How Much Does It Cost To Start A Solar Energy Business? (In 2024)
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
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 |
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.