Step-by-Step: How the Solar Referral Process Works for Tradespeople

Step-by-Step: How the Solar Referral Process Works for Tradespeople

One of the biggest barriers for tradespeople is uncertainty. We often hear from roofers, plumbers, and electricians who want to recommend solar but aren't sure what happens once they pass a name over. They worry about the "sales" process or whether it will reflect badly on them.

At Blue Ape Renewables, we have designed a 2026 referral pathway that removes all friction. You don't need to be a solar expert; you just need to know the person who is. This guide explains exactly how our 6-step process works, from the first conversation to the £250 landing in your bank account.

Step 1: Join the Affiliate Programme

The first step is purely administrative and takes less than five minutes. Register on our Affiliate Portal. Once approved, you will receive your own login for our tracking dashboard and a unique referral link. This link ensures that every lead you generate is electronically "tagged" to you for life.

Step 2: Identify a Suitable Customer

You don't need to go looking for leads; as a tradesperson, you are already standing in front of them. Look for these four "Solar-Ready" signals:

• Rising Bills: Customers complaining about the latest 2026 price caps.
• Home Improvements: Anyone getting a new roof, extension, or loft conversion.
• Electric Vehicles: An EV on the driveway (or one on order) needs a home charger.
• Heating Upgrades: Customers with old gas or oil boilers looking at Heat Pump Grants.

Step 3: Make a Simple Introduction

You do not need technical knowledge or a sales script. A simple, honest recommendation is the most powerful tool you have. Try this:

“I know the team at Blue Ape Renewables. They are local, fully accredited, and they’ve done some great work for other clients of mine. I can pass your details over for a free quote if you’d like?”

For more conversation starters, see our guide on Spotting the £250 Referral Signals.

---

Step 4: Blue Ape Handles Everything

Once you’ve shared the link or passed us the name, your work is done. Our in-house team in Southport manages the entire lifecycle of the project:

• Technical Consultation: We explain the latest Inverter & Battery options.
• Professional Survey: We assess the roof and electrical infrastructure.
• Compliance: We handle all DNO (G98/G99) grid applications and MCS certification.
• Funding: We help the customer apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or 0% finance.

Step 5: Installation and Compliance

Your reputation is safe because we only install to the highest UK standards. Every installation includes:

• MCS Certification: Critical for export payments and grants.
• NAPIT Accreditation: Full electrical safety and building control sign-off.
• RECC Protection: Consumer protection and code of conduct compliance.

Step 6: Get Paid £250

We believe in fast rewards. Once the customer's installation is completed, commissioned, and paid for, your referral status in the app will move to "Successful." We then issue your £250 commission via bank transfer within 14 days. There is no limit to how many times you can repeat this process. Read our Trade Earnings Potential Guide to see how this can add up to £12,000+ a year.

Blue Ape Renewables — Award-winning MCS installers based in Southport. Octopus Energy Trusted Partners. Winner: 2025 New Energy Solutions Provider of the Year.