How much does a solar referral actually pay
In solar, the typical referrer is not a professional, it is the neighbour who saw the panels on the roof next door. Here is what that recommendation is worth, on both sides.
Run the numbers with your own figures
The starting values are an example to show the mechanism, not a market average. Replace them with yours, the calculation updates itself.
The ranges actually observed
These are the ranges from our commission grid, word for word. Nothing forces you to follow them, they only say what is commonly practised.
| Case | Observed range |
|---|---|
| Construction and renovation | 3 to 10 % of the project value |
Who pays what, plainly
You want to refer
0 €The referrer account is free, and it stays free. You track your referrals and your commissions without ever paying anything.
Create a free accountYou want to receive referrals
49,90 €The business pays for the tool. 49.90 € excl. VAT per month for an independent, no commitment, 15 day money back guarantee.
Ask a question on WhatsAppWhat justifies the commission, on the business side: tracking about 10,000 customers for almost three years, researchers measured that a referred customer is on average at least 16 % more valuable than a comparable customer acquired otherwise (Schmitt, Skiera and Van den Bulte, Journal of Marketing, 2011). On the referrer's side, recommending is not neutral either: at a cellular operator, customers who had referred someone saw their defection rate fall from 19 % to 7 % within a year (Garnefeld, Eggert, Helm and Tax, Journal of Marketing, 2013).
Frequently asked questions
Can a private individual be a referrer?
Yes, and that is the most common case in solar. They must declare what they receive, and beyond a certain volume the activity becomes professional. For the occasional recommendation between neighbours, that threshold is a long way off.
Why does solar work so well by word of mouth?
Because the installation is visible from the street and the electricity bill is a conversation topic. The neighbour has the proof in front of them before they even call you.
Flat fee or percentage?
A flat fee per installation is easier to announce and clearer for a private individual. A percentage follows the size of the project better. The calculator above uses a percentage, convert as needed.
When should the commission be paid?
On collection, never on signature of the quote. An installation can be cancelled before it is fitted.