Local solar hot water trade supplier

Plumbers, heating and renewable energy installers, builders, and homeowners or farms replacing or adding a system.

Markup on products sold from stock, trade accounts with repeat orders, delivery charges and paid design or sizing support.

• Technical knowledge of solar thermal and plumbing parts
• Stock control and buying
• Building relationships with trades

• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock
• Check municipal zoning and business licence rules for your unit
• Stock is a cash risk, so start small and order more as sales show what moves
• Check product certifications such as CSA or SRCC marks and any provincial requirements for what you sell
• Demand can be seasonal, with spring and summer typically busier, so plan cash flow
• Check with your provincial WCB or WSIB about coverage before hiring staff
• Solar thermal is a niche, so early sales may be modest; check local demand and competing suppliers, and consider also stocking related heating and plumbing parts to broaden sales
• Check how GST/HST and provincial sales taxes apply, and when you must register

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your unit, how much stock you buy and your delivery set-up. Treat this as an estimate. Stock is a cash risk, so start small and order more as sales show what moves.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your stock, local demand and customer base. The estimate starts at about 30 hours a week. Demand can be seasonal, with spring and summer typically busier, so plan cash flow.

Check municipal zoning and business licence rules for your unit, and product certifications such as CSA or SRCC marks. Also check commercial general liability and product liability insurance, stock cover, GST/HST and provincial sales taxes, and WCB or WSIB coverage before hiring staff.