Online solar hot water dealer

Small installers and plumbers buying parts, plus homeowners, cottage owners and off-grid households who want a kit or replacement parts.

Markup on each kit or part sold, plus a fee for system sizing advice or design help. Repeat parts orders from installers add steady sales.

• Understanding how solar water heating works
• Clear product writing and customer advice
• Basic online shop management

• Check that collectors and tanks carry the certifications your province and local installers expect, such as CSA or SRCC marks
• Cold-climate performance and freeze protection matter, so sell systems suited to your region's winters
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Check how GST/HST and provincial sales taxes apply to your sales, and when you must register
• Shipping bulky, fragile items is costly, so agree damage and returns terms with suppliers
• Installation usually needs a licensed plumber or gas fitter, so make clear you supply but do not install
• Check whether any government rebates apply to your products, and never promise one to customers
• Imported goods may bring customs duties and delays

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your website, supplier arrangements and any stock you choose to hold. Treat this as an estimate. Many orders ship direct from the manufacturer, so you may hold little stock.

Check that collectors and tanks carry the certifications your province and local installers expect, such as CSA or SRCC marks. Also check how GST/HST and provincial sales taxes apply, and note that installation usually needs a licensed plumber or gas fitter, so you supply but do not install.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your product range, pricing and how many orders you win. The estimate starts at about 10 hours a week. Shipping bulky items can be costly, so agree returns terms with suppliers.