Welcome to SolarTech™ Franchise
Skilled Solar Energy Consultants are in high demand. We are actively screening ecopreneurs with a desire to serve available regional markets. Join our rapidly growing network of trained solar professionals meeting the needs of the new green economy.
Start a business where little professional competition exists.
- Fill a critical shortage for professional solar contracting.
- Become a leader in the new and rapidly growing green economy.
Take advantage of solar rebates, credits and incentives to help to drive sales.
- Help South Africa to become energy-independent.
Solartech’s franchise broker Karen 082 567 2048 will be in touch to discuss the opportunity in detail in due course.
About us: Solar geyser franchise
Unrivaled Reputation
You don't become the #1 Solar Geyser installation consultancy in Africa overnight and you certainly don't surpass your competitors by "blending in." Solartech has strategically set itself apart from the next-closest, single-brand Solar Geyser competitors. As measured in units, the next closest brand in our category falls short of us by more than 30% and the gap grows wider each year.
You Can't Buy a Brand Name
That is, unless you buy into an established franchise. One of the single most important things that comes with purchasing a franchise versus opening a start-up business is the ability to use an established brand name. Often times, a brand name is the result of millions of marketing dollars and customer research. However, a brand name is only as valuable as the emotional connection associated with it.
The Invaluable Emotional Connection
At Solartech, we have taken great pride, and invested a great deal of resources, to establish our name brand over the past 5 years. A strong brand establishes a place in the heart of a culture, and reinforces the connection a customer feels to that brand. In our case, it's the convenience and quality experience our customers have come to expect.
Remaining Relevant
When you become a franchise owner with Solartech, you automatically inherit the brand muscle that has taken 5 years to develop. The important thing to remember about branding is that it is an ongoing process with a continuous goal of remaining relevant and top-of-mind.
The Executive team: guiding the franchise
Leadership, Quality & Value
The executive team and their wisdom provides Solartech with a wealth of experience. This powerful combination has set a precedent in our industry that has enabled us to become the dominant brand in the Solar Geyser Industry. The team’s passion for the business keeps them closely involved in day-to-day operations, while successfully ingraining a culture that promotes individual growth.
James McCallum - Founder and Strategy
Harry James - Legal and Franchise Regulation
Jonathan Waters - Technical Compliance
Solartech’s franchise broker Karen 082 567 2048 will be in touch to discuss the opportunity in detail in due course.
Benefits of a SolarTech franchise
Solartech was launched in response to a need for a focused and professional Solar Geyser consultancy specializing in developing solutions in both the public and private sector. Developed in 2005, our national franchise division has grown to 25 owner-managed offices. Solartech franchisees are entrepreneurs that see the benefits of being part of a stable and growing concern.
Unless you are furiously independent and self-confident entrepreneur and have a unique idea which consumes your life or have an abundant expertise in a specific area, franchising is always a safer way to go. The main advantage of buying a Solartech’ Solar Geyser franchise is the reduced risk of failure. When thinking about starting a business, entrepreneurs always seems to compare buying a franchise to and independent start-up. That is a mistake.
Depending on which study is being quoted, and which timeframe is being analyzed, the numbers are staggering in favor of Franchising. The numbers show more than a 90% survival rate after five years for Franchisees versus in the range of 20% for stand-alone start-ups.
The key to the success of the Solartech franchise model is the support and collaboration of the proven system. Business is always about building a system and franchising offers the most efficient way of delivering business systems to anyone who wants to be in business for him (her) self.
The reality of dealing with hot water under pressure at elevated work spaces is in itself a complex task. Solartech have installed more than 2500 residential Solar Geysers successfully since inception in 2006, we have made all the mistakes, and hopefully we can help each other fast track success together. Solartech Head Office collectively manages the business to the benefit of all its franchisees and clients. Making a decision to invest in any business opportunity is a serious matter. By investigating a franchise opportunity through Solartech, you will have taken the first step in securing your financial freedom.
The Solartech team wants you to take the time you need for this process. In order for us to supply you with insight and available opportunities, review the documentation and schedule a meeting with us. Before you invest in a business venture, it is important to invest time before you invest money.
Benefits of the Solartech model
- As one of potentially 40 national partners, you have immediate access to a wealth of knowledge; unlike some companies we see our failures as opportunities for discussion and growth.
- You immediately become part of the world’s largest owner managed solar geyser consultancy, a national franchise which has a branded and reputable name.
- Eskom and SESSA accreditation are fast tracked.
- Technical competence and Customer Experience Management managed on a national basis ensuring brand integrity, thus protecting your asset.
- Solartech have secured relationships that as an independent would be impossible to duplicate
- Marketing your business is a lot easier as we offer you tried and tested marketing techniques.
- You immediately gain access to resources and data contained in the Solartech group.
- Head office provides non-stop backup support for dealing with queries and problems.
- You gain access to our CRM which is updated and maintained constantly.
- As the value of the brand name of Solartech increases, so will the value of your franchise - in the next few years it may double, triple or even quadruple in value.
- New services are being added regularly which may not always be possible for a smaller business and which will increase the revenue of your business.
SolarTech programme benefits
- Receive formal classroom and hands-on training from seasoned solar professionals in our proprietary 15 day “Solar University” installer training program.
- Receive on-going technical and product support from our staff as you learn the solar industry.
- Gain access to the largest selection of brand-name Solar Thermal, equipment at wholesale prices.
- Receive highly qualified sales leads targeted to your local market from various sources.
- Take advantage of the expertise of our extensive network of solar professionals.
- Have national visibility for your company via our popular www.setsa.co.za and www.solargeysers-sa.co.za websites.
What we need from you?
We screen our potential franchisees to ensure that we are comfortable with the people who represent our brand. Solartech franchisees need to be:
Entrepreneurial
Enthusiastic and self-motivated
Committed to owning and running their own successful business within a franchise structure
Passionate about the environment
Respected in their communities
In possession of a good credit record, a stable background and high ethical standards
We believe that a key success factor in owning a Solartech franchise is that all franchisees are owner-operated. In other words, you have to run the business yourself because it is not a business in which to invest if you want to employ a manager to run it on your behalf.
What you can expect from us
Should you choose to become a franchisee, you will essentially buy the right to trade under the Solartech brand name in a specific, demarcated, exclusive area. The cost of buying the "right to trade" varies as it is dependent on the area. In addition, head office will support you in the following areas:
Training
- Operations manual detailing how to run your business effectively
- Administration of all CRM data base entries
- Access to carefully researched leases and ongoing legal advice
- Collective expertise of the management team and other franchisees
- National brand-building awareness, professional marketing and public relations
- Referrals and support from fellow franchisees
- Procurement-franchisees benefit from the brand's bulk purchasing power
- Trade mark protection
- Ongoing franchisee communication and regular franchisee meetings
- Ongoing search for value added deals and alliances are pursued by head office
Systems and support for the franchisee
Lean On Us
Another important advantage to joining an established franchise versus launching a start-up is this: ongoing support. With a network of over 25 franchisees and an innovative executive team behind you, truly, you are never alone. There is always someone who has been in your shoes and can relate to exactly what you’re experiencing. In addition to the emotional support that the Solartech franchise system provides, here is a breakdown of the professional support you can count on from the very beginning:
Initial Training
2 week New Franchisee Orientation & Training. Highlights all aspects of the Solartech operating systems comprising 4 days Business Orientation; 4 days Technical Theory; 10 day on- site Practical Training
The National Business Building Seminar (BBS)
All SolarTech partners within the national network are invited to attend 2 mandatory business workshops per year, to assist the SolarTech network in developing new strategies and ideas with regards to technical, marketing and business skills.
Weekly Updates
You will receive via email a weekly newsletter from the various divisions with the SolarTech Exco, outlining interesting articles with regard to Business Development, updates on the industry and various opportunities available to the network from time to time.
Solcom National Web based Referral System
SolarTech brand development includes ‘Solcom’ an ever increasing web based referral system whereby potential clients will be encouraged to request an inspection from you directly based on the location of the enquiry.
Exco Direct
As long as you adhere to the SolarTech system for success, each division head of the SolarTech team (technical, business, marketing and legal) are available to you via email and or mobile phone to discuss any and all relevant questions and ongoing support pertaining to the ongoing success of your business.
National Marketing Campaign
Once a competent national network is established an aggressive national multimedia campaign will commence educating the public to the advantages of the SolarTech Solar Solution.
CRM
You will use our proprietary software, Advantage CRM, which is one of the leading Sales Management tools in the industry, Technology tools are supported 24/7
Investment in a sustainable solar future
SolarTech partnership has an illustrative value and primary investment amounting to R 67,500.00 ex Vat, subject to increase each quarter. Pursuant to this all partners are required to have unencumbered capital which is to be utilized in the set up of the business.
The following table is a representation.
| Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Fee | R 27,800 | R 27,800 |
| Staff Recruitment and Training | R 10,000 | R 30,000 |
| Office set up | R 50,000 | R 150,000 |
| Vehicles and Branding (lease) | R 15,000 | R 35,000 |
| Marketing Materials | R 5, 000 | R 15,000 |
| Additional funds for the first 6 months | R 50, 000 | R 100,000 |
| Area Launch | R 10,000 | R 50,000 |
| Total | R 158,800 | R 407,800 |
Includes the following: labor, fixtures, opening inventory supplies, rent and security deposits, lease liability fee, lease review fee, freight and sales tax on fixtures, signage and furnishings.
Our Technology: SolarTech geysers
Solartech employ two technologies in respect to residential and commercial water heating, both technologies employ Rebates from Eskom.
Solar water heating due to specific application, its simplicity, low maintenance and solid track record. Heat Pumps Technology due to the retrofit technology, the high efficiency and attractive cost. Solar Geysers, which utilize solar collectors or solar panels typically installed on the roof of the building, is a well-proven technology in which radiant heat from the sun is used to directly heat the water. Heat Pumps are electrically-driven units which convert the background air temperature into heat, generally using around 1/3 of the electric power of an equivalent heating element.
Solartech provides Solar Water Heating systems and Heat Pumps that are manufactured and supplied by our technology partners. These Solar water heating systems carry the SABS Mark of Approval to indicate its compliance to product specifications SANS 1307 and SANS 151. This includes mechanical and thermal testing. Our national warehouse system allow for order to delivery in less than 96 hours, negating the need for our partners to carry stock thus improving cash flow and increasing profitability.
Our systems have been developed over a 15 year period and are regarded as one of the most cost effective systems available on the market, with a 5 Year factory warranty and are manufactured in the following sizes:
- 150 liter
- 200 liter
- 250 liter (Direct and Indirect configurations are available)
Our national warehouse system allow for order to delivery in under 96 hours, negating the need for our partners to carry stock thus improving cash flow and increasing profitability.
Ideal owner of a solar geyser franchise
Ideal Owner
Over 10 years of selecting qualified franchisees has taught us exactly what kind of professionals are best-suited for our system.
Leaders
We encourage ownership managed-run outlets, and we also want a hands-on leader at the helm. In order to team-build and create the proper culture in your business you need to be a confident, motivating "people person."
The Skill Set
It is imperative for you to be able to take direction as well as give it. We have a proven system for one reason: it works. We recruit people who are skilled at recruiting and motivating staff, somewhat analytical, can follow a system and who understand the basics of business.
Financial Requirement
You must have minimum liquid funds available to invest of R 150,000. Your minimum personal net worth must be R 500,000. You must also be a S.A citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q How much money can I make?
Once you've completed our online application and successfully completed an initial interview, we will provide you with our Franchise Disclosure Document which contains a section titled “Financial Analysis. This information was voluntarily submitted by our franchisees. The disclosed information includes gross sales, rent, labor, royalties, ad fund contribution and operating cash flow.
Q How long before I start to make money?
Since there are so many variables that go into answering this question, we do not ask our franchise owners to attempt to answer it; therefore we can't provide it to you. One of the major variables when calculating "time to cash flow positive" is debt service. Some franchisees open offices with no debt, while on the other end of the spectrum, other franchisees may take out loans for 70% to 75% of the total investment required. Again, we encourage you to speak with our existing and/or former franchisees to learn more about the length of time it took them to reach the point where their business was cash flow positive.
Q How much will buying a Solartech franchise cost?
The total investment to open a Solartech office ranges from R200,000 to R450,000
Q What are Solartech's royalties?
There are no royalties. A management fee of R3000 is payable each month.
Q Can I keep my job and start a Solartech franchise?
Although this requires total focus, it is possible as long as you have the correct infrastructure and people in place. Once you become qualified by our Franchise Development team you'll be encouraged to start talking with our franchisees – most of whom kept their professional job while opening up their first Solartech office. This is not an absentee business, it's a manager-run business; and we recruit franchisees that know how to manage the manager.
Q What if I want to work at it full time?
You're welcome to do so. You will likely achieve success at a faster pace if you're able to devote full-time attention to the business.
Q Do I need to know how to install a Solar Geyser?
Yes it is advised, however approximately 95% of our franchisees didn't know how anything about plumbing and electrical work when they joined our system, and most of them still don't know how to install a solar geyser years after becoming a franchisee. Your mission is to manage and lead your staff and grow your business.
Q How does Solartech differ from their competition?
Solartech has grown to become Africa's largest owner managed solar geyser brand by providing a hi tech-hi touch quality service, throughout South Africa. And we have a 5-year-and-counting, laser-like focus on these basic, but important elements.
Q How long does it take to open my office?
In general, 3-6 months is typical, but it will vary depending on a number of factors, namely, your commitment to developing a competent infrastructure.
Q How will I find staff?
By following and implementing our staff recruiting strategies. Our website attracts more than 100 applications every year throughout South Africa. Those applicants are forwarded immediately to our local franchisees.
Q How do I find a site?
By working closely with Solartech we will devote our time and effort to help you find a site.