Ultimate Guide: How to Support Local, Small Solar Businesses in the Current Political Climate
How to Support Small Solar Businesses During the End of Year Rush
During the end of year rush these last few months of the year, the solar world turns into a whirlwind of last minute site visits, paperwork marathons, and late night calls from homeowners trying to squeeze projects in before tax credits shift. This season can be exciting, but it is also one of the hardest periods for small solar companies that are trying to keep up with demand while caring for the employees who make everything possible.
If you have been thinking about going solar or you want to support local installers in a meaningful way, there are a few simple steps that make a huge difference.
Be quick with signatures and paperwork
Timely signatures keep your project moving. Once your installer sends you agreements, utility documents, or permit forms, the faster they come back, the faster the company can lock in equipment, schedule crews, and get your project queued before tax credit changes. Small businesses juggle dozens of moving parts at once, so even one delayed form can create a ripple effect. Your speed is a gift.
Stay flexible with timelines
Crews do everything they can to deliver a smooth experience, but this season brings weather challenges, county backlogs, and utility processing delays. A little flexibility gives your installer space to work safely and accurately. It also helps them protect their teams from burnout. Solar is a people powered industry, and those people give it their all during this stretch.
Make your solar decision sooner rather than later
If you know you want solar, the best time to act is now. Waiting too long can mean missing out on tax credit timelines or sitting in a long queue behind homeowners who signed earlier. More importantly, early decisions let installers distribute work more evenly rather than bottlenecking everything into December. That balance keeps skilled employees working consistently and lets companies retain the talent that will continue supporting communities for years to come.
Spread the word about solar
One of the most impactful ways to support small solar companies is simply talking about your experience. Share your journey with friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Mention your installer. Encourage people who are curious to start their conversations now so next year’s pipeline is steady. Word of mouth is oxygen for small businesses. It creates stability, which keeps teams employed, trained, and ready for the next wave of projects.
Ask what your installer needs
Every business is different. Some may need paperwork expedited, others may need a review on Google or Facebook, and some may appreciate referrals more than anything. When in doubt, ask. You would be surprised how far one supportive gesture can go during the busiest season of the year.
The bigger picture
Behind every solar company is a group of electricians, project managers, warehouse teams, and office staff who count on consistent work to support their families. The end of year rush is both a blessing and a pressure cooker. Your willingness to communicate quickly, stay open to scheduling shifts, and champion solar in your community helps small companies keep momentum through the winter and retain the skilled people who make clean energy possible.
Supporting local solar is about more than a project. It strengthens the workers, communities, and businesses that fight every day to make energy more affordable and more equitable. This season is the perfect moment to be part of that impact.
