For solar sales professionals, staying ahead means more than just closing deals; it’s about understanding the evolving landscape and ethical practices that ensure long-term success. The most recent development you need to know about is the Residential Solar Association (RSA), a game-changer in industry standards and championing transparency, integrity, and credibility.
What Is the Residential Solar Association?
Established in 2023, the Residential Solar Association is a nonprofit committed to supporting the solar industry’s healthy growth while upholding high standards, fairness, and competitive opportunities for solar professionals. This association brings together leaders from various segments of the solar space, from sales and installation experts to technology providers and legal resources.
Why the RSA Matters in Solar Sales
Imagine having a playbook that sets clear rules of the game, ensuring fair play and accountability. That’s precisely what the RSA offers. They’ve created a rulebook that defines what it means to be an RSA-compliant member, ensuring that ethical practices and transparency are at the forefront of every interaction with clients and within the industry.
Addressing Industry Challenges Head-On
In the fast-paced world of solar sales, challenges often arise. The RSA recognizes the issues of overselling and discrepancies between sales promises and installation capabilities. These challenges, if left unchecked, could hinder the industry’s growth. This is where the RSA steps in, providing education, certification processes, and a feedback system to maintain high standards across the board.
The RSA’s Vision for Solar Sales Professionals

The RSA’s vision goes beyond mere accreditation. It’s about elevating the industry by fostering responsible lending, transparent sales practices, top-notch installations, and cutting-edge technology. Jake Kilgore, RSA’s VP, emphasizes that these benchmarks aren’t just checkboxes; they’re pillars that will drive the industry forward ethically and sustainably.
Kilgore says, “​​The Residential Solar Association (RSA) stands firmly on four robust pillars: lending, sales, installations, and technology. Our primary mission is to elevate the residential solar industry by establishing accreditation standards that serve as essential gatekeepers, ensuring that only organizations committed to ethical practices thrive.
“By setting these benchmarks, we aim to foster an environment where responsible lending, transparent sales practices, high-quality installations, and cutting-edge technology coalesce to drive the industry forward, ultimately benefiting both our homeowners and the planet.”
Joining Forces for a Brighter Tomorrow
The RSA isn’t just a membership; it’s a community of solar professionals driven by pride and a commitment to the industry.
Abby Buchmiller, a board member, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the collective potential to build sustainable entities and innovate for a healthier planet, saying, “The driving cause and early efforts of this group are real, tangible, and are paving the way for a bright future for our young and promising sector.
“With consumer protection at the forefront of our efforts, we are driving toward top-tier quality standards for sales practices and contracting alike. Our commitment goes beyond business; it’s about creating a legacy of renewable energy for generations to come.”
The RSA’s Impact on Your Solar Sales Journey
For sales professionals, the RSA offers more than just guidelines. It’s a platform that advocates for responsible, ethical practices while providing access to training resources, accreditations, and collaborations with like-minded professionals. Being part of RSA means contributing to a unified effort shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for residential solar.
“The purpose of the RSA is to unify the voice of the residential solar industry. The RSA is committed to educating and elevating the industry. We are an ever-expanding group of experts in consolidating and declaring the best practices for selling, installing, manufacturing, lending, and servicing solar systems.
“RSA members are committed to improving the industry by operating with integrity and excellence. The RSA is focused on removing bad actors, protecting consumers, and collaborating with policymakers in creating standards that empower the residential solar industry.” –Mark Bench, President
Embracing Ethical Standards in Solar Sales
The RSA stands as a beacon for solar sales professionals, offering guidance, education, and standards that uphold ethical practices. It’s about ensuring customer satisfaction, ethical dealings, and sustainable growth in an ever-evolving industry.
Joining the RSA isn’t just about the membership; it’s about embracing a collective responsibility to drive the solar industry ethically forward, ensuring a positive legacy for future generations.
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Connect with the RSA on Social
Get ahead of the curve and follow the Residential Social Association from the beginning. Check them out on their social media and see how you can get involved:
Linktree: @rsacollective
Facebook: @Residential Solar Association
Instagram: @rsacollective
YouTube: @rsacollective
LinkedIn: @Residential Solar Association
TikTok: @rsacollective
Twitter: @rsacollective






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