Most people enter an industry to sell a product. Mike Calvert entered the solar industry to fix a problem.
After working in the solar space, Mike saw a glaring issue—homeowners were misled, misinformed, and often pressured into making decisions without truly understanding the process. Worse, real estate professionals, the very people homeowners trust, were skeptical of solar people. It wasn’t because solar didn’t work, but because the industry lacked transparency.
That’s when Mike made a bold decision. Instead of following the industry norm, he set out to change it.
“I didn’t like how solar was being sold. It wasn’t about real education or helping homeowners—it was just another sales pitch. I knew there was a better way.”
And so, Solar Certified Pro was born.
Building a Business on Trust, Not Just Sales
When Mike started Solar Certified Pro, he didn’t focus on just selling panels—he focused on building relationships. He saw a unique opportunity: real estate agents didn’t trust solar.
Instead of viewing them as skeptics, he saw them as allies.
“There are 16,000 real estate agents in our area. If we could win their trust, we could create a system where homeowners are connected to the right solar solutions through the people they already rely on.”
And that’s exactly what they did. By partnering with real estate professionals and providing real education, not just sales pitches, Solar Certified Pro quickly became a go-to source for referrals.
“Every home we work on comes from a trusted referral. We’re not just another solar company, we’re a company people trust before they even meet us.”
Solving the Biggest Problem in Solar
The biggest challenge in the solar industry today?
No barriers to entry. No required education. No licenses.
“Anyone can wake up tomorrow and decide to sell solar panels. That’s why homeowners are constantly misled—many salespeople don’t even know what they don’t know.”
Mike believes that the industry needs real standards to weed out misinformation and ensure homeowners get real, valuable guidance. Until that happens, he’s taking it upon himself to be the trusted expert in an industry flooded with confusion.
How does Solar Certified Pro stand out?
By focusing on service over sales.
Even if a homeowner doesn’t buy from them, they still educate them on contracts, pricing, and what’s best for their home.
“If you can’t sell them, serve them. The goal isn’t just to close a deal—it’s to make sure people make the right decision, whether they choose us or not.”
A Bigger Vision: More Than Just Solar Sales
Mike’s goal isn’t just to sell solar panels—it’s to reshape the industry and create a lasting impact.
“Look at people like Elon Musk. They don’t just want to make money; they want to change the world. That’s what solar can do.”
The next evolution of Solar Certified Pro?
Becoming a full-service provider, including maintenance and support
Creating a system where homeowners get the best deal, even if they don’t go solar today
Leading the industry in transparency, trust, and service
“At some point, you realize—you can’t sell to everyone. But you can serve everyone.”
Lessons from the Journey
Looking back, if Mike could give himself advice five years ago, it would be simple:
Read more books on business and processes – Build a business that runs itself
Focus on building systems, not just selling products
Surround yourself with mentors & like-minded business owners
“Business success isn’t magic—it’s daily, consistent work. The small things you do every day build into something massive over time.”
What’s Next for Solar Certified Pro?
With the solar industry evolving, Mike is staying ahead of the curve.
- Expanding partnerships to bring more real estate professionals into the solar conversation
- Debunking myths—like the idea that solar only adds value if you stay in your home for 5 years
- Educating homeowners so they can make informed, confident decisions
“The best businesses aren’t built on products—they’re built on trust and systems. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Want to Learn More About Solar?
Whether you’re a homeowner considering solar or a real estate professional looking to partner with a trusted expert, Solar Certified Pro is here to help.
