Solar Energy Franchise Meets Consumers’ Escalating Demand for Renewable Energy
Jason Hiester was already a franchising veteran when he hit the trifecta with Stardust Solar. “I have always been really interested in solar power, and I love working with my hands. I also wanted to do installations, not just sales. So the Stardust Solar franchise seemed like a perfect fit,” says Hiester, who previously owned a franchise in the automobile industry.
Stardust Solar Energy Inc. is a B2C and B2B franchisor that specializes in renewable energy installation services such as solar panels, energy storage systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment. Stardust Solar was founded in 2017, sold its first franchise in 2021, and now has 87 units in operation.
The solar energy franchise is part of a rapidly expanding industry. During the past five years, the U.S. solar power industry has grown more than 23% annually and is projected to reach $32.6 billion in 2025, according to IBISWorld research. Hiester got on board in September 2023, when he opened his Stardust Solar franchise in Columbus, Ohio.
Prioritizing Sales
Hiester is a hustler in the best of ways: He’s always pursuing sales. As with all owners of small and start-up businesses, Hiester says that “getting sales is a constant challenge. We have been using lots of different avenues to make progress with sales, and we’re seeing positive results.” Among his marketing tactics are face-to-face networking in his community, online marketing and traditional media sales outreach such as co-op advertising.
Selling actually tops most of his daily to-do lists. Hiester says that during a typical workday, he’s putting together and sending out proposals, responding to emails, and communicating with utility companies along with visiting his customers and guiding his team. Hiester currently works with one installation team but that’s likely to change soon. “With the growth that we anticipate, we will need to grow to two to three installer teams,” he says.
Corporate Support
As Hiester expands his customer base, he’s confident that Stardust Solar’s corporate staff will continue to have his back. “There’s always been great leadership in Mark Tadros [Stardust Solar’s CEO and chairman] and the team. They have very positive attitudes, and there’s great forward-looking leadership from everyone on staff. I am super-thankful to the entire team at Stardust Solar. We are all working on the same goal of providing the world with renewable, clean energy.”
The Stardust Solar franchise has built its reputation on providing franchisees with top-tier specialty products, stellar assistance in managing their businesses, and corporate-backed marketing, sales and project management support services. A 24/7 online portal offers tools and resources to supplement the 10-week training program and five-day solar design and accreditation program for top equipment brands. Weekly webinars keep owners updated about product and industry news, added tools and resources, and best practices, and each franchisee can lean on his or her launch business manager for the first two years of operation.
With Stardust Solar training, franchisees gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to earn NABCEP certification, a professional credential issued by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. It’s widely recognized as the gold standard certification in the renewable energy industry, especially for solar energy professionals.
Franchisees also gain exclusive access to their Tesla Powerwall partnership. This certification allows franchisees to install Tesla’s Powerwall, EV charger, and Solar Roof. Only a small percentage of solar professionals hold this certification, giving Stardust Solar franchisees a competitive edge. In addition, franchisees gain immediate eligibility to offer solar financing to customers — a significant advantage, as most financing partners typically require a two- to three-year track record.
At Stardust Solar, franchisees are seen as true partners. That’s why each one gets 25,000 stock options at signing — plus 1,000 more for every install. As the company grows, so does the value of their equity.
More Stardust Solar Franchise Benefits
Stardust Solar franchisees enjoy the following additional business advantages.
- Customers will always need energy, giving the brand staying power even during recessions.
- Entrepreneurs typically invest $71,400 to $151,500 to start their franchises, a relatively low cost for launching a business.
- Owners have low overhead because of the franchise’s home-based business model.
- Corporate will assist with financing and team recruitment.
- Owners may perform solar equipment installations themselves or choose a semi-absentee operations model that allows them to hold down other employment.
- A database of prequalified customer leads is provided to new franchisees.
- The franchisor handles marketing (including free digital ad campaigns), accounting and administrative tasks.
- Corporate will provide field support on job sites.
- Military veterans can receive a discount on their franchise fee.
- Owners may become eligible for stock options.
Rewards and Opportunity
Stardust Solar is a brand with a built-in sense of fulfillment for franchisees and their teams. “Making solid connections with customers and seeing an installation come to fruition is the most rewarding part of my business,” Heister says. “Working in the solar business is rewarding because it allows us to make a tangible impact on the environment while helping people save money and embrace clean energy.”
Canada-based Stardust Solar seeks additional franchisees whose personal makeup meets their qualifications. They should be motivated to succeed in building a business from the ground up; possess high ethical standards, strong leadership and communications skills; show tenacity when dealing with challenges; and desire to be hands-on owners. Stardust Solar franchises are available throughout the United States, in its Caribbean territories, and in Canada and Europe.
For more information about opportunities with the Stardust Solar franchise, please visit the brand’s website.
