For many rooftop solar installation companies, the country’s residential solar market is at an inflection point, with a future clouded in unpredictability.

It’s not just solar installers, either. Many homeowners have been inundated with news stories about or first-hand experiences with struggling or failing solar companies. In some instances, private equity firms have purchased solar companies but neglected to account for the need for long-term customer service, leaving many customers without recourse for their warranties. A 2024 survey of homeowners’ solar adoption behaviors and motivations found that 44% of respondents had difficulty determining which solar companies are trustworthy. That lack of confidence marks a stark increase from the 22% of respondents who said the same thing last year.

This uncertainty has left many workers and customers apprehensive about solar’s future. But is the country’s residential solar market really that dire? We remain optimistic that this is just a tiny bump in the typical bumpy solar coaster.

Consider these strategies to instill confidence in your solar workforce and potential customers:

Install Made-in-America Modules

Despite installers’ concerns over the solar supply chain declining, it does remain a sore spot for many solar companies.

That’s why Trina Solar US continues to supply high-quality, ethically sourced modules by maintaining a robust traceability and supply chain management system.

But that’s just the start. With a 5GW state-of-the-art manufacturing facility currently in development in Wilmer, TX, Trina Solar US will soon begin producing dedicated rooftop PV modules in pPERC cell and n-type TOPCon styles that will be 100% Made in America. 

Not only will this domestic PV module production significantly ease the country’s solar supply chain woes, but the 100% Made-in-America tag opens the door for up to 10% bonus tax credits.

Use Fewer Modules in Rooftop PV System Design

The aforementioned survey also sought insights from solar installation companies. On this side of the findings, the survey revealed that overall project costs topped the reasons installers gave for homeowners’ reluctance to proceed with an installation.

So, how can installers lower project costs while still maintaining their margins?

With up to 435W output and 22% efficiency, Vertex S+ with n-type TOPCon advanced technology allows installers to use fewer modules per system to reach the same power generation as traditional pPERC cell modules. This flexibility equates to lower costs for electrical balance of system (eBOS) and labor. And, when coupled with the 10% Made-In-America ITC bonus, installers can start delivering their customers more savings and better solar value.

Additionally, needing fewer modules also means faster installations, which opens calendars to book more jobs. If done strategically and successfully, this approach could help solar companies increase wages to attract the best and brightest candidates since struggling to find enough qualified employees was the second-highest response installers cited as a challenge to meet demand.

25/25 Warranty Backed By Proven Bankability

As a still-maturing industry, it’s no secret that the country’s residential solar market has had its share of ups and downs. While those of us in the industry understand the fundamentals remain strong and the long-term forecast looks promising, the general populace doesn’t always have that same insider knowledge. Unfortunately, much of the public’s only exposure to solar is via news articles about failing or shuttering companies, often sensationalized to maximize clicks.

Although the term bankability typically gets used in the utility-scale solar sector, it’s becoming a much more critical aspect of the residential solar market. Now, more than ever, installers should educate potential solar customers on the concept of solar bankability.

At its core, bankability means market confidence in the company. If financiers are willing to invest in the technology because data indicates the quality and long-term durability of the PV module and the manufacturer’s trustworthiness, then it stands to reason that customers and end-users should share that confidence.

Installers looking to instill more homeowner trust and confidence must show potential customers that the module warranties are more than just a piece of paper: they’re total peace of mind. The Trina Solar US Advantage with TrinaProtect’s industry-leading 25-year product and 25-performance warranty automatically covers every Vertex S+. Homeowners can rest at ease knowing their rooftop PV system is backed by a solar manufacturer with a 27-year history of success and a proven track record of financial and product bankability that translates to long-term stability.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to our local team of solar experts today!