar Park, Ghana.
10. Redstone Solar Thermal Power Plant
11. Amanecer Solar CAP Plant, Chile
12. Jasper PV Project, South Africa.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
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 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 assistance and aid in the form of tax credits and rebates, along with
technological advancement and research in solar energy, as well as the rising popularity of
solar power purchase agreements, will assist 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.
Is a Solar Farm Worth Starting from Scratch or is Buying a Franchise Better?
Starting a solar power business requires in-depth learning about the industry, available
products, installation, and solutions for home and business owners. It also involves
establishing relationships with suppliers and their sales consultants, so a supply of solar
equipment is always available, along with a source of in-depth information for the questions
the business owner can’t answer.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to ensure all of the foregoing is to buy a franchise,
as the entire business model is already created, the kinks are worked out and the business
is essentially ready to go.
Research various solar power franchise opportunities and select a franchise to work with.
This way, the business model, including the business plan, and advertising media and
materials are all ready-made. Establish a relationship with the chosen franchise and get as
much information as possible about the way the business is operated, the startup capital
required and the process of becoming a franchisee.
Possible Threats and Challenges of Starting a Solar Farm
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 or 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.
Starting a Solar Farm – Legal Aspect

 The Best Legal Entity to Use for a Solar Farm

Due to the size of the business, you need to register it as a company with a legal entity.
After making your business plan and estimates, you should start the process of registering
your business name as a legal company and permissions provided by the law to starting a
solar farm. This way, you will avoid legal issues with the law later. You can employ a legal
counselor or Lawyer to handle the process for you.
The best legal entity for this business is starting a LLC. A limited partnership is an
organization made up of a general partner, who manages a project; and limited partners
who invest money but have limited liability and are not involved in day to- day
management.
Usually, limited partners receive income, capital gains, and tax benefits; the general
partners collect fees and a percentage of capital earnings and revenues. Typically, limited
partnerships are in real estate, oil and gas, equipment leasing, family partnerships but can
also finance movies, research and development and other projects.
Catchy Business Name ideas Suitable for a Solar Farm
Every business needs a suitable name to run their activities; but a solar farm business does
not need a top notch brand name to function, all it need is a name for differentiating it
from other firms both in and outside the industry. You can consider any of these names for
your solar farm business;

1. SunnyLight Inc
 2. Energy Growers
3. Solar Harvesters
4. Clean Source
5. Sun Oasis
6. Desert Pluggers
7. Solar Growers
8. Zero Emission
9. Green Light
10. Direct Sun Source.

Choosing the Best Insurance Policy for your Solar Farm

Consider insurance protection of your photovoltaic systems, in which coverage is provided
for unanticipated physical damage and loss of insured property due to theft, burglary,
robbery or pilferage. Insurance covers in particular damage caused by:

 Handling error, clumsiness or malicious intent by third parties

 A short circuit, excess current or an electrical surge
 Failure of measuring, regulating or safety devices
 Insufficient water, oil or lubricant
 Excess pressure or low pressure
 Fire, lightning strike, explosion
 Water or damp
 Storm, hail, frost, ice drift, flooding or snow load
 Damage caused by animals

Intellectual Property Protection for your Solar Farm

If you are considering starting your own solar farm business, then you should consider filing
for intellectual property protection. Filing for copyright protection for your firm is not only
limited to your company’s logo and other documents, and but also protecting, of course,
the name of your business.
If you want to file for intellectual property protection and also register your trademark in
the United States, then you are expected to begin the process by filing an application with
the USPTO. The final approval of your trademark is subjected to the review of attorneys as
required by USPTO.
Is Professional Certification Needed to Start a Solar Farm?
Research the licensing you need in your state to conduct solar installations and run a solar
farm. For instance, Massachusetts and Connecticut both require an electrician’s license
before you can pull permits for a solar installation, and Massachusetts additionally requires
a construction license.
In other states, you can work on 12-volt photovoltaic (PV) wiring without a license only to
the point where it ties into the inverter. From that point on, you are wiring 120-volt
electricity, and you need an electrician’s license. Some states may also require you to have
a roofing contractor’s license to conduct rooftop installations.
  Obtain certification with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
(NABCEP). While not required to carry out solar installations, NABCEP certification is
widely recognized in the solar industry and identifies you as a professional.The North
American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is primarily a professional
certification organization. It also runs company accreditation programs and offers
continuing education.

 You can also consider the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) provides
information on solar training opportunities, certifications, and training program
accreditation. It also offers a job board, as well as networking opportunities through
chapters and a LinkedIn group.

List of Legal Documents You Need to Start a Solar Farm

Register your business with the government. Laws vary by state. Talk to your local
Department of Commerce and Department of Licensing to receive the forms that you need
to establish your business and to learn if you need a license to do bookkeeping. You can
notify the federal government of your business by applying for an Employer Identification
Number (EIN). You can also create a business name for yourself and file a “Doing Business
As” or “DBA” notice.
These are some of the basic legal document that you are expected to have in place if you
want to start a solar farm business in the United States of America;

 Certificate of Incorporation
 Business License
 Business Plan
 Non – disclosure Agreement
 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
 Apostille
 Employment Agreement (offer letters)
 Operating Agreement
 Company By laws
 Operating Agreement for LLCs
 Insurance Policy

Writing a Business Plan for your Solar Farm

Solar farms make use of a large-scale deployment of solar panels to generate renewable
electricity for sale to utilities, government entities, individual consumers, and organizations.
A business plan is a formal document that provides a roadmap for a company’s startup and
growth in early years.
Preparing a business plan for a solar farm can help you to think through all of the
implications of starting a business in the growing alternative energy sector, and can help
you to obtain financing and investment to get off the ground.
a. Create an overview of your company covering your mission statement, industry
and a snapshot of your operations. Discuss the need that your business serves, and any
industry trends that support the viability of establishing a solar farm, in addition to your
company’s name, address and geographic reach.
b. Describe your company’s form of organization, its location and its competitive
advantages. State the purpose of the business plan in this section in concrete terms:
include the exact amount of funding or any other response the plan is intended to solicit
from the reader.
c. Write an overview of your products and services. Describe the amount of
electricity that will be generated by your solar farm, and detail your plans for the future
expansion of your services. Compare the electricity produced by your business with
traditional utilities and other alternative energy providers in terms of price, reliability and
scalability.
d. Craft a marketing analysis section. Analyze your competitors and target customers
in this section. Your primary competitors are likely to be large-scale alternative energy
suppliers, such as other solar farms, wind turbine farms and large hydroelectric utilities.
e. Analyze the traditional energy suppliers; coal, natural gas and nuclear utilities in
your region and discuss your company’s plan for gaining market share from these well-
established powerhouses. Your target customers are likely to be established utility
companies, large businesses, and government entities.
f. Create a financial plan section, including projected financial statements and ratio
analysis. Large deployments of renewable energy technology, such as solar farms, require
extensive capital resources at startup and feature a cost structure that decreases over time
as the expensive technology begins to pay for itself.
g. Discuss possible sources of funding, including bank loans, stock offerings, and
government grants. Grants are likely to play a large role in the initial funding of an
alternative energy company.
h. Write a personnel plan. Include an organizational structure chart showing the layers
and hierarchy of management, and present brief professional biographies of yourself and
your executive team. Discuss the number and types of staff that will be employed in the
solar farm’s initial years.
Consider keeping your staff to a minimum as long as possible in this type of business, using
third-party labor for the installation of your solar equipment, and employing a small work
force for maintenance and upkeep in addition to a small office staff.
i. Create an executive summary, and use it as the first section in your business plan.
Provide a brief overview of each business plan section, highlighting the information that is
most important to the specific reader of the plan. Consider altering your summary slightly
to suit different readers; whether bankers, investors or even potential customers.
A Detailed Cost Analysis for Starting a Solar Farm
A good number for solar farm cost per acre is typically $500,000 here in the U.S. You will
find that typically a megawatt size solar farm system needs around five acres of land to be
oriented and sited properly. This amount of acreage is also a good number if using any
type of tracking systems on your panels to increase production levels is your goal.
A one-megawattsolar farm project will cost somewhere around $2.5 Million U.S.
dollars and require a land of no less than about five acres. Building solar farms that have
higher output rates while requiring less ongoing maintenance is what a solar farm company
excels at.
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 a solar farm 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 purchasing the needed solar energy equipment, tool box and
repair equipment – $350,000.
 Equipping of 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 the 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, about $1.5 Million to
successfully set – up a medium scale but standard solar farm in the United States of
America.

 Financing your Solar Farm

Seek grant funding from government and private sources. As an alternative energy
business, you may be eligible for significant grant money from a range of sources.
Raise additional financing through traditional means if necessary. Venture capitalists may
be interested in injecting large sums of money into your venture if you impress them with
your business model — your plan for profitability. Banks may also be willing to extend
traditional business loans to help you get off the ground.
  Choosing a Suitable Location for your Solar Farm

Mounting a solar farm is a business that requires a land space to get started. Some
professionals estimate that you need at least 15 acres of land to start a solar farm. If you
have the capital, you can out rightly purchase the land, it you do not, you can lease the
land. However, make sure your leasing agreement covers at least 50 years. So that there
will be no need to dismantle the panels sooner than expected.
At this phase, it is time to start erecting the Photovoltaic power. Some companies offer the
service of mounting the solar farm for you. You can give them the contract of mounting the
tower within your land space; the company should also be responsible for major
maintenance and renovation of the solar farm because it is better to work with one
company for a single long-term project than having different companies handle the
contract.
Starting a Solar Farm – Technical and Manpower Details
A BSc degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering is required for solar
engineering positions. In some areas, more advanced certification and qualifications could
be required. Degrees in industrial engineering, chemical engineering, and computer
software engineering may also be helpful.
Many of the responsibilities on a solar farm require a Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer
in Training (EIT) licensure. Licensure requirement: A degree from an ABET-accredited
engineering program, A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam,
relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years and a passing score on the Professional
Engineering (PE) exam.
College graduates may take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam immediately.
Engineers who pass this exam are called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns
(EIs). After gaining four years of work experience, EITs and EIs can go on to take the
Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to qualify for licensure.
Several states require engineers to participate in professional development activities in
order to keep their licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as
that state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements.
More complex jobs may require a MSc or PhD degree. Engineers are expected to participate
in professional development to keep up with technological developments. They should also
be familiar with AutoCAD, a computer-aided design program widely used in engineering.
Within solar engineering, AutoCAD is used for photovoltaic system layout. Some firms may
also use Google SketchUp.
Because solar engineers must consult with clients, create technical reports, and write
emails, they should also have good communication skills which will be of benefit to your
solar farm.
Equipment Needed to Start a Solar Farm
Typically, solar farms use a technology that is known as photovoltaic (PV). These systems
use panels that are specially designed to convert sunlight or solar energy into electricity. PV
systems include a battery, inverter, and solar tracker.
The shining blue panels (which are used to capture the sunlight), is often referred to as
modules, and when used alone provide petite amounts of energy. However, in conjunction
with other panels, much more usable energy can be provided. Multiple modules linked
together are often called an “array.” Several rows of arrays must be establishedto power
businesses and homes.
Arrays often need an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) into alternating current
(AC). Since the inverter is extremely important to a solar farm, it should be purchased from
a reputable company.
Producing this equipment has become relatively cheaper as the demand for solar power
increases. The reduction in cost, in turn, means a lower overhead and a faster return on
investment. Tax credits are also available, which allows for the purchasing of a solar farm
to be more of a realistic opportunity than a dream.

Starting a Solar Farm – The Marketing Plan

 Marketing ideas and Strategies

To survive in this industry, consider the use of the following marketing and sales strategies
to attract clients;

 Introduce your 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
stakeholders.
 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 your 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 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

Possible Competitive Strategies for Winning Competitors in the Renewable

Energy Industry
If your plan is to sell directly to property owners who are existing or past clients, you can
start by calling them to see if they are interested in solar. Without much knowledge about
solar, you should be able to gauge a general interest. All you need to know is if they are
interested in lowering their electric bills by investing in solar.
If you have found that customers are interested, start investing in technical and financial
training. By investing in technical and financial training, you will have the skills to find and
understand if a potential site and client will be a good fit for solar or not.
Possible Ways to Increase Customer Retention for your Solar Farm
Establish a successful customer relationship management (CRM) solution. Implementing a
well-devised CRM plan can better position savvy energy providers to retain and acquire the
most profitable customers, build strong brand identity, keep information technology (IT)
costs in line, and streamline operational efficiency. A well-chosen CRM solution will enable
utilities to succeed in their short- and long-term IT goals and stay within budget
constraints.
The key enabler for building and maintaining these closer, more personal customer
relationships is a complete view of each consumer. An integrated CRM solution built on the
foundation of a customer-centric data warehouse can provide a customer view that focuses
on improved communication and individuality.
To achieve these goals, energy companies should select a CRM solution from a data
warehouse vendor who can provide an industry-specific system that can grow-orscale-for
future needs. With a CRM data warehouse solution that has been customized with data
models and valuations specific to the energy industry, utilities can avoid costly and lengthy
system customizations and reap the rewards of rapid implementation. With the appropriate
CRM solution, businesses can receive a measurable return-on-investment (ROI) in as little
as 90 to 120 days.
Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate identity for your
Solar Farm
Map out clear cut publicity and advertising strategies that will walk your way into the heart
of your intended market. If you want to become the number one choice for both corporate
clients and individual customers in the whole of the United States and beyond, make
provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of your solar energy farming company.
Below are the platforms you can leverage on to promote and advertise your new solar
start-up;

 Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media
platforms.
 Sponsor relevant community and renewable energy based events / programs.
 Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube, Google + et to promote our service.
 Install solar powered digital Bill Boards on strategic locations around your target
market.
 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 the
services offered by your solar farm.
 List your solar farm business in local directories / yellow pages.
 Advertise your solar farming company on our official website and employ strategies
that help 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.

Creating a Suppliers/Distributors Network for your Solar Farm

When looking at starting a solar farm, there are three main parts of the supply and
distribution chain; developers, EPCs, and Subcontractors.

1. Support services. This includes accountants, lawyers, and supporting engineers.

Especially in commercial solar, these services are part of the supply chain, but I will
not discuss them in this article.
2. This includes the producers of all of the equipment that is installed. Yes, there are
opportunities to bring new products to the market, but that is beyond the scope of
this article.
3. Distributors provide low volumes of equipment and support services. This is mainly
to the residential and light commercial market.

Tips for Running a Solar Farm Successfully

Running a solar farm is unlike a normal power station or a farm as the name implies. It
requires a more complex knowledge of how a power plant runs and also how to harvest the
natural resources provided unto the human race. This is a business of the future as the
world is moving toward a cleaner and greener source of energy in the face of the depletion
of the ozone layer as a result of different sources of fossil fuels which have led to global
warming.