Green Franchise Opportunities in the United States of America

But when it comes to “green” franchising that focuses on renewable energy, it’s worth knowing that the industry is diverse and can be segmented into solar energy (through the use of solar and photovoltaic panels – PV – panels), wind energy (through the use of windmills, and water energy (through hydroelectric power).

In terms of solar energy and power, the industry has seen impressive growth in the US over the past 10 years (at around 33% according to the Solar Energy Industries Association), growing both in terms of the domestic and commercial markets. For example, traditional electric utility companies in the US are starting to install more and more solar panels. One of the reasons why solar energy is becoming so popular is that its cost is declining – by up to 70% over the past decade. 

The cost of installing solar panels has declined by 60% over the past 10 years, making prices more competitive. With this in mind, it’s important to note that only 1% of the solar industry has been reached so far. However, with increased adoption, it’s projected to be the source of at least 30% of electricity generation in the US by 2030. Meanwhile, the photovoltaic industry in the country is seeing a 45% annual growth rate, making solar one of the fastest growing industries in the US.

If you are looking for sustainable franchise opportunities, investing in a solar franchise or a renewable energy franchise is your best bet. You have many options to choose from including eco-friendly franchises that use environmentally-friendly cleaning products, you could opt for green food franchising, green home solutions, cleaning services such as green carpet cleaning and dry cleaning, a recycling franchise, and others – overall, these are business opportunities that focus on following environmentally-friendly practices.

Green Industry Trends in 2023

Starting a business with an eco-friendly franchise opportunity is a highly lucrative business. But with this in mind, it’s also important to consider some of the shifts and trends within the renewable energy franchise industry to see how green franchises are adapting to changing consumer demands. That’s why we look at some of the eco-friendly franchises and important industry trends that you should be aware of.

• Today’s consumers are increasingly eco-conscious. In fact, many are willing to spend more knowing that their product or service is environmentally friendly. This presents a lucrative business opportunity for green franchises.
• Going green also means that green energy franchises can enjoy significant cost savings due to lower energy costs and increased efficiency in terms of their products, practices, and operations. 
• Many green energy franchises are looking at creating zero waste. This is resulting in the redesign of business models to reduce waste such as food from restaurants and grocery stores. 
• The residential marketplace is also strongly affected by eco-friendly practices. Whether it’s a home renovation or the search for eco-friendly appliances, building and sourcing materials, etc. – we are looking at greater emphasis on eco-friendly service provision.
• Internally, many energy franchises are trying to improve their operations by turning them green internally as well. This can range from practices that include adding a recycle bin to an office, going paperless, turning electronics off at the end of a working day, telecommuting, etc.
• Sustainable advertising is another trend worth noting. Many solar panel franchises, for example, are using billboards more effectively to showcase their commitment to the environment through promoting urban gardens, reducing their reliance on paper, or purifying the air. With this comes a great cost benefit in terms of saving on printing costs. 
• And there is also technology, which can help produce cleaner energy because it can improve efficiency and reduce waste. 

Why you should consider an eco-friendly franchise opportunity

Running your own franchise business after having considered multiple green franchises and eco-friendly franchise opportunities comes with multiple benefits. Here are just a few of these:

• You will be at the forefront of a global change through the use of green technology and tools.
• There is a growing market for renewable energy franchises.
• You can reduce your carbon footprint.
• Through your solar franchise opportunities or eco-friendly franchises, you can also help many others to go green. 
• Green energy franchises offer extensive training and support.
• Green franchises are also recession proof.

How much does it cost to open a green franchise business?

If you are wondering about the cost of owning a green franchise, it’s worth noting that the  franchise fee and initial investment will vary depending on many factors. On average, however, you are looking to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 – $150,000 and upwards of $800,000 for your green franchise business.

Regional opportunities for Green and Eco-friendly franchises

To assist you in identifying the best locations for your green franchise, we’ve divided the U.S. into two primary regions: Eastern and Western, each presenting distinct market opportunities for franchise expansion.

Eastern:

• Florida
• Georgia
• South Carolina
• North Carolina
• New York
• New Jersey
• Massachusetts
• Illinois
• Ohio
• Maryland
• Michigan

Western:

• Texas
• California
• Nevada
• Arizona