A Fly on the Wall

Chris: Hi John, do you have a few moments? I would like to discuss an idea with you.

John: Sure, Chris. What’s on your mind?

Chris: As you know, I have a new product.

John: Yeah, you're always working on something. What is it?

Chris: You know, installers want their jobs to look great, but typically, solar app systems can only provide layouts that design around all the roofing obstacles. My thought is, before finalizing the layout, the designer digs a little deeper to see if something can be diverted, moved, or eliminated to improve what is submitted to the building department.

Since it takes about 45-60 days to install a solar system, there should be plenty of time to make any adjustments.

John: That makes sense. Do you realize some installations take longer?

Chris: They do?

John: Oh yeah, it depends on the city.

Chris: Every week, homeowners message me complaining about their installations. I call them Tetris-style designs. They say they wish they had known or their contractor would have told them it was possible to make it look better.

John: The contractors may not know it's possible, but if you point it out, it could change. Sometimes sharing your experiences can make all the difference.

Chris: That's true. Solar installers need to be reminded that all roofing components are designed to be moved to fit anywhere on the roof. They don't know one vent can just as easily be placed 2 feet over, and the best part is the new section can provide the shingle materials or roofing pieces to patch the original repair site.

Sometimes the vent only needs to be moved a few inches. It drives me crazy. Yes, you need to remove the materials early in the morning, but it is pretty easy when done early. I am working with an online app system to integrate some of these first questions into customer profiles from the start.

John: Good job. What company?

Chris: It's a startup that's been in business for about a year. It’s growing pretty fast and they are doing great things. It’s called RDCL. Have you heard of it?

John: No, but there are a lot of online systems. The good thing is they’re interested. So, what's the plan?

Chris: The plan is to build better-looking solar systems out there and fewer jigsaw or Tetris-like designs. My goal is to educate the installer and customer, just trying to make every new solar design better.

John: That sounds like a fantastic initiative, Chris! Improving the aesthetics of solar installations not only benefits the homeowners but also contributes to the overall attractiveness and acceptance of solar energy.

Educating installers about these possibilities can lead to more thoughtful and visually appealing designs. Have you encountered any specific challenges or resistance from installers in implementing these changes?

Chris: Resistance? Not really, but I have reached out to several hundred connections on LinkedIn, and it seems some are hesitant to try something new. Do you have any ideas?

John: It's understandable some installers might be hesitant to adopt new approaches, especially if they're comfortable with their current methods. I have a few ideas to help encourage them:

Have you used case studies? Start sharing success stories or case studies where these methods have been implemented successfully. Show real-world examples; this can make your concept more tangible and compelling.

Chris: You know I have been selling Solar Roof Jack for years so there are plenty of examples out there.

John: Yeah, I heard about you. Have you tried training sessions? Offer training sessions or workshops to demonstrate how these changes can be implemented practically and efficiently. Hands-on experience can alleviate fears and build confidence.

Chris: That's a great idea.

John: Remember visualizations. Use visual aids such as before-and-after photos, diagrams, or simulations to show the potential improvements in aesthetics. They can be very persuasive.

Chris: I like doing that. I think I can do more.

John: Just start small. Encourage installers to try these methods on a smaller scale or in less critical areas first. This allows them to gain experience and confidence before implementing them on larger projects.

Chris: I agree, I think they would respond better if they think it will not interfere with current systems. Maybe I will ask them to pick a few customers that don't mind being a test case.

John: Don't forget to highlight benefits. Emphasize the benefits of these changes, such as improved customer satisfaction, increased referrals, and a competitive edge in the market. Helping installers see the long-term advantages can motivate them to embrace change.

Chris: I don't know, some of them are pretty stubborn.

John: Now you know that's not true. Have you heard of peer influence?

Chris: No, what's that?

John: If possible, involve installers who have already successfully adopted these methods to share their experiences and encourage their peers to do the same.

Chris: I knew you would have good ideas!

John: I have been in business a long time, and I guess something has rubbed off.

Chris: Ok, remember I knew you when you were a bum in a van down by the river.

John: Those were my hippy days. I've grown a lot since then. Have you ever thought about getting feedback? Create a feedback loop where installers can share their experiences and suggestions for improvement. Maybe show and encourage them to show images or give suggestions. This will help refine the approach and address any concerns or challenges they may encounter and share it quickly to avoid problems.

Chris: I like getting ideas.

John: What do you think is the biggest hesitation?

Chris: It's not hesitancy. I just think solar people focus on power generation and using visible spaces. They never notice how roofs are applied or at least they don't have a reason to pay attention; they don't know what the system looks like underneath.

Roofing people think about waterproofing and must understand how the materials are applied and laid out. So, even though the two trades should work in unison, there can be a disconnect.

John: That's a great observation, Chris. The disconnect between the two trades is real given their different focuses, but it's crucial for them to work together to achieve the best results. Bridging this gap through education and collaboration could lead to more integrated and aesthetically pleasing solar installations. Have you considered any specific strategies for improving collaboration between solar installers and roofing professionals?

Chris: I am working on that. You know, when I was working as a roofing contractor, I was asked to move vents all the time. It took a little extra time, but the installation fit better, and it didn’t look like someone randomly tossed panels up there. We have had 30 years to get better, and it seems the obvious changes have been missed. I made a video to help point it out better.

John: That's a proactive approach, Chris! Be patient. Your video and outreach efforts could help raise awareness among installers about the importance of considering aesthetics and the long-term effects on homeowners.

Chris: I think solar companies have been slow this year. With inflation and the cost of labor going up, there's been less of a pie. They are concerned about keeping crews busy.

John: Makes sense; installers want to keep their crews busy, but emphasizing the value of quality installations could lead to greater customer satisfaction and referrals in the long run. Have you received any feedback or interest from the solar designing application or other installers regarding this new system?

Chris: Yes, there is some that have shown interest. One is the company I mentioned earlier; my hope is the online app systems will implement a simple question, something like "Would you like to see if the design could be improved?"

Maybe they add about 15 minutes to the survey just to check the obstacles. It will at least provide a second look and open new possibilities.

John: It never hurts; what do they say, measure twice, cut once?

Chris: OK, Mr. Philosopher, the saving part is most installs still take 60 to 90 days to process so there is plenty of time to improve the system or at least give the homeowner a choice in how their final system looks. You know, I got a text today from a homeowner that said, "I wish my contractor would have told me."

John: Really, the homeowner said that?

Chris: Yeah, I get about 2 per week.

John: That's a good idea. Implementing a simple question in the online apps could make a significant difference in how installations are approached, potentially leading to more aesthetically pleasing outcomes.

It's unfortunate that some homeowners only realize the possibilities after the installation is complete. Your efforts will help raise awareness and empower homeowners to make informed decisions about their solar installations. Have you discussed your ideas with the guys from RDCL?

Chris: Working on it; we have a meeting this week to discuss some of the details. Cross fingers they will see the big vision.

John: It's a good idea. It's time to do a better job. Heck, they improve on everything else. Why not solar? I just noticed I’m looking out of my office window and my neighbor has a few open gaps in his panels. It looks pretty bad, Wow!

Chris: Well, don't tell him.

John: I won't, but now I'm going to see it every day and it's going to bug me. I can't unsee this, Thanks, Chris.

Chris: That's what I am here for. Maybe I will invent sunscreens that hide gaps. Hey, thank you, John, for your feedback.

John: You're welcome, Chris! I'm glad to hear you found my thoughts useful. If you ever need more feedback or assistance to improve solar installs or just want to say hello, call me anytime. Actually, call me back so I know how the meeting went.

Chris: I will, Are you going to the Tyson and Jake Paul fight?

John: Oh yeah, 3rd row! It cost me $10,000 a ticket. How about you, will you be there?

Chris: Heck no, I am on a budget. I will be watching you in the center ring on Netflix. Have a great time.

John: You know I will. Take care, Chris. Keep up the good work!

Chris: Thanks, John bye

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