#commercial solar leads

[cleanenergygroupai1]

How to Attract High-Value Commercial Solar Leads for Your Business

As the demand for clean, renewable energy sources rises, the commercial solar industry is experiencing significant growth. However, generating high-value commercial solar leads remains a challenge for many businesses. High-value leads, which represent businesses ready to invest in substantial solar projects, are critical for sustained growth and profitability. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective strategies to attract these leads, leveraging digital marketing, advanced technologies, and the power of clean energy group AI.

Understanding High-Value Commercial Solar Leads

Before diving into strategies, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a high-value commercial solar lead. These leads typically:

Have substantial energy needs: Larger businesses or commercial entities that consume significant amounts of energy.

Show a commitment to sustainability: Companies with green initiatives or sustainability goals.

Possess a strong financial standing: Organizations with the budget to invest in large-scale solar projects.

Seek long-term solutions: Businesses looking for durable and efficient energy solutions, not just short-term fixes.

By focusing on these characteristics, you can tailor your marketing strategies to attract the right prospects.

Leveraging Digital Marketing for Lead Generation

Digital marketing is a powerful tool for attracting high-value commercial solar leads. Here’s how you can effectively use it:

1. Optimize Your Website for SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for improving your website’s visibility on search engines. Use the primary keyword, "commercial solar leads," throughout your site, including in titles, headers, and meta descriptions. High-quality, informative content that answers potential clients' questions will help attract organic traffic.

2. Content Marketing

Create valuable content that addresses the pain points and interests of your target audience. Blog posts, whitepapers, case studies, and eBooks can position your business as an industry leader. Topics might include:

The benefits of commercial solar energy

Case studies of successful solar projects

How clean energy group AI can optimize solar energy usage

Cost-saving potentials of commercial solar installations

Sharing this content via your website, social media, and email newsletters can attract and engage potential leads.

3. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

Investing in PPC advertising allows you to target specific keywords and demographics. Google Ads and LinkedIn Ads are particularly effective for reaching decision-makers in businesses. Craft compelling ad copy that highlights your expertise and the benefits of commercial solar energy. Ensure your landing pages are optimized for conversion, with clear calls to action.

4. Social Media Marketing

Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are valuable for reaching and engaging with potential leads. Share your content, participate in relevant industry groups, and engage with followers to build relationships. Use targeted ads to reach businesses interested in sustainability and renewable energy.

5. Email Marketing

Build an email list of potential leads and send regular newsletters with valuable content. Segment your list to tailor messages to specific audiences, such as those interested in clean energy group AI or businesses in particular industries. Personalization can significantly increase engagement and conversion rates.

Utilizing Clean Energy Group AI for Lead Generation

Clean energy group AI can revolutionize your lead generation efforts by providing insights, automation, and predictive analytics. Here’s how to leverage this technology:

1. Predictive Analytics

AI can analyze historical data to predict which businesses are most likely to invest in commercial solar projects. By identifying patterns and trends, you can focus your marketing efforts on the most promising leads.

2. Lead Scoring

AI-driven lead scoring models assess the potential value of leads based on various factors, such as company size, industry, and engagement level. This helps prioritize high-value leads and allocate resources more effectively.

3. Personalization

AI can customize marketing messages based on individual lead behavior and preferences. Personalized content is more likely to resonate with potential clients, increasing the chances of conversion.

4. Chatbots and Automation

Implement AI-powered chatbots on your website to engage visitors in real-time. Chatbots can answer common questions, provide information about your services, and even schedule consultations. Automation tools can streamline follow-up processes, ensuring timely and consistent communication with leads.

5. Data Enrichment

AI can enhance your lead database by automatically updating and enriching lead profiles with relevant information. This ensures your sales team has the most accurate and comprehensive data, enabling more effective outreach.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Partnering with other businesses and organizations in the clean energy sector can help you reach a broader audience. Consider collaborating with:

Industry associations and trade groups: Join and participate in relevant organizations to network and gain credibility.

Energy consultants: Work with consultants who advise businesses on energy solutions to receive referrals.

Green building firms: Partner with companies specializing in sustainable construction and renovation projects.

Financial institutions: Collaborate with banks and financial institutions offering green loans or incentives for solar projects.

Hosting and Participating in Industry Events

Industry events, both virtual and in-person, provide excellent opportunities to showcase your expertise and connect with potential leads. Consider:

Hosting webinars and workshops: Share your knowledge on commercial solar energy and the benefits of clean energy group AI.

Attending trade shows and conferences: Network with industry professionals and showcase your solutions.

Participating in panel discussions: Establish your company as a thought leader by contributing to relevant discussions.

Providing Exceptional Customer Service

Exceptional customer service can differentiate your business and encourage word-of-mouth referrals. Ensure your team is:

Knowledgeable and responsive: Provide timely and accurate information to potential leads.

Professional and courteous: Treat all inquiries with respect and professionalism.

Follow-up consistently: Regularly check in with leads to address any concerns and keep them engaged.

Measuring and Optimizing Your Efforts

Regularly measure the effectiveness of your lead generation strategies using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:

Lead volume: The number of new leads generated.

Lead quality: The potential value and engagement level of leads.

Conversion rate: The percentage of leads that become customers.

Customer acquisition cost (CAC): The cost of acquiring a new customer.

Use these metrics to identify what’s working and what needs improvement. Continuously optimize your strategies based on data-driven insights.

Conclusion

Attracting high-value commercial solar leads requires a multifaceted approach that combines digital marketing, advanced technologies like clean energy group AI, strategic partnerships, and exceptional customer service. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively generate and convert high-value leads, driving the growth and success of your commercial solar business. Stay committed to continuous improvement and innovation to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving clean energy landscape.

[sunleadblogs]

Commercial Solar Lead Generation in 2024: 4 Best Tricks

This Blog was Originally Published at:

Commercial Solar Lead Generation in 2024: 4 Best Tricks

In the competitive world of commercial solar, businesses often struggle with one critical challenge: generating high-quality leads that truly convert.

With the increasing demand for renewable energy, many solar companies find themselves caught in a cycle of chasing leads that either go cold or don’t match targets.

This not only wastes valuable resources but also hinders the overall growth of the company. The solution to this lies in mastering commercial solar lead generation — the best approach that attracts high-value prospects and brings profit.

In this handy guide, we will tell you everything about “How to Generate Commercial Solar Leads” through best practices like targeted marketing, data-driven insights, etc. Let’s start by understanding what exactly a commercial solar lead is, why it is so important, and how it is different and better than a residential one!

Understanding Commercial Solar Lead Generation

What is Commercial solar lead generation?

Commercial solar lead generation is the process of identifying and attracting potential businesses or organizations interested in installing solar energy systems

Unlike residential solar lead generation, which focuses on individual homeowners, commercial lead generation targets a broader range of clients.

It includes large corporations, government entities, educational institutions, and other organizations with significant energy needs.

This process involves utilizing targeted marketing strategies, leveraging industry data, and building relationships within the commercial sector to generate high-quality leads.

By addressing these unique energy demands, you can effectively position solar solutions, secure valuable contracts, and grow your business.

Why Is It Crucial for Business Growth in the Solar Sector?

By generating high-quality leads, commercial solar companies can increase their chances of securing contracts, expanding their market share, and ultimately, driving revenue growth.

Here are some reasons why it is very important:

Quadruples Profit Potential: Larger project sizes, bigger investments, and longer-term contracts lead to higher revenue and profit margins.

Targets the Right Audience: It helps you focus on the right audience — businesses and organizations that are most likely to benefit from your solar solutions.

Drives Business Growth: By consistently attracting high-quality leads, your company can secure more projects, increase revenue, and expand its market share.

Builds long-term relationships: With commercial leads, you can make long-lasting relationships by engaging with other potential clients early through referrals.

Enhances Competitive Edge: By consistently attracting commercial solar leads, you stay ahead of competitors and position your company as a leader in the market.

Residential vs. Commercial Solar Lead Generation

Unique Challenges and Opportunities in the Commercial Market

There are many differences between commercial and residential solar lead generation.

Firstly, the sales cycle in the commercial market is typically longer and more complex, involving multiple decision-makers. This complexity often brings unique challenges, as companies must develop tailored strategies to address the specific needs and concerns of commercial clients.

On the other hand, the commercial market offers significant opportunities for growth. The potential return on investment for commercial solar installations is often much higher than for residential projects, making it a lucrative market for solar companies.

Additionally, commercial clients are often more motivated by long-term cost savings and sustainability goals, which can be leveraged in marketing and sales strategies.

How to generate commercial solar leads: Proven Methods

There are a variety of strategies that solar companies use to boost commercial solar lead generation. Some of the most useful ones are:

1. Targeted marketing campaigns

One of the most effective tactics is developing targeted marketing campaigns focusing on specific industries or sectors. You must identify the industries most likely to benefit from solar energy, such as manufacturing, education, government, etc., and create messages that resonate with potential clients.

Once identification is done, you must use marketing channels most effectively in the commercial sector. LinkedIn, for example, is a powerful platform for connecting with decision-makers in various industries.

So, by utilizing LinkedIn’s targeting capabilities, you can create highly specific campaigns that reach the right people at the right time. Besides this, industry publications, webinars, and email marketing are other effective channels for engaging with commercial clients.

2. Leveraging Industry Data and Trends

Market research is another critical component of effective commercial solar lead generation. By analyzing industry data and trends, you can gain valuable insights into the needs and preferences of the target audience. Some of the most helpful data-driven tactics to use are:

Trend Analysis: Track industry trends and emerging technologies to create relevant marketing campaigns that address current challenges and future opportunities.

Market Segmentation: analyze industry reports to identify and target specific sectors with high solar adoption rates, such as manufacturing or retail.

Predictive Analytics: Use historical data and AI to forecast which businesses are most likely to invest in solar based on their energy consumption patterns and sustainability goals.

Competitor Analysis: Monitor competitors’ activities and customer data to identify gaps in the market and opportunities for differentiation.

Lead Scoring: Implement data-driven lead scoring models to prioritize prospects based on their likelihood to convert, considering factors like company size and energy needs.

3. Networking and Partnerships

“61% of marketers believed that networking is the most effective marketing channel.”

In today’s social world, by building relationships with industry influencers, such as consultants, energy brokers, and experts, you can gain access to potential clients.

These influencers can provide valuable referrals and endorsements, which can significantly enhance your company’s credibility and visibility in the market.

Industry events and trade shows are also valuable opportunities for networking and lead generation. By participating in these events, you can showcase your company’s expertise, connect with potential clients, and build relationships with other industry professionals.

Additionally, trade shows often attract decision-makers from various industries, making them an ideal platform for generating high-quality leads.

4. Content Marketing and Thought Leadership

Content marketing is another effective tactic for solar lead generation. By creating valuable, informative content, such as white papers, case studies, and blog posts, companies can attract and engage potential leads. Content that addresses the specific challenges and concerns of commercial clients, such as cost savings, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, is particularly effective.

In addition to attracting leads, content marketing can also help establish your company as a thought leader in the commercial solar industry. By consistently producing high-quality content that demonstrates your expertise in solar energy, you can build trust and credibility with potential clients.

This can lead to increased brand recognition, stronger relationships with leads, and ultimately, higher conversion rates.

Optimizing Your Commercial Solar Lead Generation Process

There are a variety of practical ways to implement these solutions in order to boost your commercial solar leads:

1. Implementing Effective CRM Systems

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools are essential for optimizing the lead generation process. These tools help companies manage and track leads throughout the sales funnel, ensuring that no opportunities are missed. By using a CRM system, companies can automate follow-up processes, segment leads based on specific criteria, and track the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns. This not only improves lead management but also enhances the overall efficiency of the solar lead generation process.

2. Utilizing automation and AI tools

Automation and AI tools can significantly improve efficiency. For example, automation tools can be used to streamline repetitive tasks, such as sending follow-up emails or scheduling meetings.

It allows the sales teams to focus or dedicate more time to other strategic activities. AI tools, on the other hand, can be used to analyze lead data, identify patterns, and predict which leads are most likely to convert. By leveraging these technologies, companies can optimize their lead generation process and achieve better results.

3. Integrating quotation tools:

Quotation tools can also play a significant role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the sales process.

How Quotation Tools Can Help

Speed and Accuracy: Generate detailed, accurate quotes quickly, reducing response time and boosting customer satisfaction.

Customization: Tailor quotes to each client’s specific needs, improving the relevance and appeal of your proposals.

Data Integration: Sync with CRM systems to keep track of all lead interactions and streamline follow-ups.

Efficient Tracking: Monitor quote status and analyze conversion rates to refine sales strategies and improve performance.

Overall, quotation tools enable you to provide potential customers with exact pricing rates instantly, helping to turn prospects into sales.

It also helps to enhance the customer experience.

4. Tracking and Analyzing Lead Data

By monitoring key metrics, such as lead sources, conversion rates, and the average time to conversion, companies can identify areas for improvement and adjust their strategies accordingly.

This data-driven approach ensures that lead generation efforts are continuously optimized for maximum effectiveness. Performance data can also be used to inform strategic decisions, such as which marketing channels to invest in or which lead-generation tactics to prioritize.

By regularly reviewing and analyzing lead data, companies can make informed decisions that drive better results and improve the overall effectiveness of the process.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Company Background: A midsized solar energy provider, primarily focused on residential solar installations but wanted to expand into the commercial sector to increase revenue and scale their business.

Challenge: The company struggled to generate high-quality commercial leads, facing long sales cycles and high competition in the commercial solar market.

Solution: The company implemented a targeted marketing campaign that utilized data-driven insights to identify high-potential industries such as manufacturing and retail.

They also started using predictive analytics to focus their efforts on companies with large energy consumption patterns. Additionally, they built strategic partnerships with commercial real estate firms and participated in industry trade shows.

Outcome: Within a year, it saw a 50% increase in commercial lead generation. Their efforts led to several large contracts with manufacturing companies, boosting their revenue by 35%.

Key Takeaways:

Targeted marketing and industry partnerships can significantly enhance commercial solar lead generation.

Data-driven tactics such as predictive analytics and others help to identify high-value prospects.

Expanding into commercial sectors can offer substantial revenue growth opportunities.

Your Next Steps to Commercial Solar Sales Success:

In conclusion, effective commercial solar lead generation is essential for driving business growth in the competitive solar industry.

By implementing targeted marketing campaigns, leveraging industry data, building relationships, and utilizing content marketing, you can attract and convert high-value leads.

Additionally, optimizing the lead generation process through CRM systems, automation, and data analysis can further enhance results.

Embrace Data-Driven Insights: Use industry data and market trends to guide your lead generation efforts.

Leverage proven tactics: Implement targeted marketing, build relationships, and create engaging content to attract high-quality leads.

Optimize Your Lead Management: Invest in CRM systems and quotation tools to streamline processes and improve lead conversion.

Stay Agile and Adaptable: Regularly assess and adjust your strategies based on performance and market changes.

By following these proven tactics, commercial solar companies can boost their lead quality, improve conversion rates, and achieve long-term success.

FAQs

How do I find commercial solar leads?

For commercial solar lead generation, focus on targeted digital advertising, attending industry events, and leveraging content marketing. You can also use platforms like LinkedIn and Google Ads to reach business decision-makers, network at relevant conferences, and create content in that niche.

What is the cost of a commercial solar power plant?

The cost of a commercial solar power plant varies widely based on system size and location. Small to medium systems typically range from $75,000 to $1.5 million, while utility-scale projects may exceed $5 million.

This cost also includes permits, maintenance, and grid connection fees, etc.

What is the average efficiency of commercial solar panels?

Commercial solar panels generally have an efficiency of 15% to 20%, meaning they convert 15% to 20% of sunlight into electricity. Higher-efficiency panels, which can exceed 20%, are available but come at a higher cost. Efficiency impacts how much electricity can be generated in limited space.

What is the difference between residential and commercial solar systems?

Residential solar systems are smaller and designed for individual homes, while commercial systems are larger and meet the higher energy demands of businesses. Commercial systems often involve more complex designs, higher costs, and stringent regulations. They also offer greater financial incentives and long-term savings compared to residential systems.

How is commercial solar lead better than others?

Commercial solar leads are often more valuable due to their higher revenue potential and long-term business opportunities. A single commercial project can generate substantial returns and ongoing revenue through maintenance contracts. It can also lead to referrals and repeat business.

[ttmurphy82]

How Do I Get Clients for My Solar Business?

Every aspect of the solar business, including sales, installation, and meeting the needs of customers, starts with leads. And commercial solar lead generation doesn't have to be an uphill task. If you’re looking to boost solar digital marketing activities for your business, here are some of the successful ways to generate commercial solar leads.

[nasa]

What’s It Like to Work in NASA’s Mission Control Center?

In the latest installment of our First Woman graphic novel series, we see Commander Callie Rodriguez embark on the next phase of her trailblazing journey, as she leaves the Moon to take the helm at Mission Control.

Flight directors work in Mission Control to oversee operations of the International Space Station and Artemis missions to the Moon. They have a unique, overarching perspective focused on integration between all the systems that make a mission a success – flight directors have to learn a little about a lot.

Diane Dailey and Chloe Mehring were selected as flight directors in 2021. They’ll be taking your questions about what it’s like to lead teams of flight controllers, engineers, and countless professionals, both agencywide and internationally, in an Answer Time session on Nov. 28, 2023, from noon to 1 p.m. EST (9-10 a.m. PST) here on our Tumblr!

Like Callie, how did their unique backgrounds and previous experience, prepare them for this role? What are they excited about as we return to the Moon?

🚨 Ask your questions now by visiting https://nasa.tumblr.com/ask.

Diane Dailey started her career at NASA in 2006 in the space station Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) group. As an ECLSS flight controller, she logged more than 1,700 hours of console time, supported 10 space shuttle missions, and led the ECLSS team. She transitioned to the Integration and System Engineering (ISE) group, where she was the lead flight controller for the 10th and 21st Commercial Resupply Services missions for SpaceX. In addition, she was the ISE lead for NASA’s SpaceX Demo-1 and Demo-2 crew spacecraft test flights. Dailey was also a capsule communicator (Capcom) controller and instructor.

She was selected as a flight director in 2021 and chose her call sign of “Horizon Flight” during her first shift in November of that year. She has since served as the Lead Flight director for the ISS Expedition 68, led the development of a contingency spacewalk, and led a spacewalk in June to install a new solar array on the space station. She is currently working on development of the upcoming Artemis II mission and the Human Lander Systems which will return humanity to the moon. Dailey was raised in Lubbock, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. She is married and a mother of two. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

Chloe Mehring started her NASA career in 2008 in the Flight Operations’ propulsion systems group and supported 11 space shuttle missions. She served as propulsion support officer for Exploration Flight Test-1, the first test flight of the Orion spacecraft that will be used for Artemis missions to the Moon. Mehring was also a lead NASA propulsion officer for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft and served as backup lead for the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. She was accepted into the 2021 Flight Director class and worked her first shift in February 2022, taking on the call sign “Lion Flight”. Since becoming certified, she has worked over 100 shifts, lead the NG-17 cargo resupply mission team, and executed two United States spacewalks within 10 days of each other. She became certified as a Boeing Starliner Flight Director, sat console for the unmanned test flight in May 2022 (OFT-2) and will be leading the undock team for the first crewed mission on Starliner in the spring of next year. She originally is from Mifflinville, Pennsylvania, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from The Pennsylvania State University in State College. She is a wife, a mom to one boy, and she enjoys fitness, cooking and gardening.

[punkedsolar]

The two individuals shown are representative members of the EBMs, of which there are two major families: the Bipae-leporae and the Quadrupedia-leporae.

Etymology The terminology selected by Coastal Sphynx is an approximation of 'two legged rabbit' and 'four legged rabbit'. EBM stands for Evidence Based Memorandum, though most New Petrans say 'Ebem' instead of using EBM as an acronym. EBMs themselves always use the acronym.

Taxonomy There is no current taxonomy accepted by all New Petran individuals because the EBMs refuse to update the central archive and have given no explanations as to why. This has lead to robust arguments over their status (generally assumed morphic) and their biology (unknown). EBMs who present as male are called 'bucks' and EBMs who present as female are called 'does' with the term 'coney' for all others.

A group of EBMs is known as a colony or swarm.

Description

The EBM, is a fast-running terrestrial creature; it has a dome of glassy material set high its head, long ears and a flexible neck. Its teeth grow continuously, the first incisors being modified for gnawing while the second incisors are peg-like and non-functional. An EBM is capable of gnawing through metal over time.

The limb musculature of EBMS is adapted for high-speed endurance running in open country. While no internal dissections have been permitted, observation has shown a flexible spine and considerable limb rotation that may mean that even the four-leggers are capable of throwing or hurling objects.

The fur colour is smooth and single coloured, and adjusts to levels of solar radiation, ranging from black through smooth blues to white. High levels of radiation mean paler colours, low levels mean darker. An EBM in a cold environment in midwinter will be entirely black.

Bipedal EBMs wear clothing, and quadrupedal EBMs tend not to. There are numerous indeterminate forms of greater or lesser functionality with movement, weight carrying capacity, and agility. Bipeds usually weigh less and are smaller in body size than quadrupeds.

Behaviour and ecology

The EBM originates from New Petra, and travelling is rare, but does occassionally happen.

Detailed behaviour and ecology is ultimately unknown - putting in a repair request that is approved into the central archive will summon an EBM who will then attend to the area of concern. EBMs seem to attend to other issues that have not had alerts, but with less urgency. They are commonly seen during the day, and only rarely at night.

Reproduction, socialisation, and similar topics are unknown - EBMs generally retreat back to the central archive once their work is done, and do not appear to communicate with each other even when working together.

They are not considered anti-social, and rarely cause any issues for New Petran citizens. They do vote and engage in civic duties, as well as engage with commercial operations - thus they may purchase food, clothing and minor items using New Petran Scrip. Any negative interactions are in the form of large EBMs blocking traffic while engaged in repairs, and issues of that nature.

No juvenile EBMs have ever been recorded, but Coastal Sphynx note that rabbits as animals hide their young until they are fully able to defend themselves.

EBMs avoid fighting and conflict wherever possible. When injured, they retreat immediately. Their speed makes such encounters rare. An EBM will not even defend another EBM - they will leave.

Morphic ecology notes

The two main shapes of EBMs and their willingness to work together lead to an assumption that the species is morphic, but what triggers any change between types is unknown. There are a number of intermediate anthropomorphic shapes as well.

Social notes

One can certainly talk to EBMs, and they do respond in the common tongue, but their conversational abilities are more or less bland and limited. They generally do not express interest in much - but they do seem to like music. Outdoor events or clubs are known to attract them in small swarms, which can kill the vibe for other, less strange New Petrans.

They do have names - the two above are called D-Comp and D-Res.

[wachinyeya]

The technology involves assembling heat-absorbing bricks in an insulated container, where they can store heat generated by solar or wind power for later use at the temperatures required for industrial processes. The heat can then be released when needed by passing air through channels in the stacks of "firebricks," thus allowing cement, steel, glass, and paper factories to run on renewable energy even when wind and sunshine are unavailable.

These systems, which several companies have recently begun to commercialize for industrial heat storage, are a form of thermal energy storage. The bricks are made from the same materials as the insulating bricks that lined primitive kilns and iron-making furnaces thousands of years ago. To optimize for heat storage instead of insulation, the materials are combined in different amounts.

Batteries can store electricity from renewable sources and provide electricity to generate heat on demand. "The difference between firebrick storage and battery storage is that the firebricks store heat rather than electricity and are one-tenth the cost of batteries," said lead study author Mark Z. Jacobson, a professor of civil and environmental engineering in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and School of Engineering. "The materials are much simpler too. They are basically just the components of dirt."

[cosmic-kinglet]

Oh no! The greatest torture Jack could have inflicted! Commercial ukelele music! XD

In all seriousness, there are quite a few things here. Jack expressing his own form of malice toward Ruin for killing Solar, but above all else just wanting to understand the reasons and logic behind it all. Ruin preparing some bodies to use to locate Dark Sun (though, I'm not sure how he's going to use those bodies or how he's going to locate a pocket dimension that technically doesn't exist.) But also, getting a bit more information about what happened in Ruin's home dimension. Apparently, he had to watch over the course of 10 years as the virus corrupted the other animatronics. Which leads me to wonder, even more than before, how he ended up getting out without being infected. He had said before that he was a "carrier" of the virus, but not infected. So, was he immune to it somehow? Was it because he came straight from the creator, where the other animatronics were made by others? It's likely we'll never get answers to those questions, but I also didn't really think we'd get as much information about what happened I that dimension as we have at this point. So, who knows?

And that really was the most angry we've ever seen Ruin become! We've seen him become irritated by Foxy, and later by Bloodmoon. But, he's never gotten truly angry before. Honestly, that's probably why we haven't gotten much about his dimension before; talking about it sets him off, as he remembers how he suffered and watched the suffering of those around him. Like, Ruin still makes me VERY angry, but I can admit I sort of feel bad for him. We love complicated characters with skewed morality that make us feel EXTREMELY conflicted feelings!

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

New SpaceTime out Wednesday

SpaceTime 20240828 Series 27 Episode 104

The alien big Wow signal finally solved – maybe!

A new study may have finally narrowed down the likely source of the famous big Wow signal.

Cluster mission set to come to a fiery end over the South Pacific

On September the eighth the first of four satellites that make up the European Space Agency’s Cluster mission will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up over the South Pacific Ocean.

Planet Earth hit by another powerful solar storm

The Earth’s been pummelled by more violent solar storms erupting out of the Sun including several powerful X class solar flares.

The Science Report

Eating higher levels of plant fats lowers your chances of developing heart disease or dying early.

Claims drugs containing Semaglutide could increase your risk of suicidal thoughts.

Playing video games for less than three hours daily may have a positive effect on your mental.

Alex on Tech the cyborgs are here.

SpaceTime covers the latest news in astronomy & space sciences.

The show is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Apple Podcasts (itunes), Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocketcasts, SoundCloud, Bitez.com, YouTube, your favourite podcast download provider, and from www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com

SpaceTime is also broadcast through the National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio and on both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

SpaceTime daily news blog: http://spacetimewithstuartgary.tumblr.com/

SpaceTime facebook: www.facebook.com/spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime Instagram @spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime twitter feed @stuartgary

SpaceTime YouTube: @SpaceTimewithStuartGary

SpaceTime -- A brief history

SpaceTime is Australia’s most popular and respected astronomy and space science news program – averaging over two million downloads every year. We’re also number five in the United States.  The show reports on the latest stories and discoveries making news in astronomy, space flight, and science.  SpaceTime features weekly interviews with leading Australian scientists about their research.  The show began life in 1995 as ‘StarStuff’ on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) NewsRadio network.  Award winning investigative reporter Stuart Gary created the program during more than fifteen years as NewsRadio’s evening anchor and Science Editor.  Gary’s always loved science. He studied astronomy at university and was invited to undertake a PHD in astrophysics, but instead focused on his career in journalism and radio broadcasting. Gary’s radio career stretches back some 34 years including 26 at the ABC. He worked as an announcer and music DJ in commercial radio, before becoming a journalist and eventually joining ABC News and Current Affairs. He was part of the team that set up ABC NewsRadio and became one of its first on air presenters. When asked to put his science background to use, Gary developed StarStuff which he wrote, produced and hosted, consistently achieving 9 per cent of the national Australian radio audience based on the ABC’s Nielsen ratings survey figures for the five major Australian metro markets: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.  The StarStuff podcast was published on line by ABC Science -- achieving over 1.3 million downloads annually.  However, after some 20 years, the show finally wrapped up in December 2015 following ABC funding cuts, and a redirection of available finances to increase sports and horse racing coverage.  Rather than continue with the ABC, Gary resigned so that he could keep the show going independently.  StarStuff was rebranded as “SpaceTime”, with the first episode being broadcast in February 2016.  Over the years, SpaceTime has grown, more than doubling its former ABC audience numbers and expanding to include new segments such as the Science Report -- which provides a wrap of general science news, weekly skeptical science features, special reports looking at the latest computer and technology news, and Skywatch – which provides a monthly guide to the night skies. The show is published three times weekly (every Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and available from the United States National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio, and through both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

[maxs-guesswork]

Unfinished Timeline for an Untitled Setting

Critique and advice is more than welcome, though please be nice about it. Goes up to about 2081 rn, though I plan to get at least another 50 years further in before I get to the time I want the bulk of the setting to be set in.

Timeline:

2022: First controlled break-even fusion reaction, followed by first controlled net-gain fusion reaction.

2025-2026: Increasing unrest in USA leads to mass riots outside the white-house. Sweeping reforms after growing revolts threaten to become a major armed rebellion. NASA miraculously left untouched, general increase in standard of living. Economic crisis narrowly averted.

2027: First nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) tested in orbit by NASA and DARPA. GPT-style language modeling declared “dead end” for self-aware AI.

2030: First Lunar base established under NASA Artemis program. Suez Canal temporarily blocked by a poorly driven cargo ship again. Evergreen Shipping goes bankrupt.

2034: Lunar Gateway established under joint NASA, ESA, JAXA, DLR, ASI, and CNSA. Lunar helium-3 mining declared officially nonviable. Radial detonation engines become standard for lower ascent stages, SpaceX Starship, NASA SLS, and Roscosmos Soyuz phased out. Drop in launch prices.

2034-2036: Additional modules added to the Lunar Gateway from SpaceX, KARI, ISRO, and Roscosmos. Lunar Gateway Collaborative Group (LGCG) established consisting of all current contributors to the station.

2036: First commercial fusion energy plant reaches full operation in France under ITER. Mass production of Tritium begins. First fully private space station under SpaceX. Asteroid mining corporations begin formation. Establishment of Nigerian Organization for the Development of Space (NODS). Ecuador experiences communist revolution.

2036-2037: First manned martian mission under LGCG, first human footsteps on another planetary body.

2037: Elon Musk assassinated. New SpaceX leadership declares plans for space elevator. North Korea collapses, Korean peninsula unified under South Korean leadership, becoming simply Korea. Indian nuclear stockpile secretly surpasses 50000 Gt. First baby born on the moon.

2040: Artemis base becomes semi-self sufficient, producing it’s own food and air from hydroponics, and water from mined lunar ice. Lunar LH2 and hydrolox production begins. Lunar population passes 100.

2040-2042: First commercial fusion power plants established in the US, UK, Australia, Korea, and Japan.

2042: A joint US Government and SpaceX black operation destabilizes Ecuador, leading to a corporate takeover of the territory.

2044: Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand form West Pacific Trade Organization (WPTO). Construction of the base of SpaceX’s planned space elevator begins off the coast of Ecuador.

2047: LCC completed at CERN. Mission for permanent martian base declared. Major economic crisis in China, intervention from several megacorps results in a decrease in Chinese government power and increase in corporate control in the region. SpaceX space elevator counterweight construction begins in geostationary orbit.

2048: Major revolution in quantum mechanics brought on by new data from the LCC. Lunar population passes 250.

2050: China splits into 4 corporate states, Amazon Corporate Territory (ACT) with its capitol in Chongqing, Samsung Independent State (SIS) with its capitol in Shanghai, Territory for Electronic Developments (TED) made up of Apple and Microsoft with its capitol in Yinchuan, and the Chinese Corporate Union (CCU) made up of several formerly state-owned corporations with their capitol in Wuhan and possession of the Three Gorges Dam. Beijing becomes an independent city-state controlled by the former Chinese government, retaining control over the CNSA. Massive revolution in battery energy density. Permanent martian base established by LGCG.

2051: Breakthrough in photon manipulation, beamed energy and solar collection becomes increasingly viable. Many asteroid mining corps branch into solar power, notably Binghamton Vacuum Mining Solutions (BVMS). Lunar population passes 500.

2052: Martian population surpasses 100.

2053: Martian base reaches semi-self sustainability.

2055: All 4 Chinese corporate states and the Beijing city state form the Chinese Federation for Space Exploration (CFSE), supplanting the old CNSA. Lunar Gateway module renamed and LGCG roster amended accordingly. SpaceX space elevator cable completed, first test cart sent to GEO. WPTO begins construction of a space elevator in the Banda Sea.

2056: SpaceX space elevator declared complete, commercial operation begins.

2057: BVMS surpasses $1T in net worth, becomes primary supplier of energy for the Artemis Lunar Base. Lunar Population surpasses 1k, massive migratory population surge begins following influx of energy from BVMS. Martian population surpasses 250. First fusion reactor in Ecuador.

2058: WPTO space elevator counterweight begins construction in GEO.

2060: First fusion reactors in Nigeria and India. First large-scale solar collector on Earth constructed in New York operated by BVMS. Large population surge in Binghamton NY. Lunar population surpasses 5k. Martian space station established. Regulations for GEO development established.

2061: First lunar-built spacecraft flown. Secondary lunar settlement founded by CFSE. Massive influx of funds for the WPTO space elevator from the CFSE, GEO counterweight construction begun. Lunar Gateway population surpasses 100. First fusion reactor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Congo space agency (DRCSA) founded.

2064: WPTO space elevator cable completed, declared complete and opened to commercial operation.

2065: BVME establishes unmanned Mercurian base. CFSE settlement population surpasses 100. Martian population surpasses 500. Lunar Gateway population surpasses 200.

2066: Mass expansion of Artemis Base life support systems using BVMS produced automated construction equipment. Aerostat scientific outpost established by LGCG.

2067: Microbial life discovered on Venus. Venus outpost (and LGCG) acquires substantial funding boost. Artemis base population surpasses 2.5k and begins to plateau.

2069: Unmanned mission to Europa announced by LGCG, plans to use BVMS automated platforms to drill into subsurface ocean established. Martian base purchases automated construction equipment from BVMS, massive population boon ensues. CFSE settlement population surpasses 750. Lunar gateway population surpasses 500. Martian base population surpasses 500. BVME becomes the largest corporate entity in the system.

2070: BVMS performs feasibility study on gas giant aerostat mining platforms.

2071: Study of Venusian lifeforms disproves Earth-Venus panspermia.

2073: BVMS tests laser-sail propulsion on small unmanned craft.

2075: LGCG Europa mission discovers multicellular aquatic life in Europa’s subsurface ocean. Plans for a dedicated research base drafted.

2076: Multi-corporate base established on Ceres to facilitate further asteroid belt mining. BVMS intentionally excluded from this project.

(System effectively split into quarters: Past Venus under BVMS, Between Venus and Mars under LGCG, belt under Multi-corporate mining control, outer system unclaimed.)

2077: GEO-Lunar cycler niche mostly filled by Intraplanetary Transport Services corp (ITS).

2080: Permanent scientific base established at the Europa Breach Point (EBP) with mostly automated systems and a small (5 human) management and maintenance crew.

2081: Panspermia further disproved by study of Europan life. Massive object detected in Jupiter’s lower atmosphere. BVMS begins mission to establish a mining aerostat on Saturn, utilizing laser sail propulsion to transport equipment.

(Saturn Aerostat site intended for use in the further colonization of the outer solar system and the Uranus planetary system itself. Atomic Rockets page)

[surveillance-0011]

got any headcanons for Douglas or Harper?

yeas :3 I'll do some for both but mostly douglas if that's alright!! 2nd half for douglas + harper hcs below the cut bc this got a bit long I have Many Thoughts on Douglas . lil warning for references to the whole skrendel thing for douglas and mentions of harper's military past but all in passing and whatnot . nothing super angsty or explicit just going over stuff. All of that is below the cut tho

Douglas

he/him. bicurious/questioning and a little shy about it, but it's more of an open secret than anything. He is slowly realizing he likes guys a lot more than he likes women and he's unsure how to feel about it

Space is very pro lgbt it's very much normal for them bc there's all these different species and civilizations. why would any of them be cisheteronormative lol?? But really he's more embarrassed about actually feeling strong attraction and realizing he's a mushier person than he'd like to think. if that makes sense. like "oh no i am giggling like a schoolgirl over this guy what do i fucking do"

In general he doesn't like being seen as a vulnerable person, both physically and mentally. The idea of being in love for real is a little daunting to him...

I'd say he'd probably eventually land on bi or pan tho? Just with a heavy male/masc/etc lean.

early 30's? for his species? Late 20's?

From a moon with seas on it, think a less icy Europa! Currently lives on Port Terrene or a nearby territory.

His species is a delicacy for some alien races, mainly those living on the moon but he was basically fair game for anyone in that solar system so he booked it by sneaking onto a commercial spaceship to safety. Living in the background and slimy underbellies lead him to be where he is now.

He thinks that this is kind of funny by the way he has totally taken some of the higher ups to a restaurant that serves his kind to either stare them down for the whole meal or insist they order it and then wait in the bathroom so they think he straight up got cooked

Pretty physically fragile. PT's conditions are similar enough to his home moon in terms of gravity and whatnot that he's doing alright but he needs the suit to thrive there and survive on many other planets. That and he's very vulnerable to physical damage out of his suit. So, the suit is mainly for protection and an advantage in combat but there's also the advantage of hiding what he actually looks like-- useful for his line of work, deceiving others, and not letting most know he's a squishy lil guy.

Does not like the cold. He will languish… please…

Amphibious, can spend time out of the water but needs to be moist to breathe + thrive. Suit mists him down too.

In general the suit is pretty well coded and whatnot... engineering masterpiece... it's like a little mini mech kind of in my mind.

Would kill to pilot a huge ass mech some day btw. Douglas needs a huge ass mech.

Garmantuous, Nipulon, and probably Giblets have seen him out of his suit or otherwise know/have been told abt it. That and whoever of the Skrendel Bros he had that little tryst with. or not. idk.

Everyone else? A good deal of people mainly those in the crime syndicates have seen him without his helmet or been able to kind of see his face through it but I'm under the assumption that only some folks know he's a straight up octopus. Assuming this since Kenny didn't know and it took Gus some time to recognize him/he had to figure it out first so ig that means most folk (Including Rel and Krubis) don't really know !!

As for how the whole delicacy thing. ig that's like. other side of the galactic community. niche shtuff.

While he's generally an asshole and cruel to those beneath him, when it comes to the other officers of the G3 he's generally friendly (by Douglas standards tho). Still it's very 50/50. Total wildcard, does whatever entertains him. Prone to mischief, trickery, and dragging others along in his antics, sober or not. Will be your pal one day and your worst enemy the next. Workplace warfare game is peak I'll tell you that much

He does a good job at worming his way outta trouble. He's a clever lil guy pretty damn resourceful. People don't give him enough credit bc for all the lack of impulse control he shows he's smart and slick enough to un-fuck up the situation if need be.

always a little pissy abt dealing with the long term consequences that he can't get himself out of but hey. he tries his goddamn best

Decently buddy-buddy with the Skrendels though this have been a bit Complicated since. Yknow.

Honestly I think it was Jonathan. Makes the most sense to me in my mind. The two are pretty much still just friends but Jonny boy kind of wishes there was more there now. Douglas doesn't, all that much. The other brothers know and Angela has probably pulled Douglas aside to beg "for the love of all that's holy let him down gently"

Mona was more like "If I so much as see a tear in my brother's eye you're calamari"

But they're all still pals. I guess. Everyone has their ups and downs? They still like getting up to mayhem when their paths cross and Jonathan is pretty friendly with Douglas still even if the other two are pretty... not all that ok abt the whole thing. the bros get protective.

Weirded out by Giblets but is honestly much too entertained by how pathetic he is to tell him to fuck off. He just tries to up the "what the fuck" factor when he can. On the other hand Giblets is very terrified yet very enthralled w/ Douglas. He is an enigma to the dr....

Things are also weird with Krubis. They kind of totally hate each other but it kind of makes them good friends. Above all else Douglas reminds Krubis of himself when he was younger so he kind of. Gets It and wants to keep a closer eye on him

like. they would get along so well but so awfully as well. there's no way krubis isn't jealous that Douglas has a better job and manages to keep it despite all the bullshit. There's no way they haven't been screwed over by Douglas once or twice by being caught in the crossfire of all the stuff he does. And I think Douglas is fickle with some of his workplace alliances some days he’ll take Krubis’s side others he’ll take Giblets he’s just like that for the goofs. Krubis gets pissed off w/ him a lot but I think they are low-key on the same wavelength. idk if that makes sense i'll probably draw or write it out in detail some day soon... hm...

Garm is Tired of Him. Nipulon is consistently disappointed and somehow also surprised with the crazy shit Douglas gets up to but does appreciate when Douglas comes around and does something competent by his standards. Gurgula found him annoying but is just. whatever.

Not always the best at reading the room.

A pretty optimistic person actually. Assumes best case scenario often. Even if his idea of the best case scenario involves killing people he doesn't like it's fine he's just a little guy

He can change colors somewhat, mostly at the tip of his tentacles. It's a signifier of health and emotion. There's a lot of patterns of flickering for communication and whatnot. They curl and deepen in color to denote distress, for example. And he's usually a pretty bright blue unless he's sick.

Epic gamer. With that many tentacles how could he not be. Total sucker for arcade games especially,,

Also big on party + group games. This is a man who has killed over mario party or kart… I just know it.

And drinking games ofc

Watches shitty daytime television on his days off esp when he’s hungover

Also loves riffing on shitty movies

Laughed over people crying about the space titanic movie only to bawl at the end. He blames the alcohol but we all know… we all know.

Facultative carnivore or omnivorous with preference to meat. main diet is like. fish shellfish maybe some sea plants... algae things... idk... he can stomach other foods but most plants just don't do anything for him nutrition wise. i say most because who knows what crazy stuff is out there in space. le shrug. gotta think the space food stuff over...

He thought Sweezy was annoying but useful. Lots of bickering but considering she doesn't talk during the fight he probably turned off her ability to with that inhibitor thing later on into their time together? because i do not think she would willingly be quiet for his sake.

Honest 2 god he coulda been a stand up comedian or an actor or written a book or something he's funny enough for it. But ig torturing people was his calling.

And he is a very creative torture technician! He's definitely squeezed information out of people well before. He shows enough prowess here that Garm is still impressed enough to not have totally gone sicko mode on him god bless

Beer and adjacent spacey drinks (there's a lot more choices out there in the galaxy after all) are his alcoholic beverages of choice. Some fruitier cocktails catch his eye sometimes too

Even when he is not going off on wild adventures or partying he is being generally bewildering.

he just wants 2 have fun at the end of the day...

Harper (i don't have as much I need to watch another play through i think)

she/they sapphic. Soft butch ish but dorky always looks like she's taking fashion notes from Luz (saying this as someone who hasn't watched TOH but. you see what i mean. and i mean this with affection and understanding.)

Thrilled to find about about axolotls on Earth. Frilly like her :) very fond of amphibians in general

Stoked to be learning all this cool shit about people and the world around her and doing cool shit as a bounty hunter and meeting Gene and stuff...

Kinda easily impressed. not used to having nice things.

Traumatized for sure but she's trying to be chill about it. Not used to asking for help

Generally A Bit Anxious at all times. jumpy in casual life

Vaguely morally fucked from being in that task force. This is kind of canon i guess... she'll be a little cheap or nosy or callous if she has to be and while i don't think she's super scummy I'm sure that cold blooded training will not be wearing off anytime soon

She does care about other people she's just bad at empathy and relating... and yknow... taught not to care... taught to be a soldier... but she cares she loves her pals so so much goddammit!!

The sort of person who googles her symptoms and convinces herself she's dying of ultra instinct tuberculosis

Professional armchair psychiatrist

Capable, just clumsy. She'll get the job done but not without some mishaps and taking the long way around.

Big fan of summer+warmer weather

Likes strawberry and mango... big on fruit in general. fruitpilled.

Ice cream and sherbet fan

But she love burger also. yes i am going to do the thing where a character mentions food and consider it their favorite sorry. i just love a girl eating aburger.

Never got to meet Kenny. They did, however, cross paths with Lezduit sometime before the G3's invasion.

I am a Harper x Sweezy truther. women... awesome... not yet tho i think it is a gradual thing... i like to imagine it just kind of happens. no confession or whatever just someday soon they wake up look at each other and say "wow i guess we've just been dating now"

could apply to other Gatlians but esp for her she likes to watch tv with gene and will totally watch youtube on the Bounty Hunter's computer... my little iPad baby...

Really likes nature documentaries. Worlds biggest casual geographic + Lindsay Nicole fan also

Speaking of I am choosing to believe both of them survive and start making alien zoology videos.

In an anthro or human au she would have a prosthetic leg

Either way anthro or not, the cybernetic bits are all kind of like a prosthetic and she talks to Gene sometimes abt disability + combat stuff during the uncommon occasions that she opens up about it a little.

And lastly a little prediction: if they bring back Kenny w/ a new VA then I'm expecting either an ability to switch which one you want to use, maybe having the option of dual wielding the two of them, or that Kenny gets an upgrade that makes him more powerful and he's a late game addition like Lez :3c

Or maybe pointing to a two player mode or switching perspectives with Lizzie if she finds Kenny wherever she is?? Kinda like Yokai Watch 3 switching between chapters until the two protags meet up.

[moneeb0930]

Annie J. Easley (April 23, 1933 – June 25, 2011) was an African-American computer scientist, mathematician, and rocket scientist. She worked for the Lewis Research Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). She was a leading member of the team which developed software for the Centaur rocket stage and one of the first African-Americans in her field.

In 1955, she read a local newspaper article about a story on twin sisters who worked for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) as “computers” and the next day she applied for a job. Within two weeks she was hired, one of four African Americans of about 2500 employees. She began her career in as a Mathematician and Computer Engineer at the NACA Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory (which became NASA Lewis Research Center, 1958–1999, and subsequently the John H. Glenn Research Center) in Cleveland, Ohio. She continued her education while working for the agency and in 1977, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Cleveland State University. As part of a continuing education, Easley worked through specialization courses offered by NASA.

Her 34-year career included developing and implementing computer code that analyzed alternative power technologies, supported the Centaur high-energy upper rocket stage, determined solar, wind and energy projects, identified energy conversion systems and alternative systems to solve energy problems. Her energy assignments included studies to determine the life use of storage batteries, such as those used in electric utility vehicles. Her computer applications have been used to identify energy conversion systems that offer the improvement over commercially available technologies. She retired in 1989 (some sources say 1991).

Easley’s work with the Centaur project helped as technological foundations for the space shuttle launches and launches of communication, military and weather satellites. Her work contributed to the 1997 flight to Saturn of the Cassini probe, the launcher of which had the Centaur as its upper stage.

Annie Easley was interviewed in Cleveland, on August 21, 2001 by Sandra Johnson. The interview is stored in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center Oral History Program. The 55 page interview transcript includes material on the history of the Civil Rights Movement, Glenn Research Center, Johnson Space Center, space flight, and the contribution of women to space flight

[cleanenergygroupai1]

Lead the Charge: How to Dominate the Commercial Solar Market

In the dynamic world of renewable energy, commercial solar leads are the lifeblood of success. As businesses increasingly embrace sustainability, the demand for commercial solar solutions is skyrocketing. To stay ahead in this competitive landscape, mastering the art of lead generation is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how businesses can leverage innovative strategies, backed by cutting-edge AI technology from Clean Energy Group AI, to not just compete but dominate the commercial solar market.

Understanding the Commercial Solar Landscape

The commercial solar market presents a vast array of opportunities, from small businesses to large corporations seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy costs. However, navigating this landscape requires a deep understanding of market trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape.

Harnessing the Power of Commercial Solar Leads

Effective lead generation is about more than just acquiring contact information; it's about understanding customer pain points and providing tailored solutions. With the help of Clean Energy Group AI, businesses can analyze vast amounts of data to identify potential leads, understand their preferences, and personalize their approach.

Strategies for Success

1. Targeted Marketing Campaigns

Utilize data-driven insights to identify and target businesses most likely to benefit from commercial solar solutions.

Craft compelling marketing messages that highlight the benefits of solar energy, including cost savings, environmental impact, and energy independence.

2. Engaging Content Creation

Develop high-quality content, such as blog posts, infographics, and videos that educates and informs potential customers about the benefits of commercial solar.

Leverage social media platforms and email marketing to distribute content and engage with potential leads.

3. Strategic Partnerships

Forge partnerships with complementary businesses, such as construction firms or property developers, to offer integrated solar solutions as part of larger projects.

Collaborate with industry organizations and trade associations to expand your reach and credibility within the commercial solar market.

Leveraging Clean Energy Group AI

Clean Energy Group AI provides businesses with powerful tools to streamline lead generation efforts and gain a competitive edge in the commercial solar market. By analyzing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, and predicting future trends, Clean Energy Group AI enables businesses to make informed decisions and optimize their marketing strategies for maximum impact.

Exploring Key Strategies for Success

Instead of delving into specific case studies, let's explore key strategies and tactics that businesses can employ to dominate the commercial solar market:

1. Data-Driven Targeting

Utilize advanced analytics tools, such as Clean Energy Group AI, to identify and target businesses with the highest potential for adopting commercial solar solutions. By analyzing demographic data, energy usage patterns, and other relevant metrics, businesses can tailor their marketing efforts for maximum effectiveness.

2. Multi-Channel Marketing

Implement a multi-channel marketing approach to reach potential customers wherever they are. This may include a combination of digital channels such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization, as well as traditional channels like print advertising and direct mail campaigns.

3. Thought Leadership Positioning

Establish your business as a thought leader in the commercial solar industry by producing high-quality content that educates and informs potential customers. This could include blog posts, whitepapers, webinars, and industry reports that showcase your expertise and insights.

4. Strategic Partnerships

Forge partnerships with other businesses in related industries, such as construction firms, energy consultants, and financing providers. By collaborating with complementary businesses, you can offer comprehensive solar solutions and tap into new customer bases.

5. Customer Referral Programs

Encourage satisfied customers to refer their peers and colleagues to your business by implementing a customer referral program. Offer incentives such as discounts, rebates, or gift cards for every successful referral, thereby leveraging the power of word-of-mouth marketing.

6. Continuous Innovation

Stay ahead of the competition by investing in research and development to drive continuous innovation in your products and services. By offering cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of customers, you can maintain a competitive edge and attract new leads.

Conclusion

While there's no one-size-fits-all solution for dominating the commercial solar market, businesses can increase their chances of success by implementing a combination of these key strategies. By leveraging data-driven targeting, multi-channel marketing, thought leadership positioning, strategic partnerships, customer referral programs, and continuous innovation, businesses can generate high-quality leads and establish themselves as leaders in the industry. With the right approach and commitment to excellence, the sky's the limit for businesses looking to thrive in the commercial solar market.

[sunleadblogs]

5 Proven Strategies for Commercial Solar to Sell Successfully

This Blog was Originally Published at:

5 Proven Strategies for Commercial Solar to Sell Successfully

The commercial solar market is undergoing rapid growth, as more and more businesses see renewable energy solutions as a way to cut costs and improve sustainability. Sales strategies that are effective in such a competitive environment are paramount for success. Unique sales approaches must be deployed to win contracts by making them attractive to clients.

Commercial solar sales are different from residential sales in terms of size, complexity, and customer needs. Commercial customers usually have high energy demands because they must meet more complex financial criteria with even greater return on investment (ROI) expectations. Recognizing these differences is instrumental when developing marketing strategies that resonate with prospects, leading to improved commercial solar sales.

Market and Customer Understanding Role in Commercial Solar to Sell

Jump into Market Research

No successful sales strategy can be built without thorough market research. In this case, it entails knowledge of industry trends within the commercial solar sector, energy consumption patterns, and the specific requirements of various industries. Following up on this study will help identify potential customers, hence designing your approach in line with their unique preferences for commercial solar.

Identify Trends & Demands: Stay informed about emerging renewable energy trends and the uptake of commercial solar systems. Know what factors drive demand like increasing business energy costs or green corporate policies/ government assistance programs. That way you can place your offerings properly.

Understand Industry Needs: Different industries have distinct power needs and points of concern. For instance, manufacturing plants may require the installation of large-scale solar projects to offset high power usage while retail businesses could focus on cutting overheads via electricity bill reduction; and perform trade-specific studies to establish these requirements prior to formulating corresponding solutions.

Client Profiling & Segmentation

Detailed profiles for potential commercial buyers alongside market division by size, a branch of industry or volume of consumed watts are essential for focused marketing and selling campaigns within this category.

Create Client Profiles: Build up complete profiles for different commercial customer categories. It could include several aspects such as the size of the business, energy use trends, financial considerations, and decision-making processes. It will enable you to understand their needs and align your proposal.

Segment the Market: Divide the market into segments based on industry, company size or geographical area. This allows you to target specific segments with customized marketing messages and sales strategies, increasing your chances of success.

Networking & Partnerships

To be successful in the commercial solar market, strong relationships must be built among key players who make decisions in the industry. Networking and partnerships can help you gain credibility, access new opportunities, and enhance your value proposition.

Establish Connections: Go to trade fairs; attend forums organized by relevant authorities where potential buyers can be met. This way, connections can be established with influential persons who can bring in more customers.

Partner with complementary businesses: Collaborate with organizations offering services related to yours, for instance, energy consultants, architects, and construction companies. These associations can help you reach out to clients better, besides giving them a sense of confidence in you through your reputation enhancement campaign.

Transparency & Education

When trying to establish a relationship with prospective clients, one has to provide information that is both clear and honest concerning the benefits attained from solar commercial systems and their ROI. Educating these customers is equally important, as they need this enlightenment when assessing the total worthiness of investing in the sun at any given time.

Disclose All the Facts: Disclose all financial implications, advantages and disadvantages, as well as unforeseen obstacles of investing in commercial solar. Transparent details build trust and enable customers to have faith in their investments.

Develop Educational Resources: Whitepapers, webinars, and workshops can be developed to educate prospects about the benefits of solar energy. They will therefore understand better how your products work technically, those that are cost effective as well as savings that they could make in the long run.

Leverage Financial Incentives and ROI for Commercial Solar to Sell

Emphasize Financial Gains

This is a strong reason why companies should consider going for commercial solar to sell. Such things as reduced expenses on utility bills plus grants form part of what makes businesses take such installations seriously.

Focus on Cost Savings: Highlight the potential cost savings from reduced energy bills and lower operating costs. Through data and case studies, you can show how other companies saved money by implementing solar systems.

Promote Tax Incentives & Rebates: Inform clients about available tax incentives, rebates, and other financial benefits that can offset the initial costs of solar installations. Consequently, government schemes can help reduce the burden on finances, thereby increasing ROI.

Offer Flexible Financing Options

Flexible financing is an important aspect to consider when making commercial solar more accessible to businesses. By offering a range of financing options you could empower your clients to overcome some major obstacles related to finance before making informed investments.

Offer Different Financing Options: Offer financing solutions such as power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and loans. Each of these options has its strengths, which means they can meet various preferences or needs regarding finance issues.

Work with Financial Institutions: Collaborate with financial institutions to find customized financiers suitable for clients. As a result of this collaboration with banks or other similar entities, both parties benefit by reducing risks while providing varied types of financial options and, at the same time, increasing credibility.

Use Advanced Sales Tools for Commercial Solar to Sell

Sales Automation and CRM Systems

By employing advanced sales tools and technology, the sales process can be simplified, efficiency increased, and client relationship management improved. For effective management of leads as well as tracking progress, sales automation processes such as CRM systems are needed for commercial solar to sell.

Install a CRM System: Use a CRM system to manage leads, track interactions with prospects, and monitor the sales pipeline. Efficiently prioritize customers based on their priority levels while establishing timely follow-ups.

Utilize Sales Automation Tools: Use efficient automated marketing tools, email templates for campaigns, call scripts, etc. Automated tasks not only save time but also ensure uniformity in results, allowing your team to focus more on substantial actions.

Solar Design and Proposal Software

The use of solar design software helps in improving quality as well as enhancing the presentation power of your proposals. These tools can help you present accurate proposals full of information on energy savings potential or the performance of a system on offer.

Take Advantage Of Design Software: Use design software to generate more detailed, visually enhanced proposals. Correct designs that simulate outcomes assist clients in making better choices about their installation decisions when it comes to solar panels.

Illustrate Energy Savings: Provide a graphical representation/simulation regarding possible energy savings and operational performance. Being able to show how much money will be saved by using solar installations provides an attractive incentive for them.

Focus On After-Sales Service to Ace Commercial Solar to Sell

Complete Maintenance And Service Programs

As such, it is important for companies dealing with commercial solar to have all-inclusive maintenance plans that cover every aspect, from production up to customer satisfaction. To this end, ongoing support ensures that clients reap maximum benefits from their installations ahead of any problems arising.

Offer Ongoing Maintenance: Offer services that will guarantee optimal performance of solar installations. Proper maintenance can avert problems, elongate its life span, and increase customer satisfaction.

Provide Monitoring Services: Offer tracking service to keep an eye on the system’s performance and identify any looming problem. Being proactive in monitoring enables you to deal with some problems before they become real issues for the system and thus dissatisfied clients.

Client Follow-Up and Feedback

Regularly following up with your clients is one way of maintaining strong relationships with them, besides upgrading your services continuously. By seeking clients’ feedback, it helps you address their concerns, improve your product offerings, and build trustworthiness.

Regularly Check In with Clients: Stay connected to clients to get feedback from them regarding your work. This implies that regular follow-ups show how you care about customer satisfaction, ensuring high-quality services and products.

Trends in Commercial Solar to Sell

The commercial solar industry is moving very fast, and keeping up with the emerging trends can greatly improve your sales strategy when selling commercial solar to sell. Improvements in photovoltaic cells and energy storage solutions, among other advances in solar technology, mean there are new opportunities that allow you to provide better solutions to your customers. Moreover, focusing on sustainability and corporate social responsibility are driving forces behind many corporations’ investments in renewable energy. By incorporating such trends into your sales pitch, you will be able to demonstrate that your products are at the cutting edge of technological and environmental development, thus attracting a wider audience.

Customizing Proposals for Commercial Solar to Sell

Individualization of proposals in line with client objectives and needs is key in this field of commerce, where commercial solar constitutes a major part. Personalize every proposal for commercial solar to sell to match the distinct energy use dynamics, financial constraints, and environmentally sustainable aims of each business. It involves giving them very detailed data-based observations on how this set-up of sun-harnessed light would influence their costs regarding energy usage, carbon emission levels, and all-around efficiency concerning operations. Thus customizing these proposals according to their preferences and showing how they can seamlessly integrate within their business model would increase closing rates.

Applying Case Studies

Case studies offer an exemplification of the practical advantages connected with trading in commercial solar to sell. Also, presenting case studies that show successful installations you have done so far creates tangible evidence of what your offerings provide regarding value addition. For instance, specifying how another business saved much money plus improved their activities through the utilization of your solar-powered schemes may contribute towards building trustworthiness with future clients. Include measures like reduction in power consumption, ROI, or even effects on nature to make a powerful story that suits your target audience.

Extending Your Reach through Strategic Partnerships while Selling Commercial Solar

Strategic partnerships help to expand your market share and increase your chances of selling commercial solar to sell. Cooperate with other entities that offer supplementary services such as energy consultants or facility management firms, thus making the solution more complete. Therefore, you can reach out to new segments by partnering with them and relying on their networks while strengthening your reputation in this market niche. Finally, linking up with well-established industry players would give you access to extra resources and insights, thereby improving your ability to sell commercial solar more effectively.

Setting Up Feedback Mechanisms for Improving Commercial Solar Sales

You must gather feedback from customers regularly to fine-tune your sales approach as well as improve the commercial solar to sell. For instance, you can use surveys or even follow-up interviews which will enable you to gain some customer experiences concerning their interactions with these goods and services offered by your company. Utilize this information to pinpoint areas requiring rectification, deal instantly with any issues arising, and enhance overall client experience standards. Your strategies should therefore always be responsive to customer feedback so that you remain competitive in the market and foster stronger ties with these people who buy from you all the time.

Exploring New Markets to Sell Commercial Solar Systems

Expanding into new markets can offer fresh opportunities for selling commercial solar to sell. Identify regions or industries with growing energy needs or sustainability goals and develop targeted marketing strategies to reach these new segments. For instance, emerging markets or industries facing stricter environmental regulations may present untapped opportunities for commercial solar solutions. By proactively exploring and entering these markets, you can diversify your customer base and increase your sales potential.

Leveraging Data Analytics in the Sales of Commercial Solar Systems

Data analytics can provide valuable insights into market trends, customer preferences, and sales performance, thereby enabling the successful selling of commercial solar. Utilize analytics tools to track key performance indicators, analyze customer behaviour, and identify patterns that can inform your sales strategies. By making data-driven decisions, you can optimize your approach, improve targeting, and increase your chances of successfully selling commercial solar solutions.

Enhancing Customer Education and Support for Selling Commercial Solar Systems

Providing comprehensive education and support for your customers is essential for effectively selling commercial solar. Develop resources such as detailed product guides, educational videos, and interactive tools to help clients understand the benefits and operation of solar systems. Offering robust customer support throughout the installation process and beyond will also contribute to a positive experience and encourage long-term satisfaction. Educated and supported clients are more likely to make informed decisions and advocate for your solutions within their networks.

Effective sales strategies are necessary for success in today’s competitive market in the commercial solar industry. Knowing where the market is going, strengthening relationships with customers, utilizing advanced sales tools, leveraging financial incentives, and addressing after-sales service and support concerns can improve your sales efforts, thus securing more deals in commercial solar to sell.

Keep in mind that a major part of being successful is tailoring your approach to fit the specific needs of these entities to provide them with transparently honest information while offering the flexible financing options they require. These approaches can help you position yourself as a reliable associate in the industrial space for sunlight-based electric power, thereby boosting your progress rate.

Common Solar Company Mistakes Impacting Lead Generation

In the unexpectedly growing area of renewable energy, solar strength stands out as a promising answer to fulfilling sustainable electricity wishes. But regardless of growing demand and technological advances, many sun agencies struggle to optimize leads and convert them into customers.

It can be hard to draw in certified leads in this marketplace. Many solar companies make basic blunders that obstruct their efforts to generate solar leads. Let’s discuss a number of those common mistakes and solution tactics to increase the achievement of your solar lead generation efforts.

11 missteps that can hinder solar companies’ efforts to attract and convert leads effectively.

Not Differentiating Quality Solar Leads

Solar leads aren’t all identical. A house owner who is just interested in solar may not turn out to be as quick as one who is actively investigating the setup.

Investing money and time in unqualified leads wastes resources and affects overlooked sales opportunities.

How to avoid:

Targeted Strategies are the answer: Using quotation equipment is one of the quality methods to clear out the qualified solar leads from the relaxation.

A white-label quotation tool is a customizable software solution that companies can integrate into their websites to provide instant quotes for their products or services. The “white label” aspect means that the tool can be branded with the company’s logo, colours, and design elements, making it appear as a seamless part of their website rather than a third-party service.

SunLead has proven to be an authentic white-label online quotation tool for residential solar companies.

It required no IT support to be integrated into your product. With minimal integration, visitors will get instant quotes, leading to:

Lower customer acquisition costs by 80%

Organic residential solar leads

Sustainable growth

2. Ignoring Market Research

One critical detail of lead technology that is frequently neglected is understanding your target audience. Many solar organizations make the error of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, failing to tailor their advertising efforts to precise demographic and behavioural needs.

How to avoid:

Spend quite a bit of time studying your audience. This will help you perceive the demographics (age, earnings, vicinity) and views (values, motivations) of your ideal customers. Use research tools, client surveys, and marketplace studies to gather information. The nature of 1’s target market makes it easier for one to design customized advertising messages and strategies that initiate action.

3. Poorly Optimized Website

Your website performs as an internet save on your solar business; consequently, if it’s far too messy, perplexing, or lacks critical records, then capacity leads may also blow away before changing at the same time as poorly optimized landing pages can undermine conversion efforts even if you manage to drive visitors into them.

How to avoid:

Ensure that your website has been made user-friendly, visually appealing and cell optimized For landing page consciousness, focus on clear navigation, compelling content, and a bendy layout, The key right here is strong calls to action (CTAs), concise documentation, addressing customer pain factors in landing pages. A/B test special packages.

4. The value proposition is not clear.

In the competitive solar industry, a clean and compelling value proposition is essential for taking pictures and keeping leads. Many organizations fail to articulate why potential customers must select them over competitors, leading to missed possibilities.

How to avoid:

Create a unique promotion point, revealing surely what your solar products or services convey. Look at your distinguishing factors, which include incredible carrier provision, inventive generation or low charges. Use purchaser testimonials and case research together with some information that supports your claims so that others can have confidence in you.

5. Overlooking the Power of Local Search Engine Marketing

Homeowners nowadays searching for sun solutions commonly start their hunt online. If your agency isn’t always indexed among neighbourhood searches, prospective customers will not discover you.

How to avoid:

Get your Google My Business list up and going for walks: make sure to offer accurate touch information, crisp pictures, and glowing testimonials.

Optimize your website for nearby keywords: Have your country, city and neighbouring regions included in the internet site’s content and meta description.

[nasa]

Let's Explore a Metal-Rich Asteroid 🤘

Between Mars and Jupiter, there lies a unique, metal-rich asteroid named Psyche. Psyche’s special because it looks like it is part or all of the metallic interior of a planetesimal—an early planetary building block of our solar system. For the first time, we have the chance to visit a planetary core and possibly learn more about the turbulent history that created terrestrial planets.

Here are six things to know about the mission that’s a journey into the past: Psyche.

1. Psyche could help us learn more about the origins of our solar system.

After studying data from Earth-based radar and optical telescopes, scientists believe that Psyche collided with other large bodies in space and lost its outer rocky shell. This leads scientists to think that Psyche could have a metal-rich interior, which is a building block of a rocky planet. Since we can’t pierce the core of rocky planets like Mercury, Venus, Mars, and our home planet, Earth, Psyche offers us a window into how other planets are formed.

2. Psyche might be different than other objects in the solar system.

Rocks on Mars, Mercury, Venus, and Earth contain iron oxides. From afar, Psyche doesn’t seem to feature these chemical compounds, so it might have a different history of formation than other planets.

If the Psyche asteroid is leftover material from a planetary formation, scientists are excited to learn about the similarities and differences from other rocky planets. The asteroid might instead prove to be a never-before-seen solar system object. Either way, we’re prepared for the possibility of the unexpected!

3. Three science instruments and a gravity science investigation will be aboard the spacecraft.

The three instruments aboard will be a magnetometer, a gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, and a multispectral imager. Here’s what each of them will do:

Magnetometer: Detect evidence of a magnetic field, which will tell us whether the asteroid formed from a planetary body

Gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer: Help us figure out what chemical elements Psyche is made of, and how it was formed

Multispectral imager: Gather and share information about the topography and mineral composition of Psyche

The gravity science investigation will allow scientists to determine the asteroid’s rotation, mass, and gravity field and to gain insight into the interior by analyzing the radio waves it communicates with. Then, scientists can measure how Psyche affects the spacecraft’s orbit.

4. The Psyche spacecraft will use a super-efficient propulsion system.

Psyche’s solar electric propulsion system harnesses energy from large solar arrays that convert sunlight into electricity, creating thrust. For the first time ever, we will be using Hall-effect thrusters in deep space.

5. This mission runs on collaboration.

To make this mission happen, we work together with universities, and industry and NASA to draw in resources and expertise.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the mission and is responsible for system engineering, integration, and mission operations, while NASA’s Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Services Program manages launch operations and procured the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

Working with Arizona State University (ASU) offers opportunities for students to train as future instrument or mission leads. Mission leader and Principal Investigator Lindy Elkins-Tanton is also based at ASU.

Finally, Maxar Technologies is a key commercial participant and delivered the main body of the spacecraft, as well as most of its engineering hardware systems.

6. You can be a part of the journey.

Everyone can find activities to get involved on the mission’s webpage. There's an annual internship to interpret the mission, capstone courses for undergraduate projects, and age-appropriate lessons, craft projects, and videos.

You can join us for a virtual launch experience, and, of course, you can watch the launch with us on Oct. 12, 2023, at 10:16 a.m. EDT!

For official news on the mission, follow us on social media and check out NASA’s and ASU’s Psyche websites.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[spacenutspod]

2 min readPreparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) View of the Nova-C landing area near Malapert A in the South Pole region of the Moon. North is to the right. Taken by LROC (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera) NAC (Narrow Angle Camera).NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University NASA has released two white papers associated with the agency’s Moon to Mars architecture efforts. The papers, one on lunar mobility drivers and needs, and one on lunar surface cargo, detail NASA’s latest thinking on specific areas of its lunar exploration strategy. While NASA has established a yearly cadence of releasing new documents associated with its Moon to Mars architecture, the agency occasionally releases mid-cycle findings to share essential information in areas of interest for its stakeholders. “Lunar Mobility Drivers and Needs” discusses the need to move cargo and assets on the lunar surface, from landing sites to points of use, and some of the factors that will significantly impact mobility systems. “Lunar Surface Cargo” analyses some of the current projected needs — and identifies current capability gaps — for the transportation of cargo to the lunar surface. The Moon to Mars architecture approach incorporates feedback from U.S. industry, academia, international partners, and the NASA workforce. The agency typically releases a series of technical documents at the end of its annual analysis cycle, including an update of the Architecture Definition Document and white papers that elaborate on frequently raised topics. Under NASA’s Artemis campaign, the agency will establish the foundation for long-term scientific exploration at the Moon, land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface, and prepare for human expeditions to Mars for the benefit of all. You can find all of NASA’s Moon to Mars architecture documents at: https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture Share Details Last Updated Jun 28, 2024 Related TermsHumans in Space Explore More 2 min read Unity in Orbit: Astronauts Soar with Pride Aboard Station  Article 3 days ago 5 min read Six Adapters for Crewed Artemis Flights Tested, Built at NASA Marshall Article 3 days ago 5 min read Lakita Lowe: Leading Space Commercialization Innovations and Fostering STEM Engagement  Article 2 weeks ago Keep Exploring Discover Related Topics Missions Humans in Space Climate Change Solar System

[ingek73]

Extremist or mainstream: how do Tim Walz’s policies match up globally?

Ed PilkingtonFri 16 Aug 2024 12.00 CEST

Within hours of Minnesota’s governor, Tim Walz, being chosen by Kamala Harris to be her Democratic presidential running mate, Donald Trump and team began attacking him as a “dangerously liberal extremist”.

Trump surrogates seized on Walz’s record of expanding voting rights for former felons, combatting the climate crisis, and other measures as proof that Harris-Walz would be the “most radical ticket in American history”.

If you step back from the melee, and look at his gubernatorial acts through a global lens, they appear anything but extreme. From the perspective of other industrialised nations, what Trump denounces as leftwing radicalism looks little more than basic public welfare provisions.

Far from being militant and revolutionary, initiatives such as paid family leave, free college tuition and rudimentary gun controls – all championed by Walz in Minnesota – have long been regarded as middle-of-the-road and unremarkable in large swathes of the world. Through this frame, it is not Walz who is the outlier, but his Republican critics.

Here are how some of Walz’s most impactful reforms compare with the rest of the world.

Free school lunches

View image in fullscreenTim Walz gets a huge hug from students at Webster Elementary in Minneapolis after he signed into law a bill that guarantees free school meals on 17 March 2023. Photograph: Star Tribune/Getty Images

‘On fire with excitement’: Tim Walz’s former students react to nominationRead more

Walz’s record: “What a monster! Kids are eating and having full bellies so they can go learn.” That was Walz’s sardonic reply to CNN when he was asked about having introduced free breakfast and lunch for all Minnesota schoolkids. The 2023 measure puts Minnesota among just eight US states that offer school meals at no cost to all children, no matter their family’s income.

Around the world: Several countries provide free lunches for their children nationwide. Sweden, Finland and the three Baltic nations all provide meals at no cost for all schoolchildren irrespective of income, and many more European countries provide targeted or subsidised meals. Even a developing country such as India ensures access to lunch for more than 100 million kids daily.

“The idea of offering free meals to all students during the school day is hardly new – many countries already do so,” said Alexis Bylander at the Food Research and Action Center, a US anti-hunger organisation. “Numerous studies show the benefits, including improving student attendance, behaviour and academic success.”

Combatting the climate crisis

View image in fullscreenPublic works employees run a water pump to prevent flood waters from coming up through the storm drains in Stillwater, Minnesota, in 2023. Photograph: Nicole Neri for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Walz’s record: In February 2023 Walz signed legislation committing Minnesota to having all its electricity produced by wind, solar and other clean energy sources by 2040 – an even more ambitious timeframe than adopted by California, America’s sustainable energy leader. The legislature also passed more than 40 climate initiatives, including expanding charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and introducing a new code for commercial buildings to cut energy use by 80% by 2036.

Around the world: By global standards, Minnesota’s ambitions do not stand out. Some 27 countries have written into law target dates by which they will become net zero – that is, stop loading additional greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In the developed world, Finland is leading the way, pledging to be net zero by 2035, and to begin absorbing more carbon dioxide than it produces by 2040. In December, almost 200 countries at the Cop28 climate summit in Dubai agreed to call on all countries to transition away from fossil fuels and for global renewable energy to be tripled by 2030.

Child tax credit

View image in fullscreenTim Walz reads a story to a group of kindergarteners in St Paul on 17 January 2023. Photograph: Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Walz’s record: Last year the governor signed into law a child tax credit program for low-income Minnesota families. The measure sought to fill the hole left by a federal scheme that expired in 2021 after Congress failed to extend it. The Minnesota plan is the most generous of its type in the US, offering $1,750 per child and reaching more than 400,000 children.

Around the world: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the forum of high-income democracies, reported in 2018 that 34 of the 35 countries with available information provided their people with some form of family benefit including tax credits. The OECD compared the value of family benefits for two-child families, measured as a percentage of average earnings, across 41 countries and found that the US came in at No 40, with only Turkey being less generous in its support.

Basic gun controls

View image in fullscreenTim Walz hands out pumpkin bars to a gun safety advocate before the first day of the legislative session in St Paul in 2023. Photograph: Abbie Parr/AP

Walz’s record: The governor identifies as a proud gun-owner and hunter, and he accepted Harris’s invitation to be her running mate wearing a camo hat. That didn’t stop him in May 2023 enacting a slew of gun safety measures, including requiring all private sales of handguns and semi-automatic rifles to go through an FBI background check that looks for evidence of criminal or mental health risks. The changes also introduced a “red flag law” that allows relatives and other interested parties to intervene when someone is in danger of injuring themselves or others with guns.

Around the world: International comparisons show that Americans own vastly more guns than civilians in other rich countries – 121 guns per 100 Americans, compared with five guns per 100 people in the United Kingdom. The number of gun killings per 100,000 people is also vastly higher: 4.12 in the US, 0.04 in the UK.

Other countries also have much tougher gun controls that make those introduced by Walz look weak by comparison. Canada requires gun buyers to wait 28 days before acquiring a firearm, and imposes mandatory safety training and a ban on military-style rifles that does not exist in the US. The UK also bans some semi-automatic rifles and most handguns. Japan tightly restricts gun ownership, banning most guns other than air guns and a few other special categories and even then requiring owners to submit to annual inspections.

Paid family and medical leave

Walz’s record: House File 2, enacted by the governor last year, gave Minnesotans access to up to 20 weeks in every year of partial wages to cover medical leave after a life-changing diagnosis, mental health leave, or time off to care for a new baby. “Paid family and medical leave is about investing in the people that made our state and economy strong in the first place,” Walz said as he signed the bill.

Around the world: The US is the only OECD member country without a national law giving all workers access to paid leave for new mothers. Thirty-seven out 38 OECD countries offer national paid maternity leave – the only exception being the US. France, which holds the top spot, allows mothers and fathers to take paid leave until their child is three years old.

The US is also one of only six countries with no form of national paid leave covering either family or medical leave in the case of a health concern.

Voting rights for former felons

Walz’s record: The governor signed a bill that restores the vote to more than 50,000 Minnesotans who have been convicted of a felony. The Trump campaign denounced the measure as evidence of Walz’s “dangerously liberal agenda”, which is ironic, given that Trump himself, as a convicted felon, will only be able to vote for himself in November thanks to a similar reform in New York.

Around the world: A report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) in June concluded that the US was an “outlier nation in that it strips voting rights from millions of citizens solely on the basis of a criminal conviction”. In 2022, more than 4 million people in the US were disenfranchised on those grounds. By contrast, when HRW surveyed 136 countries around the world, it found that the majority never or rarely deny the vote because of a criminal record, while those with restrictions tend to be much less draconian in their approach than US states.