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Selling Homeowners a Solar Dream
slugo writes to mention a Wired article discussing a unique business looking to capitalize on interest in solar power. The
Citizenr company will install a solar generator on your roof, completely for free. You then buy power from it, instead of a regular power company, at a fixed rate that's likely to be lower than the usual power fees. The company will make money on these usage fees, as well as credits from the federal government for spreading the use of solar power. If it sounds too good to be true to you, you're not alone. A number of financial analysts have warned people away from the company. "The naysayers are finding lots to say nay to. Much of the criticism is clinging to the company's multilevel marketing scheme. So far, more than 700 people have enlisted as independent Citizenr sales agents -- what the company calls 'ecopenuers' -- or about one sales representative for every 10 customers, with significant overlap. Heading that sales army is 42-year-old Styler, a veteran of multilevel marketing and a colorful figure in his own right." Pyramid marketing and shady business or not, it's an intriguing idea.
I've signed up for a system, so yes I'll be paying the company money. But, my rate is 9.8 cents per kWh and I avoid a 2.1 cents per kWh distribution charge so I actually start out save about 17% from what I'd pay the utility.
In my sales activity, I have not been asked to pay anything. I have advertized a little, but this has payed for itself in terms of sales.
It is true, that those who work longer at this will make more money than those who work for a shorter period. In the bible story, all the laborers are payed the same if they came early or late, but this is to make a point. It is more usual to make more if you work more. I've also put some effort into training other people and I think I may profit from this if I've been any good at it. You can see the compensation at http://www.powur.com/mdsolar.