Solar installation involves rooftop work, electrical connections, and significant installed asset values – all of which create specific insurance requirements that differ from general contractor coverage. Essential Solar Contractor Insurance General Liability (minimum $1M/$2M): Covers property damage and third-party injury. Critical for solar: ensure your GL policy does NOT exclude roofing work – many standard…
More construction businesses fail from cash flow problems than from lack of work. It sounds counterintuitive – being busy but going bust – but it’s real and it’s common. You can be turning over £300,000 a year, fully booked, and run out of money to pay your subcontractors if the timing between spending and getting…
Battery storage has become a significant revenue opportunity for US solar and electrical contractors. With the 30% ITC now applying to standalone storage (post-IRA 2022) and grid reliability concerns driving demand, many installers are doing battery retrofits to existing solar systems as well as new combined installs. Battery Storage Pricing (2026) Battery system Equipment cost…
CoreQuote and Billdu both offer quoting and invoicing functionality – but they are built for fundamentally different types of business. This comparison explains the differences clearly, so you can choose the right tool for your trades business. The Core Difference: Trades-Specific vs Generic CoreQuote is built specifically for UK trades businesses – electricians, plumbers, gas…
Solar interconnection – the process of connecting a solar system to the utility grid – is one of the most variable and unpredictable parts of US solar installation. Timelines range from 2 weeks to 12+ months depending on the utility. The US Solar Interconnection Process Step 1: Submit interconnection application Applications are submitted to the…
This is the most common business structure question for people starting a construction business – and the honest answer is: it depends on your numbers. There’s no universally correct answer. There’s only the right answer for your specific income level, risk profile, and plans. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide. What’s the Difference?…
Marketing a solar installation business in the US is intensely competitive – national players like Sunrun, SunPower, and Tesla Solar outspend local installers dramatically on digital advertising. Here’s how local installers compete effectively. What Works for Local Solar Companies Door-to-door canvassing: Still one of the highest-ROI marketing channels in residential solar. A well-trained canvassing team…
The best invoicing app for self-employed tradespeople in the UK in 2026 is one that handles the full workflow: quote, approval, invoice, and payment tracking – all from your phone, without unnecessary complexity. This guide reviews the options for sole trader tradespeople specifically. What Self-Employed Tradespeople Need From an Invoicing App For a self-employed tradesperson,…
Solar pricing in the US is typically quoted per watt ($/W) of system capacity. In 2026, installed prices range from $2.50 to $4.00/W depending on market, system size, equipment tier, and company overhead. US Solar Pricing Components Component Cost per watt Notes Solar panels $0.25-$0.60/W Tier 1 brands (SunPower, REC, Panasonic) vs economy Inverter $0.15-$0.35/W…
The jump from domestic to commercial work is one of the most valuable moves a construction business can make – but you can’t make it by waiting for commercial clients to find you. Commercial clients don’t search Checkatrade. They use approved contractor lists, tender portals, and trusted referrals. Here’s how to get in front of…