Solar Energy Business

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Solar Energy Business? (In 2024)

Updated: January 18th, 2023

Looking to start a solar energy business?

But curious about:

  • how much it costs to start a solar energy business?
  • what are the typical solar energy business startup costs?
  • or the actual cost of starting solar energy businesses?

Well, we have the data to prove it, supported by real solar energy businesses and how much they actually cost to start.

Let's go over it.

Learn more about starting a solar energy business:

Where to start?

-> Pros and cons of a solar energy business

Need inspiration?

-> Other solar energy business success stories
-> Marketing ideas for a solar energy business
-> Solar energy business slogans
-> Solar energy business names
-> Solar energy business Instagram bios

Other resources

-> Solar energy business tips

Equipment & Supply Expenses

Starting a solar energy business may require purchasing some equipment, whether that's for producing the product or packaging the goods, or equipment needed in the back office.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost
Cleaning Supplies ➜

Optional

$63

$200

First-aid Equipment ➜

Optional

$3

$500

Business Formation Fees

There are a few key costs associated with forming your business entity, such as setting up an LLC and getting trademarks, copyrights, and patents sorted.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost

Set up business: LLC & Corporations

Required

$50

$500

Small Business Insurance

Recommended

$500

$2,000

Permit and License Fees

Optional

$50

$700

Trademark

Optional

$0

$700

Lawyer Fees

Optional

$0

$1,500

A Patent ➜

Optional

$5,000

$15,000

Software Expenses

Your solar energy business needs software to run efficiently!

Why spend money on software? Because it can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business, so you can focus on the most important matters. Software and technology can help you grow your business, and save you from expensive personnel costs.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost

Accounting & Invoicing Software

Recommended

$0

$50

Email marketing tool

Recommended

$0

$100

Internal Communication Tool

Recommended

$0

$20

Design Programs & Software

Optional

$0

$50

Payroll Software

Optional

$0

$200

Social Media Management Tools

Optional

$0

$50

IT Support ➜

Optional

$150

$2,000

Office Space Expenses

It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your solar energy business grows.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost
Rent ➜

Optional

$0

$5,750

Utility Costs For Office Space ➜

Optional

$0

$1,150

WiFi & Internet ➜

Optional

$0

$100

Employee & Freelancer Expenses

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost
Payroll Costs & Fees ➜

Optional

$150

$250

Employee Hiring Expenses

Optional

$1

$2

Employee Rewards ➜

Optional

$0

$100

Website Costs

Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost
Domain Name ➜

Required

$12

$200

Website Hosting Costs ➜

Required

$0

$300

Website Builder ➜

Recommended

$10

$500

Business Email Hosting Service ➜

Recommended

$1

$15

Website & Live Chat Tool

Recommended

$0

$200

Web Designer ➜

Optional

$200

$6,000

Inventory Expenses

If you sell a physical good, you'll likely have to start with some inventory.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost

Upfront Costs For Inventory

Optional

$300

$5,000

Inventory Storage

Optional

$0

$5,000

Vehicle Expenses

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost

Mode of Transporation

Optional

$0

$10,000

Commute cost

Optional

$2

$4

Advertising & Marketing Costs

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost
Business Cards ➜

Optional

$0

$50

Customer Research & Surveys

Optional

$0

$300

Tradeshow costs

Optional

$0

$5,000

Business Signage ➜

Optional

$75

$2,486

Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing

Optional

$0

$300

Affiliate Marketing Commission & Fees

Optional

$0

$250

Press

Optional

$0

$500

Google Ads

Optional

$0

$300

Facebook & Instagram Ads

Optional

$0

$350

Specific Industry Expenses

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost

Handyman Tools

Optional

$0

$500