If we harness the energy from the sunlight striking the earth for forty minutes, that would be enough to cover the global energy consumption for one year. As cell technology continues to improve costs, panels cost 20% less than they did ten years ago.

That's a remarkable improvement, but it's hard to stand out from the pack in a crowded solar marketplace. That's where Solar Exclusive comes in. In a few short years, this pioneering marketing firm has established itself as the industry leader, connecting the country's most respected solar companies with pre-set appointments and exclusive leads while fully leveraging technology's power.

We sat down with Solar Exclusive Founder Rich Feola to discuss the company's meteoric rise from humble beginnings to the largest independent solar marketing firm in the residential space. We delved into how other entrepreneurs can follow a similar blueprint for success.

Harnessing The Power of Technology

Solar Exclusive has helped over two million homeowners upgrade to solar in the US, Canada, and Spain. According to Feola, an integral part of his company's success has been harnessing AI technology's power in the solar marketing space.

"We're currently fully integrating AI into our company, and it has evolved into a trusted ally over time, taking on the heavy lifting, especially in the realm of appointment setting," said Feola. "Our vision is not to replace human involvement, but to enhance it by offering our clients an unprecedented level of service without incurring additional costs."

Feola further elaborated that Solar Exclusive is currently pioneering AI-based text message marketing, a dynamic tool that seamlessly transitions potential clients into loyal customers.

Another way that Solar Exclusive has leveraged the power of technology is by using one single account to manage all of its ads on Facebook, Google, and YouTube.

Feola said, "This central hub empowers us to finely tailor ads. Clients are shocked to see the difference. We can post the same ad on our account versus our competitors and end up achieving a significantly higher click-through rate due to the precision and unique targeting capabilities of our seasoned account."

He explained that social media platforms continually adjust the algorithms that govern ad placements, leading marketing agencies to adapt and optimize content for these evolving platforms.

"I have a Director of Data Analytics whose vital task is to meticulously examine every piece of content we produce, deciphering the elements that prompt clicks," said Feola. "We're in a constant state of refinement because what proves effective one month may require adjustments in the following month."

The Importance of Assembling a Great Team

When solar companies could not knock on doors during the COVID lockdown, Feola pivoted away from door-to-door sales to eventually dominate the solar marketing space. But he attributes his remarkable success, 25x-ing Solar Exclusive's revenue in one year, to assembling a stellar team.

"I focus on finding people with potential, not necessarily people that have a ton of accolades," he said. "I built my company with two former waiters, a flight attendant, two grandparents, an army veteran, and six former competitors. It's not about what they used to do, it's about whether they have the motivation to excel in a competitive field, and the right personality type to grow into a position of leadership."

According to Feola, using a unique behavioral assessment during the interview process sets his hiring approach apart as he categorizes candidates into one of 16 distinct personality types.

"I look for high scores in four particular categories: work ethic, innovation, inventiveness, and self-motivation," said Feola. "The key is not only assembling the right set of personalities but working with a group of people that truly takes ownership over the success or failure of our company. I look for natural-born leaders who are self-starters."

A Focus on Bettering the World

Unfortunately, the marketing industry has its share of unscrupulous players, making potential clients understandably skeptical. As the most reputable company in this space, Solar Exclusive plays a pivotal role in guiding homeowners through this complex landscape.

"Mortgage and real estate brokers are struggling, so they're moving towards solar because it saves homeowners money," said Feola. "Not only do they recoup their investment in a few short years, but they recession-proof their homes by going solar."

According to Feola, Solar Exclusive's ultimate goal is to help communities thrive as the world continues to face the environmental challenges brought on by climate change. Feola's focus on community has also led him to find a passion for charity work.

"Solar Exclusive donates ten percent of its proceeds to support humanitarian aid initiatives in India and Africa," said Feola. "These efforts include building homes and providing clean water wells and power access. We've made over a million dollars in contributions so far, and we're just getting started."

About Rich Feola and Solar Exclusive

Rich Feola is the Founder of Solar Exclusive and the Clean Energy Network, an industry powerhouse that has educated over 2 million homeowners about the benefits of residential solar panels. Solar Exclusive has been featured in Digital Journal, Yahoo Finance, NBC, and FOX, among other publications. Want to skyrocket the success of your solar business with top-notch leads? Visit this link to book a strategy call: https://solarexclusive.com/. Are you a homeowner looking to speak only to vetted solar companies with good ratings? Then visit www.cleanenergynetwork.com to receive a quote from a local, verified installer today.