Titan Solar shut its doors this week, another large US solar company to go bankrupt. Titan was a leader in sales volume in NC using a commission only sales model and outsourcing their installs to subcontractors. What does this mean for Titan's NC solar customers? It is hard to see the full picture yet, but based on what we see now, it is likely many customers in the middle of buying solar from Titan will have issues getting their systems completed. The banks that have financed many of these systems are likely to take a hit financially too. Similar to what we saw when Pink Energy (formerly PowerHome Solar) closed shop, many customers will struggle to get what they bought in a timely manner, if ever. Southern Energy Management (SEM) is proud to have a diverse business with our energy efficiency services complementing our solar business. The solar business in NC has changed drastically at least 5 times in the 23 years we have been in business in NC. Our combined services have been critical many times. Words of advice for choosing a solar installer? When choosing a solar installer, many times you get what you pay for. You need to be clear that your solar partner is financially sound and going to be in business to service your system. The cheapest solar installations often do not hit their promised paybacks and production targets. SEM gives all customers a production guarantee, and when we make a mistake, we pay our customers the shortfall in what we promised. The way your solar partner does business is as important as any other item. Many of the largest solar installers in NC use a commission only and outsourcing of labor model. Look at your potential partner's Linkedin account and see where their team is from. Where does the industry go from here? In an attempt to make it safer for NC solar customers, SEM has partnered with NCSEA on developing legislation that will require companies selling and installing solar in NC to disclose whether they hire a sales company or use subcontractors for their installs. SEM also believes these two items are corroding the solar industry from the inside. The commission only sales reps will tell customers lots of things that are not true because they only get paid if they close a sale. Subcontractors installing solar have less of an interest in a quality install because they are usually paid by the panel installed. We will know more later this legislative session about how this bill develops. SEM chooses to uphold B Corp values of doing business that positively impacts people alongside our planet by hiring full-time team members, paying fair wages, and offering health care and 401K benefits. Our customers want their solar installer helping NC and not foreign countries. We are proud of how we do business and how we treat customers. We are not likely the cheapest solar option, but we are certain we are a great partner for long term value.
Anders Alexander
2mo
It's hard for most customers to see through the veil when a larger company has so much apparent legitimacy, it's true in every industry
Keith Davis
2mo
Bob...thanks for the view of the state of PV in NC from SEM's (and any other solar company that puts quality above sales) point of view. At REIG, we agree that cheapest is rarely the best option and as we have now seen in two spectacular "dealer" failures, that talk is cheap and execution is difficult. Also, thanks for supporting NCSEA with trying to generate new legislation that will help correct this lose-lose problem.
Angella Dunston
2mo
Thanks for being an honorable person and reputable business leader!
Dave Kirkpatrick
2mo
Agreed Bob Kingery - we are happily enjoying our PV and battery installations from Southern Energy Management from 10 years ago on the home and 2 years ago in the greenhouse, working like a charm!
William Guiney
2mo
Only buy USA product and use reputable contractors who have YEARS of experience and satisfied customers like SEM and are willing to share their list. 🐧
Gavin Tenold
2mo
It's good to hear about the Solar Consumer Protection issues being dealt with in NC. Good luck!
I have a friend who was approached by Titan through having ADT as their security system. I told him he should look into reputable NC-based solar companies (mentioned SEM), so luckily he didn’t move forward. Thanks for your long-term focus on solar in NC 👏
Andrew Streit
2mo
Great post Bob, your 23yrs riding the solar coaster is testimony to how well you provide service. I agree that pump and dump is bad for business, community and growth. I hope the same legislation makes it to South Carolina house in January and further afield too.
Chief Executive Officer at Leyline Renewable Capital, LLC
2moThis is why I recommend SEM when folks ask me who should they contact for solar for their home or business. The reputable companies like SEM who have been here in NC for 2 decades plus are the foundation of the industry. If it sounds too good to be true (like what Titan and Pink were offering) it likely IS too good to be true. Good post Bob!