Solar Equipment Supplier: Why Value-Added Services Matter

When you start your search for solar energy equipment, what do you do first? Look online? Call a distributor? In both of those cases, you’ll be able to pinpoint whether those providers have a specific product in stock – and what their pricing is – but what if you need more than that?

In many of these cases, you may see (or be quoted) a price, but that number doesn’t factor in many of the other services you’ll need along the way to put those products to use. Although price is an important consideration, value-added services need to be taken into account as well. Do you just need solar panels? Or do you need help with coordination, logistics, and project management along the way?

When sourcing solar panels for a project, you may find these value-added services helpful. As a solar equipment supplier, these services are always included in solar product pricing.

ROI Calculations

One of the first points to consider before embarking on a solar project is the potential solar payback.

Financial analyses and energy-savings calculations that take current federal and state-specific incentives into consideration can help you decide how to move forward. If you’re an end-user, Van Meter can walk you through expected costs and return on investment. If you’re an installer, we can help you create these calculations for your customers.

Potential Discounts

To fulfill project requests and keep costs low, Van Meter often buys solar energy equipment in bulk. In certain situations, there may be opportunities for you to take advantage of the discounts we receive.

If you contact us about what you need, and we’re able to incorporate it into one of our orders and get it shipped directly to you, we can leverage our volume discounts and extend the same flexible terms we receive from the manufacturer. This can also eliminate the need for you to put a certain percentage down or adhere to strict trade-credit terms.

Start-to-Finish Project Management

Do you want help from someone who knows the products and part numbers – or from someone who’s also knowledgeable about system design?

From project kickoff to project completion – and beyond – we’ll be there to answer questions, help with solar project design, and make suggestions about the best products for your project so you’re not left with inferior solar panels.

Available Product Inventory

Not only do we have dedicated space within our warehouses for solar equipment inventory from a variety of manufacturers, but we also have access to inventory from trusted sources across the country.

Our strong network allows us to offer high-quality products (with features like heavy-gauge aluminum strongbacks and a mixture of monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels) at competitive prices while giving you a range of options.

We have complete control over our inventory so you won’t have to wonder if certain products are available (or if they’ll arrive on time).

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Freight Charges

When comparing solar energy pricing, one often-overlooked factor is freight. How will your products arrive? How much will it cost to get them to you? What happens if they’re damaged along the way? Because we deliver your solar equipment using our own trucks, there are no separate freight charges.

To minimize damage, we handle your panels very carefully as they’re loaded and unloaded. If something is damaged in transit, we’ll take care of the issue at no cost to you.

Delivery and Staging

Finding a dedicated, secure place to store solar energy equipment – and having the manpower available to move them around as needed – isn’t an easy task. It’s time consuming and requires lots of planning and coordination.

Completing your solar project is easier when you have the exact materials you need precisely when you need them – and don’t have to worry about storing or moving extra inventory. We’ll store your products and bring them to you when you’re ready throughout each stage of the project.

Paperwork

The paperwork involved with solar projects may not always be difficult – but it’s time consuming. We can help you file interconnection agreements that define how you can connect to the grid. We’ll also deal with product warranty claims and building and pricing power purchase agreement (PPA) financial models.

Solar Equipment Supplier: Value-Added Services with Van Meter

Whether you’re a solar installer or an end-user, you’ll find value in working with a partner like Van Meter that offers value-added services to keep your project on track and your costs competitive.

Serving for 90 years as an electrical distributor, we have established connections and staying power. Our solar experts understand not only solar specification and design, but also the electrical infrastructure required to make it happen.

Learn more about Van Meter’s solar and renewable energy offerings.