Become a Solar Dealer
Join Sunforce's dealer program and build a profitable solar business. Get dealer support, financing options, fast installations, comprehensive training, and a clear application process.
By Walter Cupa, Director of Business Development at Sunforce Solar
Why Become a Sunforce Solar Dealer?
Sunforce provides the infrastructure, tools, and support you need to run a profitable solar dealership without the overhead of building from scratch.
Fast Installations
Industry-leading install timelines keep your customers happy and referrals flowing.
Competitive Margins
Transparent commission structures with M1 advances to keep your cash flow healthy.
Multiple Financing Options
Access to top-tier solar lenders with a range of dealer fee structures.
Proposal Tools
Professional proposal software, CRM access, and sales enablement tools included.
Training & Support
Ongoing training for you and your team, from product knowledge to sales techniques.
Territory Flexibility
Operate in multiple markets with flexible territory agreements.
How the Dealer Program Works
Schedule a Consultation
Book a 30-minute call with our team to discuss your market, goals, and partnership structure.
Get Onboarded
Complete the dealer onboarding form, sign your dealer agreement, and get access to all tools.
Build Your Team
Recruit sales representatives, setters, and field leaders under your dealer organization.
Close Deals & Get Paid
Submit deals through our platform, track installations, and receive commission payouts on schedule.
Recruiting Strategy
The secret sauce to recruiting is not only posting on job boards.
You should also join Facebook groups that match the exact demographic you are looking to recruit. Focus on groups with the highest member count and highest activity.
Create simple, direct recruiting posts with a clear funnel so candidates immediately understand:
- What the opportunity is
- How to contact the recruiter
- Where the interview or meeting will take place
- What the next step is
The easier and clearer the process is, the higher the response and conversion rate will be.
When recruiting setters for the solar industry, it is sometimes better to hire individuals who do not already have solar sales experience. This allows the company to properly train, mold, and educate them on the correct and ethical way to sell solar. The goal is to ensure setters are informed, professional, and educated enough to properly set appointments without misleading or misguiding homeowners or property owners.
Team members should be given a clear growth map and leadership structure to grow into. This growth path should be based on production, recruiting efforts, leadership ability, and performance metrics.
Create incentives for individuals to grow into team leadership positions by rewarding consistency, production, recruiting, and the ability to help develop and support other team members.
Dealer Earning Potential
Dealer income is based on the spread between the sales price and the installer's cost, minus dealer fees and operational expenses.
Example: 10kW System at $3.70/W
Actual commission varies based on system size, sales price, and applicable adders.
Commissions are split between the dealer, field leaders, and sales reps based on your organizational structure.
Understanding Adders
Adders are additional line items in a solar proposal that represent upgrades or modifications required for a specific installation. They are deducted from the gross commission because they represent real costs to complete the project. Understanding adders is critical to accurately calculating your net commission.
How to Read an Adder Sheet
A common misconception is that adders are added on top of the homeowner's price. They are not. Adders represent real installation costs that are deducted from your gross commission — not charged separately to the customer. The homeowner’s total system price already includes any applicable adders. Your commission is calculated on the spread above the installer’s redline, and adder costs reduce that spread before your net payout is determined.
Quick Example (10kW at $3.70/W)
Without MPU: 10,000 × $1.45 = $14,500 net
With 200A MPU: $14,500 − $1,500 = $13,000 net
Roofing & Mounting
If ballast not possible due to structural, no adder
Panel Upgrades (MPU)
Trenching
Battery Storage
When a battery backup system is added to a project, the storage system cost is included as an adder to the proposal.
Battery storage is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) — like the size of the battery's fuel tank. The higher the kWh, the more energy the homeowner can store for later use. As a general rule of thumb, battery storage pricing averages around $2,000 per kilowatt-hour depending on equipment, installation, and project complexity.
Homeowners typically benefit from battery storage in three main ways:
Self-Consumption — The battery stores excess solar energy produced during the day so the homeowner can use their own stored energy later at night instead of pulling power from the utility company.
Time-of-Use Savings — In some utility territories, electricity costs more during peak hours. The battery can store lower-cost energy and use it during expensive time periods to help reduce utility costs.
Whole Home Backup — During a power outage, the battery can provide backup power to essential appliances or even the entire home depending on the system size and setup.
EV Charging
Miscellaneous
Travel Adders
Equipment (Domestic Content)
Common Adder Combinations
These are typical deal scenarios to help you quickly estimate how adders impact your net commission on a 10kW system (gross spread: $14,500).
✅ Clean Deal (No Adders)
No adders — full gross spread retained: $14,500
Tile Roof + 200A MPU
Adders: $1,000 + $1,500 = −$2,500
Est. Net Commission: $12,000
Ground Mount + 200A MPU
Adders: $5,500 + $1,500 = −$7,000
Est. Net Commission: $7,500
Flat Roof (Ballast) + Battery (Enphase 5P 2-pack)
Adders: $2,500 + $14,700 = −$17,200
Est. Net Commission: Adder exceeds spread — price up
Last Updated: May 10, 2026 — Adder pricing is subject to change and may be updated periodically. Always confirm current adder pricing with your dealer or Sunforce representative before submitting a proposal.
Financing Partners
Sunforce dealers have access to multiple top-tier solar financing partners, giving your customers flexible payment options.
Ready to Become a Solar Dealer?
Apply to join the Sunforce solar dealer program and start building your solar sales organization today.
Start Your Dealer Application →About the Author
Walter Cupa
Director of Business Development | Sunforce Solar
Walter Cupa is a solar sales leadership expert with extensive experience building and scaling solar sales organizations, developing dealer partnerships, training leadership teams, and implementing scalable sales systems within the renewable energy industry.