How has COVID-19 affected brokers, resellers, distributors? What does it mean to installers, EPC’s, and end-users?

What I’m asking for is hard. It’s easier to be cynical; to accept that change isn’t possible, and politics is hopeless, and to believe that our voices and actions don’t matter. But if we give up now, then we forsake a better future.   Barack Obama

USD being a broker and developer, we have felt first hand the repercussions from COVID-19, and now other companies are dealing with the disruption caused by vicious police. Most impressive about the solar industry is the ability to continue moving forward even in the worst of times. What we know is that the best days in solar are still before us, but what will happen to all the companies who have been filling an essential role in the entire development chain, the brokers, resellers, and distributors?

What brokers, resellers, distributors do to help projects get completed is sell to EPC’s and installers at better pricing for the equipment required to build their project. This pricing is assisting by giving a better return on investment for installers and EPC’s. Manufacturers, in general, are not selling pallets and sub 5MW requirements that many residential and commercial installers require. Numerous installers use brokers because they are cash and carry customers without time to wait for 6 to 10 weeks for delivery.

Often, brokers are buying directly from the manufacturers because of the relationships they have created over the years. Along with better pricing, the broker, reseller, distributor group finds and searches for equipment that is waiting for a home, keeping US supplies moving through inventory to the installation process. Most of these company owners and employees have been in the solar industry for many years and have the experience to assist their customers.

Solar is a rapidly maturing industry. Although, there will be companies injured beyond repair from this unprecedentedly tricky and complicated environment where companies are hoping for a lifeline to keep moving forward. As an industry, it is good to go through the growing, merging, and dissolution of companies. It brings innovation, grit, and rewards for the companies that keep taking a step forward at a time to achieve their company goals.

The next time you are looking for some modules, inverter, or mounting systems, please contact USD, so they have an opportunity to help you achieve a better net profit on your project. As a reminder at USD, we are purchasing directly from manufacturers. We have developed a risk management system that allows us to review how your products were manufactured. Our partnership with CEP Solar has been a valuable assist to our customers getting what they expect.

Have questions please contact Karlita or Robert? You can respond to this email or contact the sender on Robert W Benedict III