Utility Solar Website Benchmark
In 2017, E Source launched a first-of-its-kind Utility Solar Website Benchmark study. Real residential customers, trained to be expert reviewers, scoured more than 110 US and Canadian utility solar-related websites and rated them based on criteria such as navigation, functionality, appearance, and relevance. They also documented key types of educational information and solar decision-making tools provided online.
Residential DER Customer Market Research
Consulting
For nearly 40 years, we’ve helped the utility companies across the US and Canada with our solution assessment, strategy, and implementation services. Our experts draw on your organization’s size, focus areas, and context to create customized solutions designed to achieve your business goals.
Innovation Showcase: Focus on ConnectDER
NOTE: This event has already taken place. See below for recording, event description, and link to download the presentation slides.
How to support business customers who choose solar power
Utilities have an opportunity to retain and engage customers by supporting solar power. This infographic shows the characteristics of business customers adopting solar and the top business sectors that have already adopted photovoltaics at their largest facility.
Do this, not that, to create a positive experience for customers on your utility solar website
Residential customer awareness of and interest in solar energy continues to grow in the US and globally. Utilities that shift to become proactive solar advisors and embrace a changing market will position themselves for a successful, customer-centric future. And positioning yourself with a successful solar website is a great place to start. Check out our e-book, with data from the Utility Solar Website Benchmark, for some examples of what you should and shouldn’t do to design and market your solar website.
Net metering wars: What do customers think?
The growing popularity of rooftop solar and recent changes to net metering rules are making utilities rethink their approaches to residential rate design. See where they’re headed.
What products are available for utilities to share solar energy data with customers?
Q:What are some creative ways to share solar energy information with customers?
A:We’re aware of a few sensors that provide real-time information on the solar power generated from panels. You can pair these sensors with other compatible devices using a web service to provide audio or visual signals about the solar power. And there are other devices that monitor real-time energy consumption using smart meter data that can be programmed to monitor solar power generation.
How can you communicate support for solar while being realistic about its costs?
Q:How can we show our support for solar while communicating with customers about its real costs to the utility?
A:To communicate your support for solar without ignoring its implications for overall system costs, it’s critical to first understand how your customers perceive your utility and its support for solar. It’s also important to understand what messages customers find favorable. To answer your question, we provide:
Let's meet today's demands - and plan for what's next.
What challenge is top of mind for your team right now? Reach out to start a focused conversation about your priorities and explore solutions shaped around your specific goals.