Psst! Solar Fred marketing tip: Start talking to your local car dealerships today... for tomorrow.

The other day, a blogger friend of mine, Christof Demont-Heinrich of SolarChargedDriving.com, asked me to sign an online pledge to buy a 2.5 kW system when I buy an electric car. Christof’s point is to blunt EV critics by offsetting the expected coal fired smog and carbon that the electric vehicle will produce.

I of course took the pledge, but it got me thinking that 2010 and 2011 will see the release of several new plug-in electric vehicles. Some you’ve heard of.. and many you haven’t.

That shiny blue blob-thingy above is in fact the Nissan Leaf, but there are far more sporty (and expensive) EVs coming down the electric car highway too. Behold this full list of electric vehicles from Plug-in America, the geek authority on EVs. By the end of 2010, California (and some other markets) will have a gaggle of EV/plug-in hybrid choices. Here is a select Solar Fred selection: 

And that’s really just a small part of the entire list, and doesn’t include electric motor cycles, electric three-wheelies, or the urban pseudo-golf cart models. 

I’m not saying there’s going to be a gold rush at these dealerships, but think about it: Those who buy these new cars are going to be early adopters, number one, who tend to be affluent.

Number two, judging by some of the nameplates and price tags, these early adopter consumers are also going to be fairly wealthy and eco-conscious. They may already have solar or just starting to think about it with the new green-mobile.

Yes, it may be early, but if you’ve got a dealership that’s going to be selling one of these EV’s, then why not start a relationship and perhaps a pilot co-marketing program? Dance a little together and see what happens. Here’s the plan:

• Have your website in shape, because you know the sales manager is going to check that out, and as I've said before on this blog, your website is your cyber calling card. Make the best impression you can.
• Make an appointment or drop by. Have your attractive solar PV brochures in a nice packet ready. If you can make up some photo shopped mock brochures with the targetted car in front of an attractive solar home, bonus points.
• Talk to the manager about highlighting the CO2 savings and economic savings from a 2.5kW system
• Offer a discounted EV-PV special.
• Also, suggest a referral program to them for any larger PV systems referred. Perhaps an EV looky-loo might turn into a ready-for-PV customer.
• Offer that you’ll create marketing materials and a referral program for your PV customers wanting to invest in an electric car (and more kW from you.)
• Provide the dealership with information on any state, utility and federal solar PV incentives and ballpark price. If you can standardize that price for 2.5 kW with standard shingle roof, etc, that would be ideal.
• Tell them you’ll handle all of the rebate paperwork, as you always do.
• Suggest a PV sale commission split that compensates the EV salesperson as well as the dealership.
• Bring a couple of dozen donuts for everyone, especially those sales people. (Couldn't hurt.)

Is this a cash slam dunk? Not for 2010 or 2011. But take another look at that long list of cars again. Keep in mind that Plug-in America's list is not the full list either. Other new and old car companies are developing electric vehicles right now too.

So Solar Fred’s advice, whether you’re an installer or a solar PV company, is to start some car dealership relationships now …for the future. Just another way to UnThink Solar.

Tor Valenza a.k.a. “Solar Fred” advises solar companies on marketing, communications, and public relations. Contact him through Unthink Solar or follow him on Twitter @SolarFred. Going to SPI 2010? Sign up for a hands-on solar social media workshop with Solar Fred.