Solar Objection Handbook
Purpose: honest, calm responses to the 35 objections solar homeowners raise most often.
When to use: on any solar call or text conversation, when a homeowner hesitates, questions or pushes back.
Goal: understand the real concern, answer it truthfully without overpromising, and offer one clear next step, or exit gracefully.
Version: v1.0
Track: Solar · Role: All solar callers · Time to complete: 60 min to learn, then use as reference
Before you use this handbook
- You have read Compliance for Solar Calling and Texting
- You know your client's offer: payment options, service area, minimum bill, whether batteries are sold
- You can say the Respect, Ask, Answer, Offer method from memory
The method: Respect, Ask, Answer, Offer
| Step | What you do | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Respect | Show you heard them. No arguing, no "but" | "That makes sense." |
| Ask | One short question to find the real concern | "Is it more the cost, or the timing?" |
| Answer | A short, true answer. No promises, no numbers you cannot know | "The consultant works out real numbers for your home." |
| Offer | One clear next step | "Would (DAY 1) at (TIME 1) or (DAY 2) at (TIME 2) work?" |
The two-attempt rule
You may use the method twice on the same call. If the homeowner still says no, thank them and exit warmly. A respectful exit keeps the door open for a future call. A third push closes it forever and risks a complaint.
Compliance objections: no rebuttal
Objections 2, 3, 4, 5, 28, 30 and 33 are compliance moments. You answer truthfully and simply. You never push past them. Objection 30 (a stop request) is never answered with any attempt at all.
Never do this in any objection:
Never quote a price, payment, savings amount or percentage.
Never mention taxes, credits, rebates or anything that sounds official.
Never say "free", "no cost", "approved", "qualify" or "guaranteed".
Never invent urgency or deadlines.
Never argue about consent.
Quick index
| Group | Objections |
|---|---|
| Trust and identity | 2, 3, 4, 5, 28, 29, 33 |
| Money | 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 24, 26 |
| Interest and timing | 1, 11, 13, 20, 32, 34 |
| People and the visit | 12, 25, 31, 35 |
| The home | 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 27 |
| Past experience | 21, 22 |
| Stop requests | 30 |
The objections
1. "I am not interested."
Often means: bad timing, or they do not yet see why it matters to them.
You: "That is completely fine. Can I ask, is it solar in general, or just not the right time?"
If timing: "Would it help if I checked back in a month or two?" Code NUR-TIMING with a date.
If they share a concern, answer it with the matching objection below.
If still no: "No problem at all. Thank you for your time. Take care." Code NI.
2. "How did you get my number?"
Often means: they forgot the form, or they are worried about privacy. This is a compliance moment.
You: "Good question. Our record shows a solar request from this number through (LEAD SOURCE) on (LEAD DATE). Does that ring a bell?"
If yes, continue the call. If no, go to objection 3.
3. "I never signed up for this."
Compliance moment. No rebuttal.
You: "I am sorry for the confusion. I will remove your number now so you are not contacted again."
Code DNC. Note the lead source and the homeowner's words. Tell your team lead. Never argue, never read their personal details back to "prove" consent.
4. "Is this a government program?"
Compliance moment. Many homeowners have seen misleading ads.
You: "No. (COMPANY NAME) is a private solar company. We are not part of any government office. I am calling only because of the solar request from your home."
Then, if they are still open: "Would you like to hear how the consultation works?"
5. "Are you my power company?"
Compliance moment.
You: "No, we are not. (COMPANY NAME) is an independent solar company. We are not connected to (UTILITY NAME). I only ask about your power company so the consultant knows how your home's electricity is billed."
6. "I saw an ad that solar is free now."
Often means: they saw misleading advertising.
You: "Thank you for asking, I want to be clear: solar is not free. Every option has a cost, whether you buy it, finance it or pay monthly for the power. The consultant shows exactly what each option would cost for your home, so you can decide with real numbers."
Note which ad they mention and tell your team lead after the call.
7. "Solar is too expensive." or "I cannot afford it."
Often means: they think of a large upfront price, or they had a high quote before.
You: "That is fair, it is a big decision. Can I ask, was that from a quote you received, or more a general feeling?"
You: "Homeowners pay for solar in different ways, and the right one depends on the home. The consultant goes through the real costs and options for your home, and if none of them make sense, they will tell you. Would that be useful?"
Never say it costs nothing or that payments will be lower than their bill.
8. "How much does it cost?"
Often means: a fair question. They do not want to waste time.
You: "That is the most important question. The honest answer is that it depends on your roof, your usage and the option you choose, so any number from me would be a guess. The consultant gives you an actual number for your home. Shall I set that up?"
9. "How much will I save?"
Often means: they want proof it is worth the time.
You: "I wish I could tell you, but I would be guessing, and I do not want to mislead you. It depends on your usage, your roof and how your power company handles solar. That is exactly what the consultant models for your home. If the numbers do not work, they will say so."
Never give a percentage or a range, even "most people save".
10. "I heard the tax credit ended." or "Is there still a tax credit?"
Often means: they heard news or old advertising.
You: "That is outside what I can speak to, and I do not want to guess about something so important. The consultant goes through all the real costs and options for your home today. For anything tax related, your own tax professional is the right person to ask. Would you like the consultant to cover that question first?"
Note the question for the consultant. Never confirm, deny or explain any credit or incentive.
11. "Just send me some information."
Often means: a polite way to end the call, or genuine interest with no time right now.
You: "Happy to. I can text you our company details right now. The thing is, a general brochure cannot show your own numbers, which is what really matters. Could we pencil in (DAY 1) at (TIME 1)? If it does not suit after you read the details, just reply and we will move it."
If still no: send the text (with client approval), code CB or NUR-RESEARCH with a date.
12. "I need to talk to my spouse."
Often means: a real decision process. This is a good sign.
You: "That makes sense, it is a decision for both of you. That is why the consultant always meets everyone together. When are you both usually home in the evening?"
Offer two specific times when both are home. If the spouse is nearby: "Is (SPOUSE NAME) there now? I am happy to wait a moment."
13. "I am too busy." or "Call me later."
Often means: real time pressure, or a soft no.
You: "I understand. Would a shorter video consultation from home be easier? Or I can call at a set time. Would (TIME 1) or (TIME 2) tomorrow be better?"
Set a CB with an exact time and time zone. Never "I will call you sometime".
14. "I already have solar."
You: "Great, thanks for telling me. I will update our records."
Only if your client sells batteries or expansions: "Out of interest, did you add a battery with it?" One question only. If no interest, code DQ-SOLAR.
15. "I am renting."
You: "Thanks for being honest with me. Solar needs the owner's approval, so I will not take more of your time. Are you planning to buy a home in the next year or so?"
Yes: NUR-BUYING with the expected date. No: DQ-RENTER, warm close.
16. "My bill is too low for solar."
You: "That could be true. Does it stay the same in summer, or go up with air conditioning? And any plans for an electric car or a pool?"
If the year-round average is clearly below the client minimum: "Then I will be honest, solar may not make sense right now. If your usage goes up, we would be happy to look again." Code DQ-BILL or NUR-BILL.
17. "My roof is old." or "My roof needs work."
You: "Thanks for telling me. Roughly how old is it, and are there any leaks right now?"
You: "The consultant checks the roof as part of the visit, so you will know where you stand."
Follow the client brief: book with a flag, or NUR-ROOF if roof work must come first. Only mention roof services if your client offers them.
18. "There is too much shade on my roof."
You: "Good point, shade matters. Is it shaded most of the day, or just part of it?"
Part of the day: "The consultant can measure the shade properly for your roof." Heavy all day: "Then I will be honest, it may not work for your home. Would you still like the consultant to take a look?" Follow the client brief, or code DQ-SHADE.
19. "I am moving soon." or "I might sell."
You: "Thanks for letting me know. Roughly when are you thinking of moving?"
Inside the client's cutoff (often 1 to 2 years): "Then it probably makes sense to wait. If you buy a new home, we would be happy to help there." Code DQ-MOVING or NUR-BUYING.
Not sure: note it and let the client brief decide.
20. "I am waiting for prices to drop." or "for better technology."
You: "That makes sense, nobody wants to buy too early. A consultation just shows what things look like for your home today. Then you can compare later with real numbers instead of guesses. Would that be useful?"
No urgency. Never claim prices or rates will rise.
21. "I got burned by a solar salesperson before." or "I do not trust solar companies."
You: "I am sorry that happened. Can I ask what went wrong?"
Listen fully.
You: "That is exactly why it is worth taking your time. I would encourage you to check (COMPANY NAME)'s reviews and license before the visit. The consultation has no obligation, and you can ask the consultant anything."
Note their concern word for word so the consultant can address it.
22. "I already have quotes."
You: "Good, that means you are taking it seriously. A second opinion can help you compare equipment, production estimates and warranties side by side. Would you like (CONSULTANT NAME) to look at your home too?"
Never criticize the other company.
23. "Does solar even work here? It is cloudy a lot."
You: "It is a fair question. Panels still produce on cloudy days, just less than in full sun. How much a home produces depends on its exact roof and location. The consultant shows a production estimate for your address."
Never promise an amount of production.
24. "I would rather lease." or "I want to own it." or "I do not want debt."
You: "Thanks, that is helpful. I will note that you prefer (THEIR PREFERENCE), so the consultant focuses on that."
Only say the client offers a structure if it really does. Never explain terms, rates or escalators.
25. "I do not want a salesperson in my house."
You: "Completely understandable. Would a video consultation work better? You can join from your phone or laptop, and you can end it whenever you like."
Only offer video if the client provides it. If no: thank them and code NI.
26. "My credit is bad." or "I will not qualify."
You: "Thanks for being open. I cannot say who qualifies for financing, because that is decided by the lending partners, not by me. The consultant can explain the different ways people pay for solar and what each one needs."
If the client requires financing above a level the homeowner clearly cannot meet and will not consider other options, follow the brief and code DQ-FIN kindly.
27. "My HOA will not allow it."
You: "Thanks for mentioning it. Do you know if that is a written rule, or more what you have heard?"
You: "Many homes in associations do have solar, and the consultant can look at your HOA's rules with you."
If the homeowner confirms a written ban and the client does not pursue these, code DQ-HOA. Never give legal advice about HOA rules.
28. "Are you a robot?" or "Where are you calling from?"
Compliance moment. Keep it simple.
You: "I am a real person, my name is (YOUR NAME). I am on (COMPANY NAME)'s scheduling team."
If they ask where you are calling from: "I'm with (COMPANY NAME). We work with homeowners all over (MARKET). The consultant you would meet works with (COMPANY NAME) in (STATE)."
Coach's note: How you answer location questions depends on the client. Use the client's approved wording. Never mention your own country.
29. "What is the catch?"
You: "Fair question. The consultation is a sales meeting, and I want to be upfront about that. The consultant will show you options and prices. There is no obligation, and if it does not make sense for your home, they will tell you."
30. "Take me off your list." or "Stop calling me."
Compliance moment. No attempt of any kind.
You: "Understood. I will remove your number right now. Sorry for the bother."
End the call. Code DNC before the next dial. Never say "Before I do..." or ask why.
31. "I am retired, I do not make big decisions over the phone."
You: "That is very wise. Nothing is decided on this call or at the consultation unless you want it to be. Many people like to have a family member there to listen with them. Would that be helpful?"
If they seem confused or unsure what the call is about, end politely and flag it to your team lead. Never book a homeowner who does not clearly understand the appointment.
32. "I will research it myself online."
You: "That is smart. Online research gives you the general picture. The consultation adds the specific numbers for your roof and your usage, which you cannot get online. Would it help to have both?"
If still no: offer a check-in date, code NUR-RESEARCH.
33. "Is this a scam?"
Compliance moment.
You: "I understand why you would ask, there are a lot of calls out there. I am (YOUR NAME) with (COMPANY NAME), a solar installation company. You are welcome to look up (COMPANY NAME) and its reviews before deciding anything. I will never ask you for bank details or personal numbers on this call."
If they want to check first: "Of course. Can I call back at (TIME 1) tomorrow after you have had a look?"
34. "Just tell me now if it is worth it."
You: "I really cannot say without your real numbers, and I do not want to tell you something that turns out to be wrong. What I can tell you is that from your answers, your home is worth a proper look. The consultant will be straight with you either way."
35. "The last consultant was pushy." or "Last time was a waste of time."
You: "I am sorry that was your experience, and thank you for telling me. What would make the next conversation more useful for you?"
Write their answer in the notes for the consultant and tell your team lead. Offer a rebook only if they want one.
After the call
Record the objection in the homeowner's own words in the "Objections and concerns" field, and the outcome code. Example:
NI / (DATE) (TIME) (TIME ZONE) Objection: "(THEIR WORDS)". Responses used: 2. Outcome: declined politely. Next: none. (YOUR NAME)
Coach's note: The Ask step does most of the work. "Is it the cost, or the timing?" turns a wall into a conversation. Most objections are not the real concern, and you can only answer the real concern once you find it.
Check yourself
- Name the four steps of the method and give an example line for each.
- What is the two-attempt rule, and why does it exist?
- List four compliance objections and how each is handled.
- A homeowner asks about a tax credit. Write your full answer without guessing.
- A homeowner says, "I saw an ad that solar is free." What do you say, and what do you do after the call?
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