Ask HN: How does one get into energy entrepreneurship (e.g. solar)?

Most energy entrepreneurs I know started out leveraging government programs including SBIR/STTR, ARPA-E and DOE grants, and national lab facilities.

Having done exactly that, would recommend first coming up with a business plan, recognizing that you have to pay yourself, recognizing the pitfalls of selling your own panels (there are many that aren't obvious), and figuring out how you can make money enough to grow the business and support yourself better than you could by just getting a job.

This is a very tough business to do well in these days, particularly if you go it alone. That's why I no longer am in it. Feel free to message me if you want specific questions answered.

One simple way would be to start teaching consumers about solar energy and perform an energy audit on their homes. Scale that up to big businesses if you want to charge more - however a sound knowledge of the local electrical code (and standards) is necessary if you want to do the energy audit properly.

Use the findings of the energy audit to propose an energy plan. Partner with an electrical supplier to re-sell solar panels to your clients

Become a dealer or reseller and learn the business. Solar panels will be like almost any other product i.e there's a market, a margin etc.