As the energy landscape evolves, electricians can seize new opportunities by familiarizing themselves with emerging technologies such as EV chargers, smart panels and solar battery storage. Embracing these innovations is essential for contractors who want to stay competitive. Furthermore, to thrive, contractors need to update their skills and knowledge continuously, and specific qualifications may be necessary for working with these new technologies.
How to navigate new opportunities in the energy landscape
Here are a few tips to get started:
- Upskilling
In the face of an evolving energy landscape, continuous skill enhancement is essential for contractors. To effectively work with new technologies, obtaining specific certifications may be necessary.
For example, installers can leverage Qmerit’s resources to assist in obtaining Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program certification. This certification is often required for EV charging installations that come through utility programs.
There are also programs available via the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, UL Solutions and community colleges across the country.
Additionally, solar installers and contractors can become certified to install Schneider Home by participating in MySchneider training programs. In addition to installation courses, the program offers installers special benefits that help grow their business and build expertise.
- Get familiar
Getting prepared is also about getting familiar. This means understanding the solutions consumers are looking for and having a range of reliable products in mind.
There are many reputable manufacturers, such as Schneider Electric, with a variety of solutions. In addition to solar, storage and EV installations, these solutions include integrated energy management systems, like Schneider Home. And of course, smart electrical panels are a critical component with which contractors should be familiar. To offer the best support to customers, it is important not only to understand the features and benefits of products but also their compatibility and integration with one another as well as with what customers already have in the home.
- Expand your relationships
Not only will knowledge of the new energy landscape allow contractors to be competitive in a new market, but it can also help them become trusted advisors to customers navigating a new and unfamiliar space. In the end, they can strengthen customer relations and retain valued customers for future modifications.
Of course, it is always a good idea to ensure your customer relationships are strong, and it’s a great idea to go that extra mile and educate them on where the future is headed. Future discussions may include any plans they may have that could impact how their home’s electricity should be managed. This provides an opportunity to suggest valuable improvements they may require.
To help you on this journey, consider the following strategies:
- Recommend solar to customers with electric vehicles or those planning to install EV chargers. It will help reduce their electricity bill and their reliance on the grid for charging.
- Try walking customers worried about power outages through the benefits of battery storage, generators, or energy management systems, such as Schneider Home, which can help them stay powered through outages.
- Start a discussion about reducing emissions with solar, battery storage, EVs and energy monitoring and management with customers passionate about sustainability.
- Suggest energy monitoring and connected plugs and switches to customers interested in having more control and insight into their usage but not ready to make a big investment.
- Provide information on load control, energy monitoring and smart panels to customers adding more electrical appliances so they can efficiently manage their usage.
- When carrying out other jobs, look at what products and services you may be able to recommend as part of an upgrade to save customers money in the future. For example, when replacing an electrical panel, it might be a good idea to suggest leveling-up to a smart (or smart-ready) panel instead. Although a more expensive option, by investing in this today they can avoid expensive and urgent upgrades later down the line when they eventually need that level of energy management.
Building trust with customers is ultimately key and any information contractors can give to help them navigate such changes, including our homeowner blogs, will be welcomed.
As contractors navigate this evolving landscape, building trust with customers is key. Opportunities for electricians in the energy transition are vast. Those who understand these technologies and help their customers understand how they can benefit will become leaders in the field.
To learn more about Schneider Electric’s Schneider Home and more about simplifying home electrification, visit our connected home page.
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