How to Start a Solar Panel Cleaning Business
In recent years, the renewable energy sector has boomed, as the long-term effects of our current approaches to energy use are beginning to be realised. One increasingly popular technological adoption in light of this increased environmental awareness is solar panels.
Some properties rely heavily on these panels, which absorb sunlight with photovoltaic cells (PV), converting it to electricity. They are often positioned on roofs or walls where access to sunlight is plentiful throughout the day.
Importantly, these panels must remain clean in order to function properly. If solar panels get dirty, then their light absorption will be hindered and their effectiveness reduced. Given these panels are exposed to dirt, rain, bird droppings and other debris from outdoors, they can quickly get covered and in a condition where cleaning is necessary.
So, with demand for panels going up, starting a solar panel cleaning business is a great opportunity to capitalise on a niche market position with high growth potential. A lot of people may not have the equipment or skills to clean their own solar panels, but would rather employ a skilled professional to take on the task for them.
One of the first steps to consider if you are starting a solar panel cleaning business is start-up costs. These are the costs that will get you off the ground, putting you in a position to safely and efficiently provide the service.
Things you will need to think about include:
- Equipment
- Equipment is probably the most vital element in starting a solar panel cleaning business, as this will determine the quality and proficiency of the service that you provide for customers. Investing in high quality brushes and poles will enable you to clean a range of panel sizes at difficult angles, ultimately enabling you to gain more clients.
- Business insurance
- You will need business insurance to protect you against property damage and liability claims. Mistakes, accidents, theft, damage and legal fees are examples of contexts where business insurance would be useful. It is important to consider which insurance option is best for you – you can compare business insurance prices
- Marketing/Advertising
- Another crucial element of any business is marketing and advertising, as you will need a route through which to reach your customers and generate demand. This may entail creating social media accounts, joining a local directory, sharing leaflets in local shops, investing in an agency to help you and so-on.
- Bookkeeping setup
- An important part of any new business is its bookkeeping; that is, its computers, phones, files and other means through which they store data, record histories and log information. Many professional businesses have dedicated phones for their work – some of the best business phones can be really affordable as well.
- Furthermore, having a strong business leased line internet connection will help with secure, consistent flow of work, as well as efficient contact with customers. If you already have a functioning office space, leased line internet might be an option for you.
- Alternatively, if you are a smaller scale business starter, you may want to consider a business broadband connection, which will allow for the same functionality at a slightly cheaper rate. This option will forego the private nature of a leased line, but is still a popular option with thousands of business owners around the world.
- A license
- Licenses are always an important part of a business, and whenever you are engaging in physical work on other people’s property, it is important to find out if a license is needed before starting. Licenses can protect you from a range of issues, as well as grant you the legal permission to carry out the work that you are doing. You can find out what license you would need for solar panel cleaning
- A business bank account
- If you are earning money, you will need to pay taxes. In order to manage the flow of money in your business, you will need to open a business bank account. This will enable you to keep an eye on expenses, tax returns, income, outgoings and other key financial elements.
- A common hurdle noticed when starting a small business can often be generating enough capital to get off the ground and buy the necessary equipment needed. Business finance/business loans can be a great way to start your work, and you will need a bank account through which to receive this money. Applying for business loans is easy, but it is very important to look at which is the best one for you.
Starting a Solar Panel Cleaning Business: The Conclusion
Ultimately, starting a solar panel cleaning business can be a very lucrative new career option for a number of people. Given the exponential rise in the popularity of solar panel usage worldwide, the need for their cleaning will only continue to increase with them.
If you are looking for a new venture, this option may be the one for you. Our best piece of advice before starting this business is to consider all areas that need to be covered, making sure to get the best options for you in each instance. Business phones, finance, insurance and loans can come in a plethora of different shapes and sizes, and if you manage to get the right option for you, it will really help your initial business growth at the beginning.
James Ward is CEO and founder of CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, a website that won the Prestigious ‘Website of the Year’ only in its second year of operations in 2015. The website has grown organically since then offering comparisons on over 20 different products including insurance, energy, telecoms, card machines, coffee machines and much more. James has a range of interests including horse racing, skiing, rugby and boxing. He splits his time between home family life, friends, exercise and socialising.