Online solar water heating kits and parts shop

Homeowners doing their own upgrades, small plumbing and solar installers who need parts quickly, and owners of older systems needing replacements.

You earn the margin between wholesale and retail prices on kits and parts, plus optional fees for system sizing advice or design help.

• Understanding how solar water heating works
• Product research and supplier negotiation
• Customer service and clear product descriptions

• Check which products are certified (such as SRCC OG-300 for systems) because incentives and local codes may depend on it
• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and collecting tax on online sales
• Product liability and general liability insurance, since hot water and pressurized parts carry risk
• Bulky freight, damaged goods and returns can eat into margins
• Federal and state incentives change, so check before promising customers any savings

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you hold and whether suppliers ship direct to customers. Bulky freight, damaged goods and returns can eat into margins.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your product range, supplier terms and how you reach homeowners and installers. This is revenue before costs, not profit.

Check which products are certified, such as SRCC OG-300 for systems, since incentives and local codes may depend on it. Also check your state's sales tax rules for online sales, product and general liability insurance, and current incentives before promising savings.