Solar equipment and service providers form coalition to lower costs for regional installers

A group of solar companies has formed a coalition called the Strong Tail Solar Alliance, aimed at helping smaller, regional solar installers offer homeowners a way to fully own their solar systems rather than lease them or use third-party financing. The effort comes as the federal tax credit for residential solar ownership (Section 25D) ends after 2025, which has made it harder for smaller installers to compete with companies pushing prepaid leases and other financing deals.

The coalition includes companies covering different parts of the solar installation process, from sales software to financing to equipment. Installers who join get discounts and special offers, including free customer service software from Bodhi, no-fee solar loans from Climate First Bank, discounted design software and a free drone from Scanifly, special pricing on solar panels, batteries and racking equipment, and discounted marketing services. The idea is to give smaller local installers tools to make ownership a more attractive and affordable option for homeowners, similar to what larger national companies can offer.

The alliance is also running a free webinar series this fall covering topics like finding customers after the tax credit ends, dealing with pricing and supply issues, and managing risk as a small business. These sessions, scheduled for September 30, October 14, and November 4, are open to anyone, not just installers who join the coalition. For homeowners considering solar, this news mostly signals that more local installers may soon have better tools and pricing to offer ownership options, rather than steering everyone toward leases.