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Sun Volt

Sun Volt Solar

earth, the final frontier

Clean Energy, Clean Environment

We are at a cross roads in human history, we can choose to continue on as we have been, or we can make a change to improve our future and quite possibly the future for several generations to come. We are here to promote energy independence, a better environment, a secure future and a higher return on investment for your hard earned dollar. It is what I believe in, it is why I am in the solar business.

Expenses

03 Oct 07 | General Business

When setting up any business, there will be some up front expenses. Solar installation is no different. In fact, solar installation is most like a contractor service, such as a plumber, HVAC, electrician, and so on. The intial investment can vary, but listed below are the minimum things that are needed to get the business off the ground. In addition to that, leasing or buying a building to use as a work shop/storage area may also be needed. If you really want to get fancy, a store front and office could be added to that as well.

For right now, I plan to run my business out of my home. As far as a store front goes, I will put some picture galleries up on the main web site when I get a chance. This will allow potential customers to see what a typical solar thermal and photovoltiac installation will look like.

Doing a little research, I have come up with a list of things I will need to transition this business to a full time job. Some of these are needed soon, others can wait a little bit.

  1. A truck. I was looking around at a good used Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Several recommendations were made to get a van, but I an not big on vans. I think a pick up truck has more utility. I like the Toyota’s because they are good solid trucks. The last thing I need is to continually run the company vehicle into the repair shop. Cost about $24,000.00
  2. Truck bed tool box and ladder rack. Both of these are needed to haul stuff around. Cost about $1,000.00
  3. Magnetic door signs. Makes the truck look more professional, less expensive than a lettering job. Cost about $65.00 per pair.
  4. Telephone line. Need to have a separate phone number than people can call. Cost about $200 to install and then $50.00 per month
  5. Solar pathfinder with software. This is a neat tool that lets you do a complete sight evaluation for the entire year. Cost about $350.00
  6. A 7×12 Haulmark trailer. This will be my enclosed portable workshop. When on sight I can park the trailer for a couple of days with everything I need stored inside. Cost about $2,600.00 plus some amount for lettering
  7. A solar panel for the pickup truck. This is a great marketing tool, have a solar panel, a couple of batteries and an inverter installed on the pickup. That way you have power available on any job site instead of using a gas generator. Shows that you believe in the stuff you are installing. Cost about $1,500.00
  8. Quick Books software. The professional version has all the features needed to track business, generate proposals, invoicing, etc. Cost $199.95
  9. Computer printer. To print out proposals, invoices, etc. Cost $89.00
  10. Business cards. Cost about $65.00
  11. Miscellaneous tools, parts, etc. Cost about $800.00

Everything adds up to about $30,918.95. That is just to get started and does not include any marketing effort. Solar around here seems to be taking off, as I have already had three calls from my Find Solar.com posting. I will post more information on this once I finish the Business Plan.

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03 Oct 07 | General Business
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Reader's Comments

  1. Kevin | May 20th, 2009 at 11:10 pm

    Hello- I really enjoy your blog. Im in the midwest and I’m a clone of what you are doing.- Got bored with the job (and future) so I’m on the same path as you. Here is my question- have you established the “tools” that you need yet?



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