How To Start A Solar Business In Texas
There are a few steps to becoming a successful solar company in Texas. You can find some helpful startup information here: Starting a Roofing Business. Before you spend any money, do thorough research into all the costs that will be involved in getting started and maintaining the business.
You must do your own thorough research when starting your business, as laws change regularly. Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your solar installation company, solar repair company, solar cleaning business, or any other type of solar-related business, along with links to more information.
Getting Started- Here is a website that will help if you want to become a solar contractor in Texas: Start a Business In Texas
-Register your solar business name.
Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: Registering a Business Name In Texas
Here are some tips to help you choose your business name:
-Select your business structure.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.: Selecting a Business Structure In Texas
More on Business Entities (this link is for roofing, but also applies to solar): Choosing a Roofing Business Structure
-Register your Solar Company.
You can register your business with the state of Texas here: Texas Business Registration
-Open a Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new solar business name.
-Find out about taxes, hire an accountant.
You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small solar company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More information about taxes here:
-Get Business Software
Business software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.
You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!
-Get Liability Insurance
We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage. Contractors need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Learn more >
More about liability insurance here: Contractor Liability Insurance
-Worker’s Compensation.
You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Find out more>
-Register as a Contractor with the State of Texas.
You will need to check with your local government to see if you need to register as a solar installation contractor.
-Get Health Insurance.
Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance. If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.
-Get Roofing Training.
Get training and certifications in certain roofing applications to provide higher quality work and better serve your customers: Roofing Training
-Follow The Roofer’s Helper on Social Media.
Enter giveaways, see the best and worst of roofing, get your work featured, and more!
–>Follow the #1 Roofing Account on Instagram with over 88,000 Followers!
–>Join 30,000 Followers on Facebook!
-City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.
-Permits.
Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.
-Building Code and Inspections.
You must be aware of building codes for your particular job, and may be subject to inspections.
-OSHA.
Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations.
-Financing.
Depending on your startup budget, you may need to apply for financing to help pay for equipment.
-Marketing.
To get your solar business going, you will need to use multiple marketing techniques that work best with your location and the services you offer.
-Create Your Brand.
You may want to choose a logo, company slogan, and other visuals you can use with your marketing materials that will show customers what you are about.
-Get a Website.
A quality website should be one of the first marketing purchases made when starting a new business. A website is one of the primary places a customer checks when researching a roofing company. A quality website will pay for itself quickly and can become a lead-generating machine. T
-Get Social Media Accounts.
Social media is a free resource that can bring in quality leads if managed correctly. With over 88,000 followers, The Roofer’s Helper knows a little about social media.
