Join NZ's leading Solar Broker network

Our part of the process

Marketing

Consulting

Proposing

Closing

Your part of the process

Provide the winning quote

 Invoice the client

Install the system

Equity Solar Broker's

Detailed Overview

Solar Broker consultation

We consult with the client on what they want and need, then design the ideal solar system for their home or business.



✅We forecast a 2.5% inflation on power prices, and a 1.5% inflation on export rates

✅Open solar is used, with default generation calculations

✅3D modelling is completed in scenarios where shading may be a concern

✅Sometimes we may suggest equipment specifications to ensure project feasibility, such as '3 MPPT' or 'Hot water timer required to mitigate export limiting. Diverter isn't ideal in this scenario'

✅Unless the client specifies, we do not recommend equipment brands in the consultation, but instead, leave our solar partners to decide what is best for the client

✅Commercially, we use interval data.


Request for Proposal

We send all the key details to our Solar-Partner network; including:


✅ System design (open solar)
✅Client objectives (ROI, battery, etc).
✅Photos of the site (switchboard, meterboard, roof shots, etc)




Our objective is to provide all the information you need to quote our client.


*All quotes are subject to a site visit by the winning solar company.

Quote delivery

Our client receives an email for every quote we've procured them.


That email can include:

✅Your quote

✅Short and sharp promotional material

✅Spec sheets

✅A text note that we can pass on to the customer, such as 'scaffolding is required and has not been priced' or even 'lock in this quote before the expiry date and receive 2 extra panels for free'


We advise our client they are welcome to call any solar company who has quoted, and that we're here to help them understand the benefits of each quote.


We do not call the client until they have had a few days to review the quotes on their own terms.

Insight and Support

Our mission with this business is to 'Simplify Everything'; which encompasses the entire process of going solar.


To simplify everything, we help our client identify which quote most aligns with their objectives by highlighting insights on:


💡Your companies reviews, office location, time in business

🗝️Equipment specifications and warranties


👌We cover only the facts. No 'word on the street' information, unless it's absolutely necessary


"The word on the street is that Fronius inverters are the most reliable. However, in the past few years, more an more companies are opting to install other brands that come with very similar specs and warranties"


"All solar companies claim to do a top quality job. So we can't recommend one over the other. However; one of these quotes is from a relatively new company, while the other is from a long-standing company with tons of online reviews. Is it worth paying a little extra to be absolutely sure they'll really look after you?"


*** Despite our best intentions to highlight the value of paying a little more, half of our clients end up choosing the cheapest quote. That's simply the market we are in, and not something we are trying to promote.




Detailed Overview

Solar Broker consultation

We consult with the client on what they want and need, then design the ideal solar system for their home or business.



✅We forecast a 2.5% inflation on power prices, and a 1.5% inflation on export rates

✅Open solar is used, with default generation calculations

✅3D modelling is completed in scenarios where shading may be a concern

✅Sometimes we may suggest equipment specifications to ensure project feasibility, such as '3 MPPT' or 'Hot water timer required to mitigate export limiting. Diverter isn't ideal in this scenario'

✅Unless the client specifies, we do not recommend equipment brands in the consultation, but instead, leave our solar partners to decide what is best for the client

✅Commercially, we use interval data.


Request for Proposal

We send all the key details to our Solar-Partner network; including:


✅ System design (open solar)
✅Client objectives (ROI, battery, etc).
✅Photos of the site (switchboard, meterboard, roof shots, etc)


Our objective is to provide all the information you need to quote our client.


*All quotes are subject to a site visit by the winning solar company.

Quote delivery

Our client receives an email for every quote we've procured them.


That email can include:

✅Your quote

✅Short and sharp promotional material

✅Spec sheets

✅A text note that we can pass on to the customer, such as 'scaffolding is required and has not been priced' or even 'lock in this quote before the expiry date and receive 2 extra panels for free'


We advise our client they are welcome to call any solar company who has quoted, and that we're here to help them understand the benefits of each quote.


We do not call the client until they have had a few days to review the quotes on their own terms.

Insight and Support

Our mission with this business is to 'Simplify Everything'; which encompasses the entire process of going solar.


To simplify everything, we help our client identify which quote most aligns with their objectives by highlighting insights on:


💡Your companies reviews, office location, time in business

🗝️Equipment specifications and warranties


👌We cover only the facts. No 'word on the street' information, unless it's absolutely necessary.


"The word on the street is that Fronius inverters are the most reliable. However, in the past few years, more an more companies are opting to install other brands that come with very similar specs and warranties"


"All solar companies claim to do a top quality job. So we can't recommend one over the other. However; one of these quotes is from a relatively new company, while the other is from a long-standing company with tons of online reviews. Is it worth paying a little extra to be absolutely sure they'll really look after you?"


***Despite the example above, about 40% of customers opt to proceed with the cheapest quote. This is simply a reflection of the market, and does not reflect our intention. It's worth noting that we make more money when the client takes the higher price quote!

FAQ's

What solar companies do you work with?

We keep this private. Our clients know who we work with, but only those who have quoted their system.

Who pays you?

The winning solar company pays us a broker fee. We provide a broker-fee calculator, which typically works out the fees to be between 8 - 10% of the system price on residential and 5 - 7% on commercial projects (excluding  GST).

Can we quote something different?

Yes! Absolutely, but consider that the client has already agreed to our design, so recommending a different solution may impact your chance of winning the deal.

Who's liable for the customer after install?

You maintain all liability. When you win a job, our client becomes your customer.

Once the client chooses your quote, our job is done.

What if we are already speaking to this client?

If our lead is already your lead, you can simply ignore our RFP. You do not need to provide us a quote.

If you win the job internally, you are not liable to pay our broker fee.

What if we don't want a specific client?

No problem at all. Simply ignore the RFP email and quote the jobs you are interested in.

Do we have to quote all RFP's?

No, you are free to quote as many as you would like. However, we need your commitment to quote at least 1 in 10.

If you quote less than 10% of RPF's you risk being taken off our list.

When can we speak to the client?

Our clients really appreciate staying anonymous. But when they're ready to move forward, we connect them with the solar company who provided their preferred quote.  At this stage the client tends to be ready to pay a deposit.

Can we trust your savings forecasting?

In most cases, we let open solar handle the savings forecast. It uses conservative assumptions around the on-site consumption of solar. Residentially, we choose a power usage profile that reflects the customers home after solar.

Most of the time the default 'evening peak' profile is selected.

Do you help the client explore different energy retailers?

 Yes, we do. Sometimes the retailer that gives them the highest savings is recommended, but other times it's a retailer with a positive impact on savings and with some other alternative benefits such as locked in rates or joining credits.

Will you share our quote with another solar company?

No, we absolutely will not. However, we cannot guarantee that our client won't share your quote with a company they may be speaking to outside of the solar-broker network.

Can we expect to win if we aren't the cheapest?

The cheapest quote doesn't always win, but almost half the time the customer does opt for the cheapest.

It's worth noting, we don't work with any 'cowboys'. All the solar companies in our network do a great job, and have positive reviews.

How to increase your return on time invested

It may seem like sending out quotes to anonymous clients could be a serious drain of your time.

If you view our service as a 5 minute task that you can delegate to an administrator, you may find even a 5% conversion rate is worth the effort.

Keep it simple

As we've designed the system and advised the client of their savings and ROI; all you need to provide is an equipment list and a price.


We recommend you provide:


✅1 page quote. No flashy graphs or images required.

✅Spec sheets

✅1 - 5 page promotional flier about your business. This resource can be reused for every client.


Consider adding:

  • Highlight your online reviews
  • How long you've been trading
  • Talk about what you value most, is it workmanship? After sale service?
  • Something that feels good. Maybe a photo of your family? Or if you're a larger business, maybe a few customer testimonials? How about staff testimonials?


Delegate the task of quoting

As both savings forecasting and system design isn't required, delegate the task of quoting to someone who isn't owed sales commissions.


Of note; the quote you provide us is subject to a site visit. Our clients know this.


But of course, you don't have to do a site visit if you prefer not to. It's your time and your client!

Consider your current cost per acquisition

In your current business operations, does every quote turn into a sale?


Looking at the enquiries, how many of those turn into sales?


Your conversion rate from solar-broker deals should be compared to your current lead-to-sale conversion rate.


Example in your current operations:


☀️8 leads come in

🙌4 turn into consultations


🫡Two leads decide not to proceed

🤜One lead goes with a competitor

💰One lead goes with you!


1 / 8 equals a 12.5% lead-to-sale conversion rate.


Time invested...


⌛1.5 hours calling and booking in the consults

⌚4 consults may take 10 hours including travel time and quote design and delivery

⏲️Closing calls may take 2.5 hours all up


Current cost per Acquisition... (example only)


💰14 hours labour at $60 per hour = $840

💵6 leads = $160


Indicative CPA is close to $1000 for most solar businesses.


Our fee typically hovers between $900 and $1400 depending on the size of the solar system. Payable only if you win the job.