EnergySage & PayOli’s aligned mission empowers solar shoppers

"EnergySage has been a part of our business growth from the get-go," says PayOli CEO and Founder Juan David Payares. 

Since PayOli was founded in 2014, it has been dedicated to providing clean, renewable energy, allowing businesses, homeowners, and entire communities to control their energy costs and supply, while reducing dependence on traditional energy sources.

"We're committed to ensuring that our customers and clients—who we consider a part of our membership family—have a smooth and the best transition experience as they go solar," Juan adds.

That experience also involves EnergySage. For the first six years of its existence, PayOli was solely a distribution business. Then in 2020, PayOli received its license to operate as a solar business, and Juan made the first call to EnergySage. This partnership marked a pivotal moment in PayOli's journey, enabling them to expand their services and better serve their growing customer base.

"I was introduced to EnergySage in 2018 when consulting for solar companies; it was a great introductory experience," he says. "So when we transitioned the business, we said, 'We have to become a partner of EnergySage.'"

Since partnering with EnergySage, Juan says that one of the most significant benefits of the relationship is a shared mission to educate customers, allowing them to make the best decision according to their needs and expectations:

"Much of what we do focuses on customer education, which is why we partner with EnergySage. We think of ourselves as consultants more than just installers; for a [solar] contract, that's very important. 

When you are a highly reputable contractor, you want educated people to come to you. Why? Because the industry is full of scams and misleading organizations, and they feast on people's misinformation about solar. So when a client comes from EnergySage, it's typically a higher-educated customer."

EnergySage's collection of clean energy resources — which includes educational articles, product reviews, and equipment ratings — helps develop better prospective customers for installers. 

Juan estimates that when PayOli started working with EnergySage, the partnership generated more than half their installation business.

"Today, it's probably 20-30%, but it has always been a big part of our lead generation and partnership strategy," he says. "Overall, the customers we connect with through the platform are typically well-informed and ready to take the next step in their solar journey. And it makes our jobs easier because it results in a higher conversion rate compared to other lead sources."

To be approved to operate on the EnergySage platform, installers must meet rigorous vetting standards and maintain quality standards over time. Juan has found that this extra scrutiny creates a level of trust with shoppers, allowing his company to outshine competitors in his area that do not partner with EnergySage:

"It's helped us stand out by providing a platform to showcase our commitment to quality customer service. And being part of a reputable network helps support our credibility in the eyes of the potential customer."

According to Josh Levine, VP of Marketing at EnergySage, EnergySage is more than just a bridge between installers and potential customers: 

“We're your dedicated partner in business growth," Josh says. "EnergySage’s Partner Success Managers  help installers efficiently close more sales on the platform, provide unique market insights, and enable them to differentiate themselves in the market. When serious shoppers connect with the best installers in a low-stress, no-hassle environment, everyone wins. ”

"It's an ongoing relationship," Juan adds. "It's a two-way communication strategy to provide the best experience for the customer."

Photos courtesy of PayOli.