Electrical Contractors Tapping Into Growth Potential of Residential Solar Photovoltaics

Electrical contractors are digging deeper into the solar market as a way to grow in an economy that’s otherwise still sluggish in many markets.

Integrated Electrical Services (IES), the second-largest electrical contractor in the U.S., agreed to acquire certain assets of the Acro Energy group, a residential solar energy integrator in California.

Acro Energy markets and sells products and services through a direct sales team, a call center and a customer referral program. As part of the acquisition, over 70 employees and independent contractors across Acro’s three offices will join IES. Additionally, IES is assuming Acro’s backlog of contracts of over $4.0 million. Acro Energy is a top fifteen residential solar energy integrator in the state of California.

Meanwhile, Schneider Electric, Paris, has seen interest in solar expertise and certifications driving electrical contractors to the company’s EcoXpert program since the solar module was introduced in December. Schneider told EM it’s changing the program to make qualification more stringent.

“We really want to work closely with contractors that participate in this program, and help them become advisors on energy-efficiency solutions for end users,” said Melissa Golden, electrical contractor market segment manager for Schneider’s U.S. operations. “We’re going beyond training to true partnership.”

Some of the innovation in the solar space is coming from the financing end of things. According to GTM Research, financing of residential solar projects will be a $5.7 billion market by 2016.

An interesting angle to drive residential solar came this week from Honda Motor Co. (and Acura), who made a deal with SolarCity to offer buyers of plug-in electric vehicles solar photovoltaic systems.