ENERGY CONSULTANT

What is Alternative Energy? Alternative energy is power that comes from sources which
are not going to run out, do not pollute as much as fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas), or do
not create leftover materials that are harmful to people and the environment.
The term, "alternative," in a sense, is meant to contrast environment friendly energy
against forms of energy that hurt the environment (coal power, natural gas, and oil power).
Other names for alternative energy include clean energy, green energy and renewable
energy.
Alternative Energy Vs. Renewable Energy
Renewable energy and alternative energy are often interchangeable, but they do have
different meanings. Renewable energy comes from a replinishable energy source (it can
never deplete). Electric energy that is generated from the sun (solar), the wind, the ocean
(waves, currents or tides), the earth (geothermal), waste (biomass), landfill gas, or water
(hydro power) is considered to be renewable energy. Renewable energy falls under the
alternative energy umbrella because renewable fuel sources like wind and solar don't hurt
the environment.
Alternative Energy Sources
1. Alternative Energy as Solar Power
The sun has been around, shining on the earth with warmth and light for many, many
years. This alternative energy source is available at no cost, and will be available to
generate energy tomorrow and for millions of years to come, which explains why scientists
continue to strive to figure out new ways on how to capture and use energy from the sun.
Long ago, it was discovered that leaving objects in the sun not only increased the object's
thermal temperature, but the radiating heat also produced energy. Today, this type of
alternative solar power, letting the sun heat something up, is called thermal solar energy.
This alternative energy source is used to heat water for people's homes by passing cool
water through pipes that are exposed to sunlight. As the pipes heat up, the water gets hot.
Another type of solar energy, known as light solar energy or photovoltaic energy, has only
been used since the 1950s. This type of solar power comes from changing sunlight into
actual electrical current. Very thin photovoltaic cells, which contain layers of different
chemicals, absorb light from the sun and change it into electricity. The photovoltaic
electricity is then stored in large batteries for later use, or it is actually sent back through
the power lines to the electric company, which pays you for making electricity. Photovoltaic
energy is growing in popularity every year. New types of photovoltaic cells, called thin
films, are making solar electrical systems easier to put into homes, and less expensive
than they were before.
Did you know: If one minutes worth of all the suns energy that falls on the Earth was
captured, it would be enough to provide the world with enough power for an entire year.
2. Alternative Energy as Wind Power
Wind energy has been utilized as an energy source for thousands of years. For example,
the earliest sailors realized that putting sails on their boats to catch the wind made their
boats go faster. More than 100 years ago, many farms used wind power to pump water
from underground up to a container where it could be used for their homes or to water their
animals. Today, wind power is used to turn large propeller blades that are put on top of
towers. As the blades turn, their movement turns a generator, which changes the
movement into electricity, which is sent to power stations or stored in batteries. Today,
more people are buying small wind towers that make enough electricity to run their homes.
These days, very large windmills (known today as windfarms) are built in large groups.
These windfarms are located miles away from where people live, and when the power is
generated, the power is sent back to the cities and towns. Because wind patterns vary
from location to location, some windfarms wont work very well. But in windy areas,
windfarms provide an efficient amount of electricity.
3. Alternative Energy as Water Energy (Hydro Electricity)
Water energy is another type of alternative energy that has been utilized for many years.
Have you ever seen a water wheel next to a mill in an old painting or picture? The wheel
was turned by the flowing water in a creek. The turning wheel was connected to a large
millstone, which was used to crush grain to make flour and cornmeal. Today, electricity is
generated using water. Large walls (dams) are built with tunnels to block flowing rivers so
that the water can navigate through them, and, as the water goes through these tunnels,
propellers turn a motor, which then generates electrical power. The generated power either
is stored in batteries or is sent to a power station. Technology has developed enough that
a small home can generate its own hydro power.
If a home is next to a creek or stream, a micro hydro system can turn a very small wheel,
which then generates electrical power. Activists, scientists and some government officials
have voiced their concerns that building large dams interrupt ecosystems, despite the fact
that it generates millions of watts of power. However, the micro hydro technology can be
used without hurting a small stream or the plants and animals that live there.
4. Alternative Energy as Biomass Energy
The farming industry, among other industries, are using corn and other plants as a
biomass alternative energy source that can be put into the gas tanks of cars and trucks
that can replace earth-damaging fossil fuels.
The oldest type of biofuel is called biodiesel, which was first made out of plants and
vegetables. Today, biodiesel is made out of old cooking oil and other types of plant
materials that are not needed for other things. When its burning biodiesel made out of old
cooking oil, the exhaust from a cars tail pipe smells like french fries.
Ethanol, a second biofuel, is made by distilling plant materials (eg. corn) into grain alcohol,
which is then mixed with small amounts of fossil fuel. When finished, this form of
alternative energy can be used in cars, trucks and vans. While the farming industry is
utilizing this readily available alternative energy resource, studies show that unless farms
stop using petroleum-based chemicals for fertilizer and for killing pests, growing crops to
make ethanol fuels may be more damaging to the environment than other forms of
alternative energy.



The energy sector is in the midst of transformational change. Emerging technologies and
societal demand promise to reshape not only the energy we use, but also how we use it.
Navigant helps clients to deploy and integrate renewable energy, energy storage, and
other emerging technologies; to understand the potential of Smart Grid; and to address
consumer andregulatory demands.
In the midst of these changes, energy industry players are looking for ways to strengthen
their enterprises to increase performance, opportunity, and growth. To help clients across
the energy spectrum achieve these goals, our experts deliver an extensive understanding
of regulatory processes, pricing, supply-and-demand dynamics, market design, fuel
sourcing, financing, technologies and operations.
Our energy consulting services are designed to benefit owners, manufacturers, regulators,
and investors as we help them minimize risk and optimize performance in this critical,
complex, and ever-evolving industry.



1. Find out how to become certified in your state. Most states require certification
for most rebates and incentives. These certifications can take up to two years for
approval, especially in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Make
sure you know what you're getting into prior to anything else.
2. 2
Create your business plan. The business plan will need to include financing options as
well as where you will find customers at a minimum.
3. 3
Include Costs, Customers, Contacts and Contracts in your business plan.
Costs is pretty self explanatory. They will include money to start your
business as well as how you are going to collect from your customers and in
what time frame these will happen.
Customers is also pretty straight forward. Without customers, you have no
business, and you need to figure out which customers you are going to target
as well as how you are going to get those customers. There are several
target markets for your solar business. Are you going to target residential or
commercial customers? Will you be selling to the high end or going after
middle class? These are questions you must answer because you can't just
open your business and think the customers will come, you have to target a
specific market and then go after them.
Contacts refers to several different types of people. These will include
companies you will turn to that will help you start your business including
capital and training sources. There are many capital sources including
venture investors, banks, angel investors and friends and family.
Contracts. One of the most overlooked part of any business is having proper
contracts in place. Contracts do cost a little money to get done, but not doing
them can cause your business to fail from no fault of your own. We aren't
suggesting that you have to have all your contracts written up before you
start your solar business, but you need to have a good idea of the contracts
you will need and how you will get these contracts written and executed.
4. 4
Get started with your business. A few Solar Power related businesses are:
Solar Installation Business - Installation of the entire solar system
Solar Sales Business - Market the systems to homeowners and business and
get paid a commission on each sale after installation
Solar Manufacturing Business - Manufacture the panels and all other
associated parts including racks, inverters, etc.
Solar Parts Business - Sell solar systems and parts purchased from
wholesalers and manufacturing companies
Solar Tax Credit Expert - Help mostly business figure out the solar tax credit
maze to make sure they get the proper tax credits
Solar Consultant - Knows all parts of the business and helps individuals and
companies understand the business and how they can helped by going solar
Solar Maintenance Business - Offer a annual maintenance check on installed
systems to make sure they are working properly and look for other ways to
cut down on electricity usage
Energy Consultant - Focuses on all types of alternative energies and other
ways to conserve energy and sells their services to both homeowners and
businesses
5. 5
Do the installation. There are numerous types of solar systems but in this course, we are
talking about rooftop PV systems. These are the most popular types of systems and are
the most requested by homeowners. A few other types of systems are ground mount, pole
mount and solar thermal systems. The systems all work the same in that you are trying to
replace electricity usage.
6. 6
Get a solid customer base. Basically the only way to get customers for your solar
installation business is to go out and explain the benefits of solar and show potential
customers pictures of different systems. Advertising does little beyond getting your name
out, and solar systems get sold through personal interaction, not through a yellow pages
ad.
Meeting potential customers can be done in a variety of different ways. You
will be mostly marketing to the affluent in your community, so you need to
figure out where these people spend their time and what activities they like to
do. Maybe there is a home show in your area where you could set up a small
table advertising your services. Or, you could visit some of the local clubs
and pass out some brochures or sponsor an event. The local Chamber of
Commerce is a really great way to get customers for your installation
business. You will not only meet business owners in the area, but will get
some press coverage. Don't forget about the press when you start your
installation business. They are always looking for great stories and there
aren't many solar businesses out there and many would love to do a story
about your business, giving you a good name and a lot of free advertising.
7. 7
Develop a website. Another must for your marketing efforts is having a website. No high
tech business can do without a website and contrary to popular belief, they don't costs
thousands of dollars to build. One helpful tip is to go to Elance.com or Guru.com and put
out a bid for a web designer. You will receive many bids and can work with whoever you
choose. It is best to have a layout of your website and this can easily be done in Microsoft
Word. Just view other solar business websites and use those as a basis.
8. 8
Utilize social media. This is a must with any solar business. By social media, we mean
Facebook, Twitter, MySpace along with numerous others. You can open an account for
free and then just post updates about what you are doing and the progress your business
is making. You don't want to be spamming potential customers, but it is fine to provide
them with discounts and even pictures of other installations you are doing.




Executive Summary
With the recent social emphasis on environmentalism and the movement toward
alternative energy, SI Co is committed to providing quality and excellence in the solar
installation industry. With rising utility costs and financial incentives, offered by both state
and federal governments, we will meet the demand for alternative energy- namely solar
panel installation.
SI Co is a family owned and operated Limited Liability Company offering over 40 years of
combined electrical experience. In conjunction with the governmental promotion of
alternative energies and the social emphasis demanding green environmentalism, we will
establish ourselves as the southern Illinois solar installation experts.
Our competitive advantage rests primarily on being the first mover into our
market. However, we recognize that it takes more than being first mover to establish a
profitable business with longevity. We will also place an emphasis on quality service and
products, care through building professional relationships with our clients, and
workmanship with passionate enthusiasm. We will practice a competitive pricing strategy,
utilizing quality products backed by both our company and the producer. Our promotional
plan is fairly aggressive, placing an emphasis on educating our potential clients of the
numerous benefits of converting to solar energy. There are several options available to
ensure we receive our products in a timely manner, with little to no overhead requirement.

SI Cos target market is small to medium sized businesses and high-end residential
homes. As there are currently no competitors within the region we seek to operate within,
Madison and Macoupin counties, we are certain this area will be sufficient to establish a
presence.

SI Co offers over 40 years of experience in the electrical industry as well as experience
with the multitude of responsibilities that come with administrative operations. Susan Trip
will carry out the administrative responsibilities, while Brendon fulfills all external
activities. He has 14 years of experience as an electrician and his father, Al, will provide
additional counsel when necessary. Al has 25 years of experience as an electrician.

SI Co will require an initial investment of $11,000. However, as a result of the construction
industries standards of operation, we are seeking an initial loan of $100,000. This initial
outlay will allow our company to purchase all required solar materials for our first project,
insurance, bonds when drawing employees from the union, a vehicle, required tools,
promotion, and employee wages. Fortunately, we will not have any initial overhead
expenses due to existing local distribution channels. Our business has minimal
requirements during the start-up phase. Currently, we cannot offer an in depth exit
strategy for potential private investors.






Solar Business Plans
There are tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs and existing owners of solar
businesses that vary nationwide on a state by state basis. We know how to prepare and
modify solar business plans that resonate with investors and lenders, from a solar
business plan to a comprehensive approach as a sustainable construction or energy
conservation. Our support can bridge the gap in getting a PPA funded or help an
entrepreneur start up a local solar sales company.
Solar Services
Our deep national solar consulting team offers a wide array of solar services. Are you well
established and looking to grow your business in developing EPC contractor relationships,
supply, capital access and expanded team solutions to fuel rapid expansion? Or perhaps
just thinking of entering the solar business and need a how to guideline to establish a
solar business with a custom business plan tailored to your market and goals? Our access
to thousands of local installers and suppliers can bridge all gaps.
Solar Brokers
As per this article, The Benefits of Utilizing a Solar Broker, this is a great option for
commercial property owners. Utilizing our solar applications that include remote roof top
analysis to any site in the US, we provide solar pricing, cost benefit analysis, act as the
owners agent in coordination of the RFQ/RFP for solar installers, panel and material
options, assessing funding options and project management as a one stop shop for the
property owner. We provide multiple bids and options in a one stop solar
broker agreement that saves business owners and investors time and money!
Solar Business Opportunities
From solar installation to solar sales services, energy conservation, or a comprehensive
approach as a green contractor, we have many opportunities for entrepreneurs. There is
great support for many solar business plan opportunities, including solar sales and
installations or energy conservation. We not only research and write top shelf solar
business plans, but provide advice and services to those seeking to be a solar
entrepreneur. Just ask!
Capital for Solar Business Plans!
We have a database of over 450 institutional or venture capital equity sources and
thousands of angel investors. We see a dramatic increase in investment capital in green
business plans over the last year including a quality solar business plan and more in the
green space. Private capital is available as well as SBA capital, where our clients have
also had great success. From a residential solar integrator to a large scale PPA, our
custom solar business plans have great detail and flexibility for varied grant, equity or debt
sources.
Green Business Plans
Solar is only one important component of sustainable building. We understand LEED
Standards, but we also know LEED is not the only standard and that renewable energy
and green business choices vary state by state for green contractors or green business
owners. See more details on our affiliated site, www.green-businessplans.com.
From sustainable construction to energy conservation to green businesses to green
products to green services to a green web site business plan, we have a depth of
experience.
Renewable Energy
Solar is not the only renewable energy answer with wind to geothermal among other
renewable energy options. However, it is the best option to the majority of consumers
where it is cost free when factoring in utility savings for close to half of the US population.
Other energy options are cost effective in much more limited areas. We understand equity
and debt requirements and how to access capital with quality solar business plans to wind
farm business plans to biomass business plans.
Solar Market Analysis
As solar business plan consultants, we conduct due diligence on our clients behalf as if we
were the investor in the entire solar business plan, starting with the Solar Market and
Competitive Analysis We assess your experience and capabilities with added capital
and/or support, and help you add to your team locally or with our interim or permanent
support. Then, we can develop a detailed and custom marketing plan and forecasts that
have depth and viable assumptions that investors can believe in.